Union of Afghanistan Societies of Architects and Engineers (UASAE)

Background

At the Society of Afghan Engineers (SAE), we firmly believe that the successful reconstruction and development of our beloved Afghanistan requires coordination, unity, and a collective voice among technical professionals. One of our most important relationships in this endeavor has been our relationship with the Union of Afghanistan Societies of Architects and Engineers (UASAE).

What is the UASAE?

The UASAE (also referred to as the Unity of Afghan Societies of Architectural and Engineering) is a unifying umbrella organization formed by two of our major Kabul-based sister organizations: the Society of Afghan Architects and Engineers (SAAE) and the Afghanistan Engineers’ Association (AEA).

This arrangement was established to create a unified voice for the engineering and architectural communities within Afghanistan. By working together, the Union is able to speak cohesively on critical issues of national interest, infrastructure development, and technical capacity building.

Our Relationship and Shared Vision

As an organization primarily composed of Afghan expatriate professionals living abroad, SAE views the UASAE and its members as our “eyes and ears in Afghanistan”. While geographical and logistical realities mean that SAE cannot join the UASAE in all of its daily, on-the-ground activities inside the country, we are deeply committed to working collaboratively alongside them.

Our relationship has been defined by mutual support and a shared mission to provide technical expertise to the Afghan government and people. We have expressed strong interest in actively participating in the Union’s future activities and have considered them vital in executing our vision for Afghanistan’s rebuilding process.

Key Engagements and Milestones

Our engagement with the UASAE and its founding organizations has resulted in several significant milestones:

• The 2015 Inaugural Seminar: In October 2015, an SAE delegation traveled to Kabul to coincide with the official signing ceremony for the formation of the UASAE. To mark this historic occasion, we worked with the UASAE to organize a joint seminar introducing the UASAE to the Afghan government. The primary goal of this seminar was to highlight how the Union could support government agencies in technical, safety, and environmental practices. During this event, the SAE President delivered a presentation emphasizing the role and potential of Afghan architectural and engineering societies located in the US and Europe.
• Advocating for Professional Standards: Together with the leadership of the Union, we have strongly advocated for the creation of an official Institute of Engineers and Architects in Afghanistan. Modeled after international organizations like the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) and the American Institute of Architects (AIA), this proposed institute would manage continuing education, deliver training courses, and issue professional certifications for architects and engineers practicing in Afghanistan.
• Joint Conferences and Knowledge Sharing: We have prioritized sponsoring and participating in collaborative seminars and conferences with the UASAE, SAAE, and AEA. These events are crucial for addressing the ongoing reconstruction and development needs of Afghanistan, and they provide a platform for our members abroad to seamlessly share their international experience and technical knowledge with practitioners on the ground.

Through our enduring relationship with the UASAE, we have built a strong, professional bridge between Afghan experts around the world and the dedicated engineers and architects rebuilding our homeland today.