We seem only to think about the rest of the world when we have little choice but to do so – when our awareness is dragged there by conflict or catastrophe. It’s even true for a former ambassador like me who should know better. […]

But pitting support for international affairs programs against domestic spending is a false choice. The real question should be, “What tools are necessary to promote America’s vital interests at this important moment in our history?”...

For international development to be successful, it needs to be sustainable, cost-effective, and efficient. In other words, more like business[…]

We staged two events around Independence Day. For the American community, we hosted the closest thing we could create to a classic American picnic. There hotdogs and hamburgers, face painting and games for the kids – even a dunk tank for charity. The more important event, at least from the official State Department perspective, was the reception we hosted on embassy grounds for top Tanzanian officials and the diplomatic community.

People forget that utilizing partnerships is hardly new – it has long been the basis for successful development. For example, the President’s Malaria Initiative, which is housed at USAID, taps into the expertise and capabilities of a number of agencies, including the CDC, the Department of Health and Human Services, State – even the Department of Defense.

Former Congressman and Ambassador Mark Green’s Commencement Speech and Acceptance of Honorary Doctor of Science Degree, Georgetown University School of Nursing & Health Studies

Last week on Capitol Hill, Senator Boozman (R-AR) joined his colleagues Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Chris Coons (D-DE) to introduce legislation that will help create American jobs by dramatically increasing the number of U.S. exports to Africa.

While it isn’t comparable to the world-renowned parks of Tanzania and southern Africa, the Kakum National Park several hours south of Obuasi in northern Ghana has its own unique feel.

Report from Ambassador Mark Green during his trip to Ghana last week: For those who haven’t spent much time in Africa, it’s often hard to appreciate just how much malaria affects the continent and its people. In 2010, Ghana reported nearly five million cases of malaria. Twenty-one thousand children and 2,200 pregnant women died as a result of the disease…

Today we travelled up country in Ghana. The departure itself was interesting. We taxied on the runway past wrecks of long-departed planes.  Flew to Kumasi on four engine Starbow Airlines aircraft, an impressive Bombardier jet that seated about 90...