RFE/RL Hosts Major Afghan Aid Conference in Prague
Broaden cooperation within U.S. public diplomacy
More than 200 people from 41 countries involved with the “provincial reconstruction teams” (PRT) that provide the foundation for capacity building and economic development efforts in Afghanistan gathered in Prague at the end of January. RFE/RL hosted the final day of the event, organized by the Czech government, US Embassy in Prague, and Afghan Embassy in Prague, at its new broadcast center. RFE/RL President Jeffrey Gedmin and Executive Editor John O’Sullivan gave presentations to conference participants. Radio Azadi Director Akbar Ayazi chaired the opening panel of the conference, while RFE/RL Kabul Bureau Chief Muhammad Amin Mudaqiq chaired a panel on “Communicating with the Public.” BBG Strategic Planning Director Bruce Sherman and IBB Director of Marketing and External Liaison Gary Thatcher briefed conference participants on new survey data on Afghan media use and attitudes.
U.S. international broadcasters are among the leading media outlets in Afghanistan, with RFE/RL’s Radio Azadi the most popular media in the country and VOA’s TV Ashna the most popular international television broadcaster.