Five Key Priorities for the London Conference on Afghanistan
On Dec. 4, 2014, David Cameron and Afghan President Ashraf Ghani will co-host the London Conference on Afghanistan. The conference offers a unique opportunity to secure continued support from the international community for Afghanistan's long-term development and stability.
Over the last decade, Afghanistan -- working with its partners in the international community -- has made commendable strides in expanding access to public health services and education and promoting human rights. Yet stark challenges remain. Afghanistan is threatened by externally supported extremist militants and a narcotics industry that continues to grow, despite massive attempts to eradicate it. It suffers from weak institutions and widespread corruption, and the government struggles to raise revenue from its anemic economy, so it is deeply reliant on foreign aid.
