Administrator Samantha Power continued her second day at the UN General Assembly High Level Week with a meeting with the new Unilever CEO Hein Schumacher. The two discussed the ongoing and extensive collaboration between USAID and Unilever on climate initiatives, including carbon mitigation, waste recycling and plastics reduction, deforestation and water security, as well as new areas for strengthened partnership like food security and regenerative agriculture.
Administrator Power then met with Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) President Dr. Muhammad Sulaiman Al Jasser, where they discussed the bank's work and opportunities for additional support and investment to address critical development issues and humanitarian crises in the Middle East, Africa, and globally. Administrator Power emphasized the importance of the IsDB's partnership - from food security to economic growth to climate - in confronting global development challenges and explored options to strengthen the relationship.
Administrator Power then met with Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe to discuss economic recovery and governance reforms in Sri Lanka. Administrator Power and President Wickremesinghe highlighted the importance of Sri Lanka taking meaningful action to advance anti-corruption commitments. The Administrator underscored strong U.S. support for dialogue and collaboration with civil society as Sri Lanka pursues political and economic reforms.
The Administrator later joined President Joe Biden during the C5+1 Summit with Heads of State from the five Central Asian Republics (C5). In the Summit, President Biden and the Presidents of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan discussed a range of issues, including security, trade and investment, regional connectivity, the need to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations, and ongoing reforms to improve governance and the rule of law. During the meeting, President Biden announced that USAID will convene a C5+1 Regional Connectivity Ministerial in Central Asia in October to discuss concrete actions that will drive inclusive, sustainable economic development.
In a meeting with President of Angola João Lourenço, Administrator Power reiterated the United State's enthusiasm for greater engagement, including through infrastructure investments to develop the Lobito Corridor through the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment. Administrator Power highlighted President Lourenço's leadership in diversifying the country's economy, combating corruption, and investing in Angola's food and water security, as well as discussing opportunities to increase USAID's engagement.
Concluding the day, Administrator Power attended President Biden's Leaders Reception.
