In post-conflict nations and communities it is often difficult to identify the best starting-point for bringing global development aims and problem solving together. A case in point is in Afghanistan, where the nation is emerging with a new sense of identity and confidence anchored in the desire to create sustainable economic and social development.

Future Brilliance is an Afghan-run and women-led organization with a single purpose of promoting stability and economic development through education and leadership development.

By drawing upon international skills, resources and expertise, Future Brilliance brings knowledge to young men and women who have the most potential to create a better future for themselves, their families and communities.

The first ‘flagship’ project was in Afghanistan to train young artisans in gem-cutting, jewelry design and manufacturing and to create a new brand, called Aayenda (which means ‘Future’ in Dari – the language of Afghanistan). The program then established a co-operative that will help train and sustain the craft of gemstone and jewelry know-how using world-class tools, techniques and technology.

By focusing on an artisanal sector that supports a local cultural heritage using local natural resources, this Future Brilliance initiative helps to empower and motivate participants to gain skills and create businesses that provide stability and opportunity for their future.

A collaborative model, Future Brilliance helps to unlock the potential of Afghanistan’s resources and people through the power of knowledge, skills and practical learning. By creating a shared sense of purpose and learning, individuals assume responsibility for their own economic development, while adopting values of leadership that lead to fairness, tolerance and mutual respect.

FutureBrand worked with this new non-profit and NGO to bring our skills in brand development and communications to help establish, launch and promote both the organization Future Brilliance and also the branded business Aayenda which will be the conduit for bringing this Afghan-made jewelry to markets worldwide.

Using technology and unique approaches, having an ability to overcome the infrastructural and cultural challenges of a post-conflict nation and society safely, cost-effectively and sustainably, are critical to success.

By understanding the role self-sufficiency plays in linking education, skills, inspiration and values-based leadership to economic development, Future Brilliance hopes to create a model that can be adopted in other nations or communities at risk.

I have been inspired to bring my skills and energy to their challenges; my firm FutureBrand believes that we are making a future positive contribution to connecting and empowering marginalized people around the world through Future Brilliance.

For more information please go to www.futurebrilliance.net if you would like to know more or to help.