Kabul, 2 September 2020 —The Steering Committee of the Afghanistan Reconstruction Trust Fund (ARTF), a multi-donor trust fund administered by the World Bank, today held its annual meeting virtually. The Committee is co-chaired by H.E. Abdul Hadi Arghandiwal, Acting Minister of Finance, and Henry Kerali, World Bank Country Director for Afghanistan.
Ambassadors and representatives from donor countries and organizations discussed the role of the ARTF in moving forward the Afghan Government’s development agenda. They also reviewed the progress of the trust fund’s financing strategy over the 1397–1399 fiscal years as well as the Partnership Framework and Financing Program (PFFP) and discussed future financing and programing beyond 1399. ARTF funds a large part of Afghanistan’s national budget and the implementation of Afghanistan’s National Development Strategy. Through the ARTF, the Government works with international partners to reduce poverty, deliver essential services, sustain civilian budget operating costs, and implement key reform efforts.
“We are incredibly grateful for ARTF recent donations in response to COVID-19. We especially appreciate your generosity, efforts, and the commitment you’ve expressed to our community during these uncertain and challenging times, this year, our gratitude goes even deeper. Your support to fight COVID-19 helps us lead the way in responding to this unprecedented global health crisis. We are honored by World Bank that has reached out to us in so many ways through some major programs such as, REACH, ERHSP and EATS ).” said Abdul Hadi Arghandiwal, Acting Minister of Finance.
“As Afghanistan is going through a difficult political and economic situation imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, ARTF provides significant support to the Government to maintain service delivery and pursue its development goals,” said Henry Kerali, World Bank Country Director for Afghanistan. “ARTF is the largest and longest-standing single country multi-donor trust fund managed by the World Bank on behalf international partners to ensure continued support to the people and Government of Afghanistan.”
The Steering Committee discussed ARTF priorities after 2020 under the Partnership Framework Financing Program and endorsed annual updates to the PFFP. Members committed to continuing their strong partnership under the ARTF to promote good value for money in the delivery of ARTF-financed programs, strength administrative capacity and implement anti-corruption measures.
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About the ARTF: The Afghanistan Reconstruction Trust Fund Steering (ARTF) is a multi-donor trust fund administered by the World Bank on behalf of 34 current and past donors. It provides on-budget financing to support the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan’s development and reform priorities, and it is the single largest source of such funding to the Government.
