Youssof Ghafoorzai is a seasoned Afghan diplomat, policy strategist, and international negotiator whose career has been defined by a relentless commitment to advancing peace, stability, and multilateral cooperation in one of the most geopolitically complex regions in the world. With over two decades of experience representing Afghanistan on the global stage—from the halls of the United Nations to bilateral embassies and international conferences—Ghafoorzai has played a pivotal role in shaping international policy responses to Afghanistan’s evolving political landscape.

Most recently serving as the Ambassador of Afghanistan to Norway from 2019 to 2024, Ghafoorzai led diplomatic efforts to deepen bilateral relations and promote sustained international engagement before and after the Taliban’s resurgence. He fostered collaborative partnerships with Norwegian and Danish government officials, think tanks, NGOs, and international institutions such as the Nobel Peace Center, the Oslo Forum and the Norwegian Refugee Council.  Under his leadership, the Embassy became a vital platform for advocating human rights, democratic and inclusive governance, and economic cooperation—mobilizing international attention and support for the Afghan people during a time of extraordinary uncertainty.

Prior to his ambassadorship, Ghafoorzai served as Political Counselor at Afghanistan’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York, where he was instrumental in negotiating nearly twenty UN resolutions related to Afghanistan, counter-terrorism, the culture of peace and post-conflict recovery. His deep knowledge of multilateral diplomacy allowed him to help bridge starkly divergent member state positions, enabling critical consensus-building on security, governance, and development. His experience includes engagement with the UN Security Council and Sanctions Committees, where he advised on the implementation of sanctions against terrorist organizations and supported international cooperation on countering violent extremism.

Ghafoorzai’s tenure in Afghanistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Office of the Chief Executive further solidified his strategic advisory capabilities. As Senior Advisor to the Foreign Minister, he helped shape Afghanistan’s foreign policy approach to peace and reconciliation, regional cooperation, and economic development. His participation in many regional and international conferences on Afghanistan and  high-level summits, showcased his role as a key architect of Afghanistan’s diplomatic positioning.

Throughout his career, Ghafoorzai has demonstrated an extraordinary ability to synthesize on-the-ground realities with high-level policy development. His analytical work has informed influential research institutes and think tanks, and his published commentary—such as in The Diplomat—reflects a nuanced understanding of the interplay between diplomacy, conflict resolution, and international law. His participation in a long-term research project at the U.S. Institute of Peace on Afghanistan’s political future underscores his commitment to evidence-based policy and inclusive dialogue.

Educated in Political Science and International Relations at Queens College, City University of New York, Ghafoorzai has combined academic grounding with frontline diplomatic experience. His skills in geopolitical analysis, human rights advocacy, crisis management, and global counter-terrorism strategy make him a respected voice in international affairs, particularly as it relates to fragile states, conflict recovery, and global cooperation.

Youssof Ghafoorzai’s legacy is one of resilience, clarity, and bridge-building. Whether navigating the intricacies of UN diplomacy or engaging with local and regional stakeholders, he has consistently amplified the voices of those most impacted by conflict while remaining grounded in the pursuit of long-term peace, development, and inclusive governance. His work continues to serve as a blueprint for future diplomats committed to principled engagement in the face of complex global challenges.

Character

Youssof Ghafoorzai demonstrates unwavering integrity, resilience, and dedication to public service, consistently advocating for peace, human rights, and inclusive governance even under the most challenging geopolitical conditions. His diplomatic work reflects a deep personal commitment to justice and the well-being of the Afghan people.

Ghafoorzai’s commitment to peace and stability in Afghanistan reflects the vision of his late father, former Prime Minister Abdul Rahim Ghafoorzai, who was tragically killed in a plane crash in 1997 while pursing national unity and peace. His father’s legacy remains an inspiration to many.

Knowledge

With over two decades of international diplomatic experience and a background in political science and international relations, Ghafoorzai possesses expert-level understanding of global security, conflict resolution, multilateral negotiations, and international development. His insights have shaped strategic decisions at the highest levels of government and global institutions.

Strategic

Ghafoorzai excels in building and sustaining strategic alliances, skillfully navigating complex international landscapes to advance national interests and long-term stability. His leadership in securing consensus among diverse global stakeholders underscores his ability to think long-term and drive impactful policy outcomes.

Communication

An articulate and persuasive communicator, Ghafoorzai has drafted speeches, negotiated resolutions, and engaged global audiences to rally support for Afghanistan’s political and humanitarian needs. His ability to convey complex issues with clarity and conviction has made him a trusted voice in international diplomacy.