On Thursday, April 28, the Resident Representative of Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) in Tajikistan, Ambassador Qozidavlat Qoimdodov, met here with Mr. Onno Ruhl, the General Manager of Aga Khan Agency for Habitat (AKAH).
According to AKDN Resident Office in Tajikistan, the sides discussed the prospects of further expansion of cooperation in the field of environmental protection and habitat improvement, increasing the resilience of communities to natural disasters in dangerous areas and the provision of humanitarian assistance.
It was noted that the long-term experience of AKDN programs, including AKAH), in disaster risk reduction through outreach and construction, repair and reconstruction of buildings, construction of drinking water and sanitation facilities, building sustainable public facilities, emergency management through the training of emergency response teams, the construction of emergency shelters and other sectors are contributing to the living space and life of the people.
Mr. Qoimdodov noted that AKDN and the Government of Tajikistan are developing a medium-term socio-economic program for ten years, and the contribution of AKAH to this program is crucial and effective.
Mr. Onno Ruhl, for his part, stated that cooperation with the Government is one of AKAH's priorities and it is making contribution to strengthening community resilience to natural disasters in Tajikistan through habitat improvement programs, humanitarian assistance and other relevant projects.
At the end of the meeting, the parties expressed their readiness for further expansion of cooperation and the development of joint programs for a longer period and to attract more funding to Tajikistan.
AKDN and its agencies focus on empowering and improving the lives of people in developing countries. AKDN programs are aimed at the well-being of all people, regardless of race, nationality, or religion.
AKAH, which merges the capabilities of Focus Humanitarian Assistance, the Aga Khan Planning and Building Services, AKDN’s Disaster Risk Management Initiative, and the Prince Sadruddin Aga Khan Fund for the Environment, works to ensure that poor people live in physical settings that are as safe as possible from the effects of natural disasters; that, residents who do live in high-risk areas are able to cope with disasters in terms of preparedness and response; and that these settings provide access to social and financial services that lead to greater opportunity and a better quality of life.
AKAH helps communities prepare for the worst; provides immediate relief after disaster strikes; and helps build back better and greener while planning for a better future. AKAH currently operates in Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Syria, Pakistan, and India, with plans to expand further in Central Asia as well as East Africa.
