"The Global Partnership for Afghanistan is the essence of what [the Clinton Global Initiative is] all about"
September 22, 2006, New York, NY – In his closing address at the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) conference today, President Bill Clinton today called upon participants to support Afghan farmers as they rebuild their livelihoods with the help of the Global Partnership for Afghanistan (GPFA).
"The Global Partnership for Afghanistan is the essence of what [the Clinton Global Initiative is] all about," said President Clinton, "They propose to partner with local farmers to launch 100 commercially viable orchard and woodlot businesses. Each [is] projected to generate an income sufficient to support a family of eight, eight now living in poverty-with a rate of return on the endeavor higher than the same people could earn by cultivating poppies."
"It's a huge deal. It gives Afghanistan a better chance. It means less opium and less heroin on the streets and in cities all over the world. This is also a model which is infinitely expandable. Here's something you can invest in that you know is going to work."
Selected to be part of the CGI "Poverty Alleviation" initiatives, the Global Partnership for Afghanistan's project will provide sustainable livelihoods and enable the planting of one million fruit and poplar trees.
"GPFA's commitment targets Afghanistan's most critical needs-reducing poverty, rebuilding high-value agricultural, establishing alternative livelihoods to poppy production, and ultimately, improving security," said Dana Freyer, GPFA's Co-Chair who attended the conference.
"President Clinton's moving call to action today spotlighted the plight of Afghan farmers who represent 80% of the workforce, and once provided 50% of GDP. We hope his leadership will inspire individuals, corporations and other donors to join us in scaling our program. Delivering a package of trees, fertilizers and technical support to help a farm family is a small price to pay for helping to restore economic and political security for Afghanistan."
M. Ishaq Nadiri, GPFA Co-Founder and currently Senior Economic Advisor to Afghanistan's President Hamid Karzai, said, "I have visited with farmers and witnessed first-hand the orchards and nurseries that GPFA's efforts have made possible. The trees and vines planted are bearing not only fruit, but hope as well. This assistance means living wages for families, marketable crops, and support to Afghanistan's urgent efforts to combat the illegal cultivation of poppies, all of which combine to strengthen this fledgling democracy.
"I know that President Karzai extends his support for this initiative as well. Agriculture, along with security and infrastructure, ranks as one of the President's top priorities."
The Global Partnership for Afghanistan partners with farm families to restore their orchard, woodlot and nursery businesses. These initiatives address Afghanistan's most critical needs-reducing poverty, rebuilding high-value agricultural, establishing alternative livelihoods to poppy production, and ultimately, improving security. GPFA is a 501(c) (3) non-profit and is formally registered as a local non-governmental organization with the government of Afghanistan.
The Clinton Global Initiative is a non-partisan catalyst for action, bringing together a community of global leaders to devise and implement innovative solutions to some of the world's most pressing challenges.