Participants included First Lady Laura Bush, Jordan’s Queen Rania, and renowned human rights activist Archbishop Desmond Tutu.

In response to a question about cultural and ethnic diversity in Afghanistan, President Karzai answered:

“Cultural and linguistic diversity has been enshrined in Afghanistan’s constitution and people in different parts of Afghanistan can receive an education in their local languages.  They can also have cultural activities and radio and television programs in their local languages.

Contrary to the past, we have tried to ensure that people with different tendencies and from all factions and groups are included in the government.  We have even helped those Taliban who don’t have connections with Al-Qaeda to return to a peaceful life.”

The President called the suicide attacks occurring in Afghanistan an "alien phenomenon":

“During the Soviet occupation of Afghanistan, the Afghan people never carried out suicide attacks against the Soviet military or civilian people.  Afghans are moderate Muslims and extremism is a new phenomenon which has been brought to our country from the outside.

This phenomenon has no connection with the vision and culture of Afghans.  It is only a means that governments use to achieve their political goals.”

Princess Rania added that, “Discrimination creates despair and fear, and extremism misuses this situation to recruit despondent people to achieve their own goals.  Therefore, we must try to end discrimination in today’s world so that extremism cannot misuse the situation.”