Deputy Administrator Isobel Coleman arrived today in Kazakhstan, starting a multi-day trip to the Central Asia region.
During her trip, Deputy Administrator Coleman will reinforce the U.S. government’s commitment to the sovereign independence, territorial integrity, and prosperity of our Central Asian partners. She will affirm USAID’s continued commitment to supporting inclusive economic growth, responding to food security needs, and fostering resilient societies through strengthened regional connectivity across Central Asia. And she will highlight USAID activities in support of the C5+1 regional diplomatic platform.
Throughout the region, Deputy Administrator Coleman will meet with entrepreneurs, agricultural producers, human rights advocates, youth leaders, and journalists to discuss ways to promote progress on inclusive economic growth that harnesses the potential of Central Asian communities. She will discuss challenges facing Central Asia as the region continues to grapple with the detrimental impacts of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. She will also raise the implications of the Taliban’s destabilizing actions in Afghanistan — in particular its devastating rollback of women’s rights, including its December edict restricting women from delivering assistance which is deepening Afghanistan’s humanitarian crisis.
During her trip, Deputy Administrator Coleman will also meet with government officials and donor partners on ways to advance trade through economic diversification and catalyze regional cooperation through clean energy and digital connectivity.
Original source can be found here
