U.S. foreign assistance’s effectiveness should be held to rigorous standard
Gerald Grinstein and William D. Ruckelshaus
Seattle Times, July 21, 2009
The global financial meltdown has impressed upon America the importance of accountability, transparency and sound risk management.
The inadequacy of these three elements in our financial system resulted in a catastrophic mess that is affecting our home values, retirement accounts and financial well-being. The effects extend far beyond our borders. After decades of progress in the fight against poverty, the World Bank estimates the current economic downturn could return millions of people in developing countries to extreme poverty and the ongoing struggle for food, water, shelter, education and health care. They would join the billion or more untouched by recent progress.
Americans want to help. We recognize, however, that every dollar must count. U.S. taxpayers are right to insist that each dollar spent overseas to fight poverty delivers the greatest impact possible. As the Obama administration works to restore checks and balances to our financial system, it should ensure that U.S. foreign assistance is held to the same rigorous standards of accountability and effectiveness. The American people — and the people our aid seeks to help — deserve no less.
Gerald Grinstein, left, is the former CEO of Delta Air Lines. William D. Ruckelshaus is a former Environmental Protection Agency administrator. Both are members of the Initiative for Global Development’s Leadership Council.
