The findings of The Asia Foundation’s latest Survey of the Afghan People are being released at an important moment for Afghanistan. Crucial questions of security, economic stability, and reconciliation face the administration of President Ashraf Ghani and CEO Abdullah Abdullah. An atmosphere of increasing civilian casualties and unrest threaten the fragile but significant progress the country has made toward peace and prosperity over the past decade.

The 2015 survey, based on face-to-face interviews with a nationally representative sample of nearly 9,500 Afghan citizens, reveals their views on a range of issues including security, the economy, essential services, governance and political participation, corruption, justice, and gender equality. This year’s survey includes several new questions, including youth issues, reconciliation with the Taliban, the Islamic State (ISIL/ISIS), landmines, government care for disabled persons, and access to social media on mobile phones.

Conducted across the country’s 34 provinces, The Asia Foundation’s series of annual surveys in Afghanistan provides an unmatched barometer of Afghan public opinion over time. Taken together, the surveys are a resource for policymakers in government, the international community and the broader Afghan public as they seek to navigate a difficult landscape toward a more peaceful and prosperous future for Afghanistan and the region.

This event featured Gordon Hein, Senior Vice President of Programs, Timor Sharan, Program Management Director in Afghanistan, and Zack Warren, Survey and Research Director in Afghanistan, from The Asia Foundation, as well as a commentary from William Maley, Professor of Diplomacy, Bell School, Asia-Pacific College of Diplomacy, College of Asia and the Pacific, ANU. Stephen Howes, Director, Development Policy Centre, ANU acted as chair.

This public seminar was presented by the Development Policy Centre at Crawford School of Public Policy, The Australian National University and The Asia Foundation.