before we begin today's moderated discussion i had the distinct pleasure of inviting ambassador roya rahmani to the stage for some opening remarks. ambassador rahmani became the first ambassador of afghanistan to the united states in december of last year and she quickly became a friend to usip. not only has she been a fierce advocate for the women of afghanistan, or own story exemplifies the resilience and perseverance of the afghan people. like millions of other afghans, she and her family live as refugees in neighboring pakistan during the early 1990s. she attended attended a school for refugees and peshawar and when the classrooms overflowed with students, she studied on the roof for a year. she went on to earn a bachelors in software engineering, worked for a number of international nonprofits can focus on human rights, received a masters in public administration and international law from columbia university. she's worked in education ministry, minister of foreign affairs, served as afghanistan ambassador to indonesia. please join me in welcoming ambassador rahmani. [applause] >> excel