Mirwais Nahzat (2009 - 2010)

Afghanistan - Canada

Born and raised in Afghanistan, Mirwais has dedicated his life to international development, advocacy and humanitarian efforts. His interest in advocating for human rights was sparked, in no small measure, by his personal experiences of conflict and underdevelopment across Afghanistan.

From 1999 to 2002, he worked with various civil society groups in Afghanistan and Pakistan on peacebuilding and development programs. In 2002, he was one of a dozen Afghan youths selected to pursue his education in Canada through the World University Service of Canada (WUSC). In 2003, he founded the Centre for Afghanistan Progress (CAP), a network of Afghan-Canadian young professionals.

To highlight the challenges and opportunities in rebuilding Afghanistan, he has appeared before both Canadian and British parliamentary committees. In 2008, he was also a delegate of the Canadian civil society at the International Paris Forum on Afghanistan. He is a regular media commentator and has contributed advice to several Canadian documentaries, such as Good Morning Kandahar; Portraits of New Canadians; and Between Hope and Fear.

Prior to becoming a Sauvé Scholar, he was as a Senior Program Officer with WUSC in Ottawa.  He has also been involved with the Canadian Commission for UNESCO, Future Generations Canada, Canadian Policy Research Network and Dominion Institute. Since 2008, he has worked as a consultant with the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (DFAIT).

In recognition of his efforts, Mirwais has been awarded the Embassy of Afghanistan’s Service Award; the City of Ottawa’s Distinguished Civic Award for Humanitarianism; and Bank of America’s Spirit Award. He was nominated for the “Most Active Young Afghan” Award of the Inter Afghan Young Professionals and recognized as a “Global Citizen” by the Globe and Mail and Radio Canada International.

As a Sauvé Scholar, he analyzes and develops policy recommendations in support of Canada’s long-term development role in Afghanistan. His Academic Mentor is Professor Rex Brynen whose principal research interest is peace-building and post-conflict reconstruction. Mirwais is an avid traveler, soccer fan and poetry enthusiast. 

Links

Mirwais is interviewed on the 2009 elections in Afghanistan
(CBC All In A Day)  Local Afghans on Elections 
Ottawa Afghans keep eye on election

Ottawa man teaches trades skills to Afghan women
Canadian aid having an impact in Afghanistan: group