Kate Somvongsiri Advocates for Climate Resilience in Sindh

News Desk 

Karachi: Kate Somvongsiri, the Mission Director for Pakistan at the US Agency for International Development (USAID), recently engaged with provincial leadership, government counterparts, and development partners during her visit to Sindh.

The purpose of her visit was to further USAID’s commitment to improving lives and achieving mutual development goals in the region.

Under the framework of the US-Pakistan “Green Alliance,” USAID continues to collaborate with Pakistan to address climate, environmental, and economic challenges, with a focus on ensuring a sustainable future for future generations.

During her visit, alongside Consul General Conrad Tribble, Mission Director Somvongsiri met with Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah to reaffirm USAID’s partnership and support for development initiatives in Sindh.

Discussions also took place with Sindh Minister of Health and Population Welfare, Dr Azra Pechuho, focusing on ongoing collaborations in health, including successful interventions during crises such as COVID-19 and the 2022 floods.

USAID’s partnership with the Sindh government has been longstanding, spanning across various sectors such as education, water and sanitation, health and nutrition, clean energy, food security, economic advancement, and climate resilience.

During their visit to the Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Center (JPMC), which was established with US assistance in collaboration with Indiana University in the 1950s, CG Tribble and the Mission Director observed the tangible impact of initiatives supported by USAID on maternal and newborn care.

Furthermore, the Mission Director had the opportunity to meet with several accomplished female graduates who had received scholarships from USAID at the US-Pakistan Center for Advanced Studies in Water.

This collaborative initiative was established at Mehran University in partnership with the University of Utah.

Additionally, discussions were held with a company dedicated to harnessing artificial intelligence to improve agricultural practices. Their focus was on empowering farmers throughout the crop cycle, from seed to harvest.

Highlighting USAID’s dedication to building partnerships with local organizations, the Mission Director engaged with representatives from civil society and non-governmental organizations. These discussions revolved around crucial issues such as human rights, access to justice, and information, with a specific emphasis on empowering women, minorities, and marginalized communities.