AKF USA Joins Local Rotary Club Meeting to Discuss Institution Building in Afghanistan

Joanne Trotter, Director of Programs, recently participated in a panel discussion about "Creating Sustainability: US Military and NGO Support for Institution Building in Afghanistan" at the Rotary Club of Dupont Circle, Washington, DC.

Joined on the panel by members from the U.S. Marine Corps, Joanne talked about AKF USA's work in Afghanistan, particularly in the northern providence, with local communities. Joanne emphasized the importance of making long-term development a part of AKF USA's plans to creating sustainability as well as making development for Afghans by Afghans, which includes ensuring local communities, and especially women, are part of the development work. 

The panel also discussed current coordination efforts between the government of Afghanistan, U.S. government agencies, and the non-governmental organizations and how these may be improved. Joanne and other panelists noted that greater coordination between all parties involved in Afghanistan would help move development forward faster in Afghanistan and that everyone needs a longer term view of development because the country's current problems necessitate long-term solutions. 

The panel discussion was hosted by the Rotary Club of Dupont Circle, Washington, DC on Tuesday evening, May 17, 2011.