An Advocate for Dispute Resolution in Afghanistan (with Zahid Omarzai)

Zahid Omarzai, Executive Director of the Afghanistan Center for Dispute Resolution, is an Afghan attorney who relocated to the U.S. in 2023 to pursue an LLM at the University of Pittsburgh School of Law. He shares his background that led him to leave Afghanistan and describes his work in enhancing Afghanistan's arbitration system. He shares his experiences competing in moot court competitions, working with various legal and consulting firms in the U.S., and his reflections on cultural differences in dispute resolution. Zahid emphasizes the importance of understanding Afghan culture and encourages listeners to learn more about Afghanistan. The discussion also touches on the significance of taking care of one's soul and the personal growth Zahid experienced through his journey.

STORY

00:00 Soundcheck

00:50 Greetings

01:41 Zahid's Journey to the US

02:05 Moot Court Competition

02:40 Legal Background and Education

03:43 Challenges and Opportunities in Afghanistan

05:55 Establishing Arbitration in Afghanistan

12:26 Professional Life in the US

13:29 Cultural Perspectives on Dispute Resolution

24:13 Personal Interests and Hobbies

28:35 Final Thoughts

BIOGRAPHY

Zahid Omarzai is the Executive Director of the Afghanistan Center for Commercial Dispute Resolution (ACDR) and a licensed attorney dedicated to strengthening arbitration and alternative dispute resolution in Afghanistan. With a background in corporate and commercial law, he brings extensive experience in financial transactions, legal reform, and practical dispute-resolution strategies. A passionate advocate for legal education, Zahid has published on arbitration in Afghanistan, represented his country in the prestigious Vis Moot, and continues to mentor future practitioners as Afghanistan’s Vis Moot Country Manager.

LINKS

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zahid-omarzai-aa80a03a/

Interview from Kakar Advocates: https://kakaradvocates.com/content/Spotlights/interview-with-zahid-omarzai-executive-director-of-the-afghanistan-center-for-dispute-resolution