Afghanistan is one of the world’s top recipients of security and development assistance. But internationally funded aid programs have garnered some criticism lately from donor officials and Afghans alike.
As international forces withdraw from Afghanistan, donors such as the United States and the European Union have vowed to take a closer look at the money spent in this South Asian country. Implementing organizations – both domestic and foreign – meanwhile, remain worried about security, and they continue to struggle with capacity gaps, language barriers and cultural differences as they seek partnerships to reduce poverty and increase economic opportunity.
Afghan organizations are key to the country’s development. But often, these crucial partners feel that their voice does not reach decision-makers in Kabul, Washington, Brussels and elsewhere.