Britain said on Tuesday it would co-host an international aid conference with the United Nations next month to help raise funds for Afghanistan, where poverty and hunger have spiraled since the Taliban took power last year.
The UN is seeking to raise $4.4 billion to help over 24.4 million Afghans needing urgent humanitarian help to survive. Half the country’s population are facing acute hunger.
“The scale of need is unparalleled, and consequences of inaction will be devastating,” Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said in a statement.
“The UK is determined to lead the global effort. We will bring international allies together to raise vital aid to deliver food, shelter and health services, protect women and girls and support stability in the region.”
The summit will also aim to garner international support to help Afghans access basic services, particularly health and education. Funding is channelled through trusted UN agencies and charities on the ground.
“We are very grateful to the UK for co-hosting this important event to mobilize international support for the humanitarian needs of Afghanistan. We welcome donors from around the globe to join together to save the lives and futures of Afghans.” Martin Griffiths, the UN’s Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, said.
He added: “Every day of delay means more misery for the Afghan people. They need a lifeline.”
The other co-hosts of the summit will be announced in due course.
