Society of Afghan Architects and Engineers (SAAE)

Background

We, the Society of Afghan Engineers (SAE), are proud of our long-standing and deeply rooted relationship with our Kabul-based sister organization, the Society of Afghan Architects and Engineers (SAAE). Since our inception, we have shared a common vision: to rebuild our beloved homeland, develop its infrastructure, and empower the Afghan architectural and engineering communities. Through continuous communication, joint initiatives, and a shared dedication to professional excellence, our organizations have engaged in efforts to serve the people of Afghanistan.

A Unified Voice: The Union of Afghanistan Societies of Architects and Engineers (UASAE)

To ensure that the engineering and architectural communities of Afghanistan can speak with one unified voice on issues of national and international interest, SAE and SAAE—along with the Afghanistan Engineers’ Association (AEA)—came together to form the Union of Afghanistan Societies of Architects and Engineers (UASAE), also referred to as the Union of Engineers and Architects Association (UEAA). This union has allowed us to coordinate our efforts, leverage our collective expertise, and represent our professions effectively when collaborating with the Afghan government and international organizations.

Joint Humanitarian and Relief Efforts

Our relationship has extended far beyond technical initiatives; together, we have successfully implemented critical humanitarian relief projects during times of national crisis.

• Badakhshan Landslide and COVID-19 Food Relief: Following the tragic Badakhshan landslide in 2014, we initiated a fundraising campaign and collected over $18,600 from our generous members and supporters, which was transferred to SAAE’s bank account in Kabul. Because the immediate technical and shelter needs of the affected Argu village were met by other funds, SAAE safely held these funds for future humanitarian use. In 2020, during the severe economic hardship caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdowns, our leadership coordinated with SAAE to repurpose these funds. A dedicated SAAE team successfully managed the purchasing, logistics, and distribution of a one-month supply of basic food items to 400 needy families in Kabul.
• Continued Support: Witnessing the success of this joint effort, we launched another fundraising round, raising over $6,000. We sent these additional funds to SAAE, enabling them to distribute food packages to another 137 vulnerable families in Kabul.

Capacity Building and Professional Development

We have consistently collaborated with SAAE to enhance the professional capacities of engineers and architects both inside and outside of Afghanistan.

• UNESCO Fellowship Program: When the US State Department and UNESCO provided a fellowship for Afghan professionals to visit the United States, SAAE selected two of its members, Ms. Dalia Akbarmir and Professor Jamil Khalid (then President of SAAE), as candidates. We coordinated their three-week program in the US alongside the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), facilitating their visits to US engineering societies, design offices, and construction sites to strengthen their professional networks and knowledge.
• Code and Standard Development: Our members have worked closely with SAAE leadership to support the Afghan government in establishing and implementing construction codes and standards. For example, SAAE leaders and members actively participated in delivering a specialized training course on the International Building Code (IBC) for professors from Kabul University and Kabul Polytechnic University.
• Professional Licensing: We have held joint meetings with SAAE to discuss establishing a formal licensing board and an Institute of Architects and Engineers in Afghanistan, which would oversee the certification and continuing education of professionals in the country.

Collaborative Conferences and Seminars

To address the immediate and long-term technical needs of Afghanistan, we have frequently co-organized and participated in professional gatherings with SAAE:

• Joint Conferences: In 2005, SAE and SAAE jointly organized a major conference at Kabul University titled “The Role of the Private Sector in the Reconstruction and Development of Afghanistan,” which was inaugurated by the office of the Afghan President and attended by numerous cabinet members.
• Regular Consultations: We have regularly held face-to-face meetings and teleconferences with SAAE leadership to exchange ideas, align our strategic goals, and discuss pressing issues such as urban drainage problems, historic preservation, and continuing education for Afghan professionals.

Looking Forward

Our enduring relationship with SAAE is a testament to the power of collaboration. As we look to the future, we are committed to strengthening this relationship. We will continue to engage jointly with SAAE to provide volunteer technical support to Afghan governmental departments, advocate for the enforcement of building codes, mentor young engineers and architects, and ultimately contribute to the sustainable development and rebuilding of our beloved homeland.