The below is attributable to Deputy Spokesperson Shejal Pulivarti:
Yesterday, Deputy Administrator Isobel Coleman met with Khalil Shariff, Interim CEO at the Aga Khan Foundation (AKF), to discuss ways to deepen collaboration between civil society actors and Central Asian governments to promote people-centered progress, accountability, and inclusive democratic societies. The conversation also focused on how AKF is currently operating in Taliban-controlled Afghanistan.
The Deputy Administrator also highlighted USAID’s commitment to expanding access to clean, reliable, and affordable energy in South and Central Asia in collaboration with AKF.
Deputy Administrator Coleman thanked AKF for their ongoing partnerships that have assisted communities in Central Asia, including support for 16 districts of Tajikistan along Afghanistan’s border so children can have safe water and sanitation services in their schools, smallholder farmers can earn greater profits, and women and youth have access to social services.