Sayed Abdullah Ahmadi
Sayed Abdullah Ahmadi is a seasoned civil society leader, human rights advocate, and peacebuilder with over 17 years of experience promoting democracy, civic space, and social justice in fragile and conflict-affected contexts. He currently serves as the Executive Director of the Afghanistan Democracy and Development Organization (ADDO), a national NGO advancing human rights, inclusive governance, and civil society empowerment.
Mr. Ahmadi holds a Master’s degree in International Relations and a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science. His academic credentials are further enriched by extensive international training in leadership, peacebuilding, advocacy, research, and financial management across Europe and Asia.
As the elected leader of Afghanistan’s largest civil society coordination platform—representing over 1,300 organizations—he has spearheaded efforts to strengthen civic collaboration, promote inclusive participation, and lead joint advocacy initiatives at both national and regional levels.
From 2018 to 2020, Mr. Ahmadi served on Afghanistan’s Media High Council, where he championed press freedom and transparent governance. His efforts in peacebuilding and civil society development were internationally recognized when he received the International Peace Prize from South Korea in 2018.
He has held leadership and advisory roles with several prominent organizations, including as
Treasurer and Steering Committee Member of ACBAR (2013–2015), and as a member of both the Civil Society and Human Rights Network (2015-2017) and the Afghan Parliament’s Human Rights and Women’s Affairs Committee .
A prolific writer and speaker, Mr. Ahmadi has published widely on topics such as civic space, transitional justice, and democratic resilience in both national and international media. He is a founding member of the Digital Civil Society Institute and serves on the editorial board of Sadaf Magazine, which focuses on women’s rights and inclusion.
Mr. Ahmadi’s work spans across North America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, where he has participated in global conferences and platforms addressing civil society, peace, and development. His leadership style is grounded in collaboration, inclusion, and a deep commitment to empowering marginalized communities.
By seeking election to the CIVICUS Board, Mr. Ahmadi aspires to contribute to shaping a more equitable, responsive, and globally connected civil society movement. He believes that strategic solidarity, diversity of leadership, and shared accountability are essential to protecting civic space and advancing social justice worldwide.
- What is your favourite quote by someone who inspires you?
“It always seems impossible until it’s done.” – Nelson Mandela. This quote resonates deeply with me as a human rights defender working in challenging environments. It serves as a reminder that determination and persistence are essential to making lasting change.
- What skills are you most proud of or want to learn?
I am proud of my ability to unite diverse stakeholders around shared goals. This skill has enabled me to lead broad-based coalitions in Afghanistan. I am also committed to deepening my expertise in financial oversight, a critical asset for responsible board leadership.
- What is your vision for civil society?
I envision a vibrant, independent, and inclusive civil society that empowers local communities, safeguards civic freedoms, and drives systemic change. Civil society must lead with innovation, collaboration, and resilience to respond to global threats and ensure justice and equity.
- What lesson(s) have you learnt from failure?
Failure has taught me the importance of listening, adaptability, and shared leadership. Early in my career, I underestimated the value of inclusive planning. This experience reminded me that diverse perspectives and participatory decision-making are key to achieving sustainable outcomes.
