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Country Specific Work of the Center for Sustainable Economies
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Events and Multimedia
Understanding Strategies to Address Corruption in Conflict Affected Countries
November 8, 2010 | This event discusses the forms of corruption in conflict affected states, and proposes strategies to address corruption that are conflict-sensitive and peace-building.
Webcast: High Value Resource Contracts, Conflict, and Peace in Afghanistan
July 2010 Competition for access to, and control of, abundant natural resources often triggers and sustains violent conflict. In Afghanistan, the award of the lucrative Aynak copper mines to the Metallurgical Corporation of China (MCC) in 2007 has raised a number of eyebrows. How could Afghanistan ensure that mining does not foster or fuel conflict? The panel explored these questions.
Countdown to Copper in Afghanistan: Pitfalls and Possibilities
February 2010 Copper deposits worth over $50 billion in Afghanistan’s Aynak valley could either present an opportunity for economic sustainability and political stability or become the focus of violent competition and grand corruption. Panelists discussed the steps necessary to ensure that the copper industry benefits local communities and promotes peace in Afghanistan; how the Afghan business sector could prepare to be fully integrated in the copper value chain and the role for external parties, like the United States, to help the Afghan government and community-based organizations to build capacity that would improve coordination and effectiveness.
The Challenges of Economic Growth in Afghanistan
October 2007 H.E. Minister Anwar-ul-Haq Ahadi, finance minister of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, addressed a range of issues pertaining to the Afghan economy, including privatization, resources, management, and corruption, at this event.
Publications
On the Issues: What if Kabul Bank Fails?
September 2010 On the Issues by Raymond Gilpin
Afghanistan’s largest commercial bank, Kabul Bank, went into turmoil after its top two directors stepped down in early September 2010 amid allegations of systemic corruption. Kabul Bank shortly thereafter froze the assets of the former chairman and former chief executive officer, as well as those of several other shareholders and major borrowers. USIP’s Raymond Gilpin provides context and offers his perspective on this crisis.
Improving High Value Resource Contracting in Afghanistan
August 2010 Peace Brief by Raymond Gilpin and Ashley Pandya
Afghanistan’s vast mineral wealth could contribute to state-building and sustainable development if mining contracts are fair, transparent and effectively monitored. Prudent management of mineral resources could trigger and sustain equitable economic growth and lay the foundation for lasting peace.
The USIP’s Center for Sustainable Economies focuses on the development of conflict-sensitive approaches to mitigate corruption at all levels of Afghanistan’s society, facilitate the development of community-based monitoring mechanisms in Afghanistan’s mining sector and evaluate potential impacts of corporate activity in mining communities.
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The Role of Civil Society in Monitoring Afghanistan’s Extractive Industries
The Center for Sustainable Economies project will empower civil society organizations in Afghanistan by developing tools for socio-economic monitoring, conducting a baseline survey of measurable indicators, establishing a public forum to promote accountability and publishing findings and recommendations. The project will also develop a multi-stakeholder data sharing system to share results and facilitate information flows. In partnership with Integrity Watch Afghanistan (IWA), USIP will develop survey instruments to capture socio-economic and environmental indicators; recruit, train and supervise field teams; develop and launch a shareable, web-based database; and facilitate conflict-sensitive dialogue among all stakeholders. The project will focus on activities in and around the copper and iron ore mines in Afghanistan‘s Logar and Bamyan provinces, respectively.
- View CSE’s Work on Afghanistan
- Download resources from the event: Understanding Strategies to Address Corruption in Conflict Affected Countries
- Visit Integrity Watch Afghanistan