Abdul Halim Qarizada was the last Acting Deputy Director of the Fifth Political Department of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Afghanistan, before the collapse of the government in August 2021. Prior to that he had served as First Secretary of Afghanistan embassy in Seoul, USA Desk Officer, Regional Economic Cooperation Conference on Afghanistan Desk Officer, and National Liaison Officer for the IAEA in the said ministry. He has a bachelor degree in economics from Georgia State University (cum laude) and a master of business administration from Sejong University in Seoul.
He has seldom lived more than a few years in any one country, being forced to relocate many times because of political instability and religious extremism as well as communism, he is seeking to bring the message of peace and reconciliation for our tumultuous planet. He has lived and went to elementary and middle school both in India and Pakistan, served for three years in South Korea and has lived four years in France. His affinity for global cultures and his experiences have cemented his belief in the importance of communication as an alternative to conflict. He is a strong believer in the growing impact of people to people diplomacy can have in mitigating future global conflicts; and is a proponent of dialogue in reaching global prosperity.
He is excited to share his efforts and advocacy for mutual understanding amongst peoples of the world through IRCKC.