Washington, DC, September 22, 2010
President Barack Obama today will announce a new directive on global development, according to senior administration officials.
The presidential policy directive will provide a rational and more coherent policy that will work to reduce global poverty and ensure economic growth in poor countries.
“President Obama’s new development policy is a well-thought-out directive that will help make foreign aid more effective and provide assistance to people who desperately need it,” said Rev. David Beckmann, president of Bread for the World. “This is a victory for Bread for the World members who have been working hard to reform U.S. foreign aid.”
Under the new policy, the U.S. government intends to elevate development as a priority and strengthen the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).
The administration's strategy places stronger emphasis on support for inclusive, sustained economic growth; innovation and technology; more country selectivity; working with partners, including both corporations and nongovernmental organizations; and strong support for multilateral agencies like the United Nations.
Under the new directive, the State Department and USAID will work together, but each will have its own distinct functions and competencies.
“Implementation of this directive will require a lot of change, and details of the relationship between the State Department and USAID still need to be worked out,” added Beckmann. “It’s also important that the administration works with Congress to pass legislation needed to give these reforms the force of law.”
President Obama will announce the new policy during a speech to the United Nations today.
Bread for the World is a collective Christian voice urging our nation’s decision makers to end hunger at home and abroad.
Media Contact:
Kristen Youngblood, 202.464.8123
Racine Tucker-Hamilton, 202.464.8196
