Forging synergies: A tale of alliance and partnership
Celina Ali
Islamabad: In 2023, the United States and Pakistan strengthened their partnership for mutual benefit. USAID played a pivotal role in this success, consistently supporting the pursuit of a prosperous, healthier, safer, and more robust Pakistan. Through various collaborations, projects, and programs, USAID contributed significantly to Pakistan’s development goals. The United States through USAID and the Pakistan government also inked a new five-year bilateral Development Objectives Assistance Agreement under which the former would provide the latter $445.6 million in grant.
In January, during the International Conference in Geneva focused on Climate Resilience in Pakistan, Deputy Administrator Isobel Coleman of USAID pledged an additional $100 million commitment from the United States to support Pakistan’s climate initiatives. This contribution supplements the more than $215 million already provided by the United States for flood relief, disaster resilience, and food security initiatives. Furthermore, American citizens and U.S. companies extended their support with an additional $37 million in funding to assist the people of Pakistan in their time of need.
In addition to these contributions, the US-Pakistan Green Alliance initiative represents a significant stride toward enhancing the country’s capacity to proactively prevent and mitigate future floods.
In June 2023, Deputy Administrator USAID Isobel Coleman also traveled to Pakistan to underscore the United States’ relationship and partnership with Pakistan and highlight U.S. efforts to support Pakistan’s flood relief and recovery efforts.
In March, a significant concern was tackled: malnutrition and food security in regions affected by devastating floods. The Building Healthy Families Activity (BHFA), managed by Pathfinder International under USAID, proactively identified areas in dire need of immediate support, particularly to enhance the nutritional status of children under five years of age. To combat malnutrition among these young ones, BHFA secured an impressive 1.5 million Ready to Use Therapeutic Feeding (RUTF) sachets. These nutritional supplements served as a lifeline for 6,250 Severe Acute Malnourished (SAM) children and 12,500 Moderate Acute Malnourished (MAM) children.
During Deputy Administrator Isobel Coleman’s visit to Pakistan, she participated in the health dialogue where the United States and Pakistan reaffirmed their commitment to advancing healthcare. This dialogue highlighted efforts in combating diseases, tackling malnutrition, and improving health services, especially in the aftermath of the 2022 floods. Looking ahead, the partnership strengthens with a focus on maternal and child health, combating malnutrition with a $16.4 million investment, and a $30 million initiative for health programming.
Marking International Women’s Day, the United States, in collaboration with Higher Education Commission, awarded more than 500 Merit and Need Based Scholarships to the students from the flood-affected areas, out of which 50% scholarships were reserved for female students. The Program has so far awarded 6000+ fully funded merit and needs-based scholarships in thirty public and private participating universities under the program.
In October 2023, another 112 MNBSP scholarships were awarded to the students who were affected by devastating floods, and enable them to complete degree programs at six universities in Sindh The USAID-funded MNBSP, a partnership between the Higher Education Commission and 30 Pakistani universities, provides university scholarships to students to pursue degrees in selected Pakistani universities. The scholarships cover tuition, housing, and textbooks, and a food stipend.
In September, a significant milestone was achieved in the ongoing efforts to improve education in Sindh. The completion of the 100th school under the Sindh Basic Education Program (SBEP) marked a momentous accomplishment in the commitment to enhance education for marginalized children. The SBEP, initiated in 2014 as a response to the devastating floods that had damaged numerous schools in Northern Sindh, represents an investment of $159.2 million in fostering hope and progress. Its primary objective is to enhance access to quality basic education across 10 districts in Sindh. These facilities come with science and computer labs, a library, and modern furniture; serve as climate-resilient shelters; and are important platforms for parent and community engagement.
The construction of the 100th school, Government High School Baho Khoso in Jacobabad, is not merely a numerical achievement; it symbolizes the realization of a vision. Thousands of girls and boys will now have improved educational opportunities, setting them on a path to a brighter future.
July marked a significant moment in the empowerment of girls’ education. USAID launched a powerful public service message (PSM) across mass media, directly speaking to fathers about the importance of their daughters’ right to education and their dreams. Joining this impactful initiative, cricket legend Shahid Afridi lent his voice to the cause, amplifying the message and inspiring communities. This campaign is more than just a message; it’s a movement toward changing perceptions and opening doors for girls to pursue their aspirations. As part of this initiative, USAID also produced two songs “Udh Chali” and “Parhna Hai Mujhko” to promote awareness about girls’ education.
USAID emphasizes the importance of gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls as fundamental principles for upholding human rights and achieving sustainable development outcomes. Deliberate action is required to advance gender equality and USAID is committed to being a leading partner, and advocate to achieve this goal across societies. In alignment with this commitment, USAID collaborated with a private television channel to produce the mini-series “Sar-e-Rah,” which serves as a representation of USAID’s developmental aspirations regarding gender equality and social inclusivity. This impactful production highlighted the agency’s ongoing efforts to empower women from diverse social backgrounds and demographics, enabling them to access education, attain economic independence, and attain equality within society. The series gained significant recognition within the drama industry, thanks to its unique and compelling storyline.
Comprising six episodes, each focusing on an individual who confronts discrimination and marginalization, “Sar-e-Rah” not only garnered popularity in Pakistan but also found viewership in other regions where Urdu dramas are watched. The drama series had a profound impact, transcending television screens in Pakistan, amassing over 120 million views across television and digital media platforms. Furthermore, “Sar-e-Rah” received nominations in various award categories, further underscoring its significance and influence.
During his visit to the South Waziristan, U.S. Ambassador to Pakistan Donald Blome said that the United States is proud of its $130 million collaboration with the Government of Pakistan on the Gomal Zam project. The dam has provided enough electricity for 20,000 homes. The broader Gomal Zam project has also doubled agricultural production in the region by opening 191,000 acres for local farmers, controlling potential flood damage from impacting more than 30,000 households, and dramatically increasing Pakistan’s water storage capacity.
The U.S. and Pakistan continue collaborating under the U.S.-Pakistan “Green Alliance” framework to advance water management, clean energy, and climate-smart agriculture!
In July 2023, the United States, in collaboration with Pakistan through USAID, embarked on a transformative endeavor known as ‘Recharge Pakistan,’ involving an investment of $77.8 million to bolster climate resilience. This groundbreaking initiative concentrates on the enhancement of water systems and green infrastructure, representing the most substantial financial commitment ever made to Pakistan’s ecosystem-based strategy. Managed by the Ministry of Climate Change in Pakistan, the project is aimed at mitigating floods and droughts, promoting green policies, and fostering economic development in key sectors and targeted positive impact on more than 7 million individuals across Pakistan. As the year 2023’s accomplishments are contemplated, ‘Recharge Pakistan’ emerges as a testament to the potency of international collaboration in addressing climate challenges. It symbolizes the hope for a greener and more resilient Pakistan.
This year was all about fostering collaboration among various diaspora entities, forging partnerships, and crafting a roadmap for collective action. In partnership with Diaspora and private sector, USAID tackled the economic, humanitarian, and social challenges facing Pakistan to support physical infrastructure in flood-affected areas of Pakistan and also to improve humanitarian and social development outcomes for Pakistan.The United States through USAID arranged multiple diaspora conferences to raise funds in order to highlight the longstanding U.S.-Pakistan partnership to advance Pakistan’s economic growth and continuous opportunities for future partnership.
The United States through USAID and the Pakistan government also inked a new five-year bilateral Development Objectives Assistance Agreement under which the former would provide the latter $445.6 million in grant.
USAID’s Investment Promotion Activity (IPA) is a step forward to the economic growth to Pakistani start-ups and entrepreneurs to strengthen their businesses. In this regard, IPA hosted a road show in Dubai which brought together international investors, Pakistani firms, and partners to create job opportunities and improves Pakistan’s economic structure.
