Stay Informed, Stay Inspired.
Welcome to Amanah Foundation's News & Updates, your source for the latest developments in our mission to empower Afghan girls through education, advocacy, and support. Here, we share exciting initiatives, partnership announcements, fundraising milestones, and impactful stories from our work. Check back regularly for updates on our progress, upcoming events, and ways you can get involved in making a difference.
Raihana Sattari Represents Afghanistan at the Global Youth Summit for Sustainability in Istanbul
Raihana Sattari, Advocacy and Policy Advisor at Amanah Foundation, was selected as Afghanistan's delegate to the Global Youth Summit for Sustainability (GYSS) 2026, held in Istanbul, Turkey from May 21–24. The summit, hosted by the Youth Center for Dialogue and Peace (YCDP) in partnership with UNITAR, CIFAL Global Network, and Bahçeşehir University, brought together young leaders from around the world to advance dialogue on sustainability and global development.
During the summit, Raihana contributed to a panel discussion alongside youth leaders and policymakers, sharing perspectives shaped by her advocacy work on behalf of Afghan youth, women, and girls. Her participation reflects Amanah Foundation's ongoing commitment to ensuring Afghan voices are represented in international spaces where decisions about the future of youth and sustainable development are being shaped.
Afsana Ahmadi Shirinsokhan Honored with the GAP 2026 Leadership Award from George Mason University
Afsana Ahmadi, Founder and Executive Director of Amanah Foundation, was honored with a medal and the GAP 2026 Leadership Award from George Mason University, recognizing her advocacy on behalf of the youth, women, and girls of Afghanistan.
The award celebrates leaders whose work advances opportunity and empowerment for underserved communities, and reflects Afsana's continued commitment to ensuring Afghan girls and women have a voice, both locally and on the global stage.
This recognition adds to a growing list of milestones for Amanah Foundation's leadership, as Afsana continues to represent Afghan youth in spaces ranging from George Mason University to the United Nations.
Afsana Ahmadi Shirinsokhan Represents Afghanistan at the United Nations ECOSOC Youth Forum
Afsana Ahmadi, Founder and Executive Director of Amanah Foundation, was honored to attend the United Nations as a representative of Afghanistan and the voices of Afghan girls at the ECOSOC Youth Forum.
On the opening day of the forum, Afsana met with H.E. Lok Bahadur Thapa, President of the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), and connected with Felipe Paullier Olivera, United Nations Assistant Secretary-General for Youth Affairs and Head of UN Youth Affairs, to discuss meaningful youth engagement and inclusion in decision-making spaces.
At a time when Afghan girls are being pushed out of education and public life, Afsana's presence in these rooms is more than symbolic, it's a responsibility she carries deliberately, ensuring that the voices of Afghan girls are represented at the highest levels of international dialogue. She carries their voices with her, always.
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Al Amanah Breaks Through: From 15,000+ Teams to the Top 64 at Hult Prize Nationals
We are beyond proud to announce that our CEO and board members have successfully advanced to the National Stage of the prestigious Hult Prize Competition, rising above 15,000+ teams and startups from around the world. Out of this vast and competitive field, Al Amanah is now among the final 64 teams moving forward, a powerful testament to our mission and innovation.
Representing Al Amanah with brilliance and bold purpose, our leadership presented a transformative EdTech solution rooted in access, equity, and the future of global learning. Their idea didn’t just stand out; it spoke volumes. It was more than a pitch; it was a promise to the millions left behind in education.
To be clear, we're not just a nonprofit. We’re a movement. A force driven by lived experience, a passion for justice, and a refusal to accept that education should be a luxury. Our advancement in the Hult Prize isn't just a milestone; it's proof that the world is ready to listen.
As we prepare to take on the National Stage, we carry forward the voices of girls banned from classrooms, displaced students yearning for opportunity, and communities demanding change.
The world is watching, and Al Amanah is ready.
Afsana Ahmadi Working with GMU Innovation Center to Empower Afghan Girls Through EdTech
Afsana Ahmadi, founder and CEO of Al Amanah, is currently working with the Innovation Center at George Mason University to develop a program focused on empowering Afghan girls and underserved communities through education technology.
Her initiative aims to provide accessible, tech-based learning solutions for those who have been denied access to traditional education, particularly girls in conflict zones. By collaborating with the Innovation Center, Afsana is exploring new ways to turn her vision into a practical and impactful solution.
Through this effort, she hopes to bridge the gap between opportunity and education, one connection, one classroom, and one student at a time.
The founder and chairwoman of Al Amanah Afsana Ahmadi Shirinsukhan along with the strategy lead of the board Freshta Bahadur Shah Khil had the privilege of attending the KonnectHer Network event, engaging with incredible women entrepreneurs and changemakers dedicated to creating impact. This gathering provided a valuable space to share our mission, exchange ideas, and explore opportunities for collaboration. We look forward to building meaningful partnerships that strengthen our efforts in education and advocacy for Afghan girls. A big thank you to everyone who connected with us, we're excited for what's ahead!
