The Afghan Policy Lab (APL), co-founded by Princeton SPIA and the Liechtenstein Institute on Self-Determination (LISD) is one of the many centers and programs enhancing the graduate student experience on campus. Academic fellows from Afghanistan collaborate with members of our academic community on policy level research where they also analyze and provide policy recommendations to address challenges from the evolving situation on the ground in Afghanistan. These challenges include policies impacting humanitarian aid, health, civic space, women and national healing and reconciliation.
But APL also organizes wonderful cultural events, and this past spring hosted Nowruz, celebrating the new year and the beginning of springtime outside of Robertson Hall.
Members of the Princeton SPIA community including faculty, staff and students gathered to eat, dance and watch a video illustrating how Nowruz is celebrated in Afghanistan with cultural rituals, traditional foods and games. The program began with welcome remarks from Ambassador Adela Raz, Director of APL, and Dean Amaney Jamal, Dean of SPIA. Said Reza Huseini, a post-doctoral scholar in the Department of Near Eastern Studies, offered historical context and deeper insight into the significance of Nowruz.
Among other activities, APL student volunteers also performed a skit showcasing how the holiday is observed in their respective cultures with a Kurdish traditional dance. The event was rounded off by a communal Afghan meal bringing together the Princeton SPIA community in the spirit of celebration and shared belonging.
APL was co-founded by Princeton SPIA and the Liechtenstein Institute on Self-Determination (LISD).