History

The withdrawal of international forces from Afghanistan and the collapse of the Islamic Republic in August 2021 marked a turning point in the country's recent history. These developments triggered a new wave of forced displacement and migration, compelling many Afghans to seek refuge abroad. Among those displaced were academics, university professors, researchers, civil servants, and highly skilled professionals, contributing to a significant loss of human capital and intellectual resources in Afghanistan.

Germany became an important destination for Afghan refugees, including individuals evacuated through special admission and humanitarian programmes. The Afghan population in Germany grew considerably in the years following August 2021, bringing together a diverse community of academics, researchers, and professionals with valuable knowledge, skills, and experience.

Against this historical backdrop, the idea of establishing Gita Research and Action Institute emerged among a group of Afghan academics and professionals who had sought refuge in Germany following the political developments of August 2021. Recognising the significant intellectual and professional potential within the Afghan diaspora, the founders sought to create an independent institution that could mobilise these resources for research, knowledge exchange, and meaningful social action.

In December 2025, Gita Research and Action Institute was officially registered in Germany under its German legal name, Gita Forschungs- und Aktionsinstitut e.V., as a registered association (eingetragener Verein – e.V.). This marked a significant milestone in transforming the founders' shared vision into a formally established institution.

The establishment of Gita was driven by a shared commitment to ensuring that the knowledge, academic expertise, and professional experience of displaced Afghan specialists could continue to contribute to society. The founders recognised the potential of the Afghan diaspora not only to participate in the social and academic life of host countries but also to support communities in Afghanistan and other countries hosting Afghan refugees.

Rooted in this vision, Gita was established to bridge research and practical action, promote interdisciplinary cooperation, and develop evidence-based initiatives addressing migration-related challenges, social inclusion, refugee integration, and the empowerment of vulnerable populations.

Gita's establishment represents an effort to transform the challenges of displacement into opportunities for academic collaboration, civic engagement, and positive social change, connecting the knowledge and expertise of the Afghan diaspora with the needs of host societies and communities in Afghanistan.