USAID, Telenor to ensure power of digital communications for progress

ISLAMABAD (Staff Report) - The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and Telenor have announced to work jointly for accelerating socio-economic development in Pakistan.

Both the entities would support initiatives in m-Health, m-Education, m-Governance, and Agriculture.

The network of the mobile phone operator and portfolio (information-based, financial services, and connectivity) in each sector would help enhance USAID's development initiatives such as helping farmers gain better access to key information, improving reading skills for children, and supporting maternal and child health.

In this regard, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Telenor Pakistan, Michael Foley and Mission Director of United States Agency for International Development (USAID), John Groarke signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) here to initiate a strategic alliance between both the entities.

On the occasion, Michael Foley said the MoU gives a unique opportunity to carry on mission of using power of digital communications for country's empowerment.

He said through this partnership, we will be able to come up with more innovative mobile solutions in energy, health, education, governance and agriculture sectors by using technological infrastructure, powered by imperative content integration from USAID.

At the ceremony, Mission Director Groarke said USAID considers public-private partnerships as an important step in its development endeavors - and a logical progression in expansion and improvement in economic and social services for citizens of Pakistan.

Keeping in view the long-term sustainability and continuity, he said, USAID intends on developing more such partnerships across its Pakistan portfolio.

Top management executives of Telenor highlighted their commitment to accelerate technology adoption throughout Pakistan while USAID senior officials expressed their willingness to work together in engaging masses at scale while improving livelihoods and information access.