During the lead up to the quadrennial international donors conference, diplomats reckoned Afghanistan could receive 15%-20% less funding than the roughly $15.2 billion pledged at the last conference in Brussels in 2016 due to uncertainties over the peace process and difficulties getting commitments during the coronavirus pandemic. The European Union pledged $1.43 billion over four years but emphasized aid was conditional on strict requirements. Britain, one of the country's top bilateral donors, said in a statement it would pledge $227 million in annual civilian and food aid. "(Afghans) will need the ongoing support of the international community: political, financial, and technical. Now is not the time to walk away," said Deborah Lyons, head of the UN's mission to Afghanistan.

Source: Dhaka Tribune November 24, 2020 11:37 UTC