Responding to a freedom of information request, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office’s ‘Engaging with the Islamic World Group’ has confirmed British support for the Foundation which employed (?) Shaha Riza during her time away from the Bank.
According to the FCO:
At the Forum for the Future in Bahrain on 12 November 2005, the UK pledged $1 million to the Foundation for the Future. Many donors have made pledges to this initiative, which is part of the international community’s efforts to help the Broader Middle East and North Africa region develop their civil society. Half of the UK pledge has been paid on the understanding that it may be used towards start up costs. No UK funds have yet been disbursed by the Foundation. We expect to make payment of the remaining 50 per cent at a later date, upon receipt of satisfactory evidence of project activity.