Rajiv Shah Speaks about Development at USGLC Event
Administrator Rajiv Shah spoke at length yesterday on the need for a generation of development entrepreneurs, before a standing-room only audience at an event hosted by the USGLC. Over 300 people attended the event at George Washington University, and were joined by another 100 watching online. Shah spoke candidly about the challenges USAID faces, and of his goal to make it “the world’s premier development agency.” “[W]e need to change internally,” he admitted. “USAID needs to change its culture, and change the way it does business.” Dr. Shah pointed to the recent criticisms of the agency made by Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT) as evidence that USAID needs to change—and will do so.
One announcement was the creation of a “new policy bureau and budget capacity” within the agency, as well as more commitment to program design and monitoring and evaluation.” “[I]t’s been made pretty clear to me — our time to change is now, and our time to change is short.” Shah also outlined four areas where he plans to focus his reforms in the coming year, including: recommitting to the Millennium Development Goals; investing more in country-led plans for growth; an increased focus on science and technology to assist development; and better implementing development programs in conflict areas. Shah also repeatedly stressed a commitment to and emphasis on transparency, saying that “Ultimately everything we do is about impact, not outputs, and we have an obligation to ensure that taxpayer dollars being well spent, saving lives and developing livelihoods.”
Dr. Shah reflected on his experience with Haiti—just days after he was sworn in as USAID Administrator, Shah was faced with a crisis of epic proportions as a devastating earthquake hit the beleaguered nation. But he rose to the challenge, winning plaudits from every corner for his swift, effective action in coordinating the U.S. response. Because of his—and our country’s actions—USAID made a real, tangible difference in the lives of Haitians. “[B]y providing chlorine tablets to purify drinking water, we were able to provide more people with access to clean water than before the earthquake hit.” As a result, “we’ve seen a 12% reduction in diarrheal illness in Port-au-Prince.” Gains like this underscore the need for continued investments in USAID’s capacity, and indeed in all of America’s development and diplomatic tools.
Dr. Shah commented, “Throughout its existence, the USGLC has been an ardent and passionate advocate for the elevation of diplomacy and development in American foreign policy.” He pointed to the recently-compiled pro-International Affairs Budget letters from all living former Secretaries of State, military leaders and others, respectively, as evidence of the USGLC’s effectiveness as an organization. When asked by one audience member as to how to get involved in development issues and make a difference, Shah suggested they “support the USGLC.”
