GOAL was invited to meet with President George Bush at the White House last week , to discuss the ongoing emergency in Pakistan.

GOAL’s Donor Liaison, Jonathan Edgar, represented the agency at the meeting, which was also attended by two other international humanitarian agencies.

GOAL has a longstanding working relationship with the US Government, earning much kudos for their humanitarian efforts in Iraq, Afghanistan and most recently in Sudan’s troubled Darfur region.

Head of the US Agency for International Development (USAID), Andrew Natsios, described GOAL as one of the most efficient agencies operating in the field.

GOAL is currently implementing a US$2 million programme in Pakistan with the financial backing of USAID.

Edgar, who has vast experience of working in emergencies, brought President Bush up to date on GOAL’s short-term and medium-term plans for their aid effort.

Speaking of GOAL’s work in Sri Lanka in April, USAID’s Disaster Operations Specialist, David Lillie, said:
“GOAL is special because of its ‘can do’ spirit. They identify needs and adapt accordingly; are creative and innovative. I worked alongside GOAL in Afghanistan, Iraq and Sri Lanka – when we partner GOAL we know we’ll get the job done.”

The White House meeting took place at 1.30 pm (6.30 Irish time), Wednesday November 9th.

For more information please contact Jonathan Edgar on 087 634 7993 or
GOAL on (01) 280 9779.