January 20, 2011

New USAID Reforms on the Right Track

Plans Call for More Effective and Efficient Development Efforts  

Washington, DC — The U.S. Global Leadership Coalition today released the following statement from Executive Director Liz Schrayer on USAID Administrator Shah’s “Modern Development Enterprise” remarks: 

“The USGLC commends Dr. Shah’s actions yesterday calling for aggressive reform in how U.S. development efforts are implemented.  USAID programming must be effective, accountable, and transparent, and Shah has outlined steps to ensure that our development dollars are having their intended impact. We are pleased this reform is not just talk but is already under way, as demonstrated through the new Foreign Assistance Dashboard and innovative monitoring and evaluation policy. 

“America’s civilian power is essential to strengthening our national security and advancing real economic growth.  Since 9/11, there has been a steady revolution in how America delivers foreign assistance and the results are significant.  Public-private partnerships are working and NGOs and other development implementers are making a real difference. At just one percent of the entire federal budget, we look forward to working with the Administration and Congress to ensure a strong and effective International Affairs budget with the resources to carry out needed reforms.  This is a cost-effective investment to advance America’s interests.”

The U.S. Global Leadership Coalition (www.usglc.org) is a broad-based influential network of 400 businesses and NGOs; national security and foreign policy experts; and business, faith-based, academic and community leaders in all 50 states who support a smart power approach of elevating development and diplomacy alongside defense in order to build a better, safer world.

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