Description
June 04, 2026 — As Asia 21 celebrates its 20th anniversary, Omaid Sharifi, president of ArtLords and Asia 21 Class of 2011 alum, reflects on a remarkable journey from Kabul to the global stage. In conversation with Sanjeev M. Sherchan, executive director of the Global Initiatives Group at Asia Society, Sharifi shares how growing up in Afghanistan shaped his identity, why he chose to stay and serve his country for so many years, and how the events of August 2021 transformed both his life and his work.
Sharifi discusses the founding of ArtLords, the grassroots movement that began with public murals in Kabul and grew into an international organization using art as a tool for social change, resilience, and human rights advocacy. He also reflects on the power of creativity in times of crisis, the challenges of exile, and the role artists can play in building more inclusive and hopeful societies.
This episode is part of Asia 21: Connecting Leaders, Catalyzing Change Across the Asia-Pacific, a special interview series marking two decades of the Asia 21 Young Leaders Network and highlighting the lasting impact of its alumni across the region and beyond. The milestone will culminate at the Asia 21 Summit in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, October 16–18, 2026—https://asiasociety.org/asia-21-next-generation-fellows/2026-asia-21-next-generation-fellows-summit—bringing together alumni and emerging leaders from across the Asia-Pacific to strengthen connections and drive positive change for the region's future.
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