The U.S. State Department says Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will host a celebration Wednesday to mark the 10th anniversary of the U.S.-Afghan Women's Council, in appreciation for its ongoing work to support women and girls in Afghanistan.

A statement issued Tuesday says former first lady Laura Bush will be a special guest, while Afghan Foreign Minister Zalmay Rassoul will also participate, with other U.S. and foreign dignitaries.

The council was founded in 2002 by then-U.S. President George W. Bush and Afghan President Hamid Karzai. It connects the U.S. and Afghan governments, the private sector, academia and non-governmental organizations to identify needs and develop and implement initiatives in support of Afghan women and girls.

The council mobilizes public and private sector resources to support Afghan women socially, politically and economically. Additionally, it helps advance opportunities for Afghan women and girls in areas of literacy and education, entrepreneurship, political leadership, humanitarian relief, and health care.