http://www.usaid.gov/press/speeches/ Recent Speeches and Testimony from the U.S. Agency for International Development. http://www.usaid.gov/images/main/usaid_logoh.jpg http://www.usaid.gov en-us http://www.rssboard.org/rss-specification webmaster@info.usaid.gov webmaster@info.usaid.gov http://www.usaid.gov/press/speeches/2012/sp120206.html http://www.usaid.gov/press/speeches/2012/sp120206.html t's a great honor to speak here today on the topic of ensuring inclusive approaches toward peace processes and post-conflict peacebuilding. I want to thank American University's School of International Service and Julie Mertus in particular for their leadership in putting this program together, along with BlueLaw LLP, the Stimson Center, and Women Enabled. Mon, 06 Feb 2012 12:30:00 -0500 http://www.usaid.gov/press/speeches/2012/ty120202.html http://www.usaid.gov/press/speeches/2012/ty120202.html I do want to start by emphasizing this administration's commitment to transparency in aid and in foreign assistance, but also in asking for your help. And, I'll conclude with a few specific areas where I hope you as a community will continue to push and continue to help push the thinking forward on what the standards ought to be that we all try to achieve. Wed, 02 Feb 2012 02:00:00 -0500 http://www.usaid.gov/press/speeches/2012/sp120119.html http://www.usaid.gov/press/speeches/2012/sp120119.html I do want to start by emphasizing this administration's commitment to transparency in aid and in foreign assistance, but also in asking for your help. And, I'll conclude with a few specific areas where I hope you as a community will continue to push and continue to help push the thinking forward on what the standards ought to be that we all try to achieve. Fri, 27 Dec 2012 10:10:00 -0500 http://www.usaid.gov/press/speeches/2012/sp120120.html http://www.usaid.gov/press/speeches/2012/sp120120.html Today, there is broad consensus that climate change is one of our century's greatest challenges. And addressing it will require not only collective action, but also individual commitments to changing the way we interact with our environment. Tue, 24 Dec 2012 10:10:00 -0500 http://www.usaid.gov/press/speeches/2012/sp120118.html http://www.usaid.gov/press/speeches/2012/sp120118.html Across Africa, robust growth rates, a new commitment to health and agriculture and significant advances in science and technology are creating new opportunities in development. At least a dozen nations in Africa have expanded by more than 6 percent a year for at least six years. Mon, 23 Dec 2012 10:45:00 -0500 http://www.usaid.gov/press/speeches/2011/sp111220.html http://www.usaid.gov/press/speeches/2011/sp111220.html Nearly 80 years ago, Mohandas Gandhi addressed FICCI members at one of the organization's annual meetings Tue, 20 Dec 2011 10:45:00 -0500 http://www.usaid.gov/press/speeches/2011/ty111215.html http://www.usaid.gov/press/speeches/2011/ty111215.html We at USAID are especially concerned about the situation of Caribbean youth, who like their peers in Latin America, are struggling with high levels of unemployment, are disproportionate victims and perpetrators of crime, and are increasingly anxious about their future. These statistics highlight the need to target youth and young adults with programs that can prepare them for life. Fri, 02 Dec 2011 10:04:31 -0500 http://www.usaid.gov/press/speeches/2011/sp111201.html http://www.usaid.gov/press/speeches/2011/sp111201.html I want to congratulate the World Bank Group for the recent launch of the ninth Doing Business report. Fri, 02 Dec 2011 10:04:31 -0500 http://www.usaid.gov/press/speeches/2011/sp111115.html http://www.usaid.gov/press/speeches/2011/sp111115.html I am very pleased to have this opportunity to address the Afghan-American Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber and USAID have shared a common commitment to rebuilding Afghanistan. We have both worked to attract investment, generate employment, and expand market linkages. Together we have helped establish a more stable and economically sustainable Afghanistan. Tue, 22 Nov 2011 11:13:31 -0500 http://www.usaid.gov/press/speeches/2011/ty111115.html http://www.usaid.gov/press/speeches/2011/ty111115.html USAID's bilateral assistance programs in China focus on four principle areas: assisting Tibetan communities, addressing the threat of HIV/AIDS and other pandemic diseases; advancing the rule of law and human rights; and supporting environmental protection and climate change mitigation efforts. Wed, 16 Nov 2011 11:36:30 -0500 http://www.usaid.gov/press/speeches/2011/sp111104_2.html http://www.usaid.gov/press/speeches/2011/sp111104_2.html It was exactly 50 years ago today that President Kennedy signed the executive order that gave birth to this extraordinary agency, and I might add I got an opportunity in the Senate to serve with a number of the people who were with it -- with him at the birth of it, including George McGovern, who deserves a lot of credit I might add. Mon, 14 Nov 2011 16:59:30 -0500 http://www.usaid.gov/press/speeches/2011/sp111104.html http://www.usaid.gov/press/speeches/2011/sp111104.html Today, President Obama, Secretary Clinton, Secretary Panetta and most people in the military and development communities understand the crucial linkage between our country's national security and the human security of people throughout the developing world. Fri, 04 Nov 2011 16:59:30 -0500 http://www.usaid.gov/press/speeches/2011/sp111103_2.html http://www.usaid.gov/press/speeches/2011/sp111103_2.html President Kennedy famously challenged our nation during his inaugural address-asking us not what our country could do for us, but what we could do for our country. Few people have answered that challenge with as much clarity, dedication and sacrifice as the people of USAID. Fri, 04 Nov 2011 13:59:30 -0500 http://www.usaid.gov/press/speeches/2011/sp111103_1.html http://www.usaid.gov/press/speeches/2011/sp111103_1.html Fifty years ago, my father explained his vision for foreign aid and for USAID in an address here in Washington. I'd like to share a part of his speech, because I know you live these words every day. Fri, 04 Nov 2011 13:49:30 -0500 http://www.usaid.gov/press/speeches/2011/sp111103.html http://www.usaid.gov/press/speeches/2011/sp111103.html Fifty years ago, an entire generation of Americans was changed forever by John F. Kennedy's call to public service. The idea that we owe a common debt of service to each other, and that personal fulfillment could be achieved through a life dedicated to repaying that debt didn't originate with the Kennedy family, but it found a new resonance in the words and lives of John, Robert, Ted, Jackie, Ethel, Eunice and others. Fri, 04 Nov 2011 10:29:30 -0500 http://www.usaid.gov/press/speeches/2011/sp111020.html http://www.usaid.gov/press/speeches/2011/sp111020.html Amidst the seismic changes in today's world, aid shouldn't serve as a substitute for private capital. It shouldn't just improve health statistics. It should prioritize broad-based, sustainable economic growth that can boost incomes, create jobs, and reduce poverty, including right here at home. Thu, 20 Oct 2011 16:29:30 -0500 http://www.usaid.gov/press/speeches/2011/sp111018.html http://www.usaid.gov/press/speeches/2011/sp111018.html Certainly USAID as a partner agency is deeply proud of the longstanding and ever expanding partnership that we have with World Vision. I think that the American people value what you do on a day-in-and-day-out basis. Thu, 27 Oct 2011 16:29:30 -0500 http://www.usaid.gov/press/speeches/2011/sp111007.html http://www.usaid.gov/press/speeches/2011/sp111007.html TB has been killing people for more than 15,000 years and still plagues the world, especially the poor and most vulnerable populations in society. Artists from Rembrandt to Monet have depicted the impact of TB in their own lives in some of their most famous creations, as did Verdi in La Traviata. Tue, 11 Oct 2011 16:59:30 -0500 http://www.usaid.gov/press/speeches/2011/sp111005.html http://www.usaid.gov/press/speeches/2011/sp111005.html In my brief remarks today, I would like to share with you some of the elements of an approach, one of which targets scientific and technological breakthroughs, which we are taking to turn impossible challenges into solvable problems, particularly those that relate to the water sector. Wed, 05 Oct 2011 18:59:30 -0500 http://www.usaid.gov/press/speeches/2011/sp110923_1.html http://www.usaid.gov/press/speeches/2011/sp110923_1.html On behalf of the Agency for International Development, I appreciate this opportunity to provide an overview of USAID's efforts to provide women and girls with water security. Fri, 30 Sep 2011 16:20:30 -0500 http://www.usaid.gov/press/speeches/2011/sp110923.html http://www.usaid.gov/press/speeches/2011/sp110923.html I have been a great admirer of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) and the CBC Foundation since its creation in 1976. 1976 was first time I went to live in Africa, and the CBC has been my partner throughout my whole experience on the continent. Fri, 23 Sep 2011 09:20:30 -0500 http://www.usaid.gov/press/speeches/2011/sp110919.html http://www.usaid.gov/press/speeches/2011/sp110919.html Regarding water security and the related water, climate, and finance linkages, I would like to convey this underlying message. Mon, 01 Sep 2011 09:20:30 -0500 http://www.usaid.gov/press/speeches/2011/sp110916.html http://www.usaid.gov/press/speeches/2011/sp110916.html Speaking on behalf of the U.S. Agency for International Development, it is a privilege to be at this important event addressing the need for building a global awareness and crafting an education campaign aimed at global water needs. Fri, 23 Sep 2011 09:20:30 -0500 http://www.usaid.gov/press/speeches/2011/sp110922.html http://www.usaid.gov/press/speeches/2011/sp110922.html Our WASH efforts are critical towards addressing these challenges. In today's discussion, I want to share with you today some of the key polices, knowledge and experience that help form our WASH program-and provide some examples of how policy, programs and experience all come together in this effort. Thu, 22 Sep 2011 09:20:30 -0500 http://www.usaid.gov/press/speeches/2011/ty110908_1.html http://www.usaid.gov/press/speeches/2011/ty110908_1.html I welcome the opportunity to appear before you today to talk about how U.S. assistance to Afghanistan is an essential part of building the peace and enabling U.S. troops to draw down by 2014, as announced by President Obama. Thu, 22 Sep 2011 11:19:30 -0500 http://www.usaid.gov/press/speeches/2011/sp110908.html http://www.usaid.gov/press/speeches/2011/sp110908.html Since the launch of the Millennium Development Goals, the world has seen significant strides in education through the efforts of education ministries and their partners around the world. Developing countries have moved nearly 28 million more children into classrooms over the last decade by abolishing school fees, building new facilities, and being relentlessly focused on making sure that every child born anywhere has access to an education. Thu, 08 Sep 2011 09:20:30 -0500 http://www.usaid.gov/press/speeches/2011/sp110811.html http://www.usaid.gov/press/speeches/2011/sp110811.html It is a great honor to address this forum on the challenge of delivering effective development assistance in a changing global landscape. I've had the pleasure to partner with Interaction members for more than three decades, from the mid-70's when I was a first-tour development and rural health officer in the Central African Republic all the way to a few weeks ago in the Dolo Ado refugee camp on the Somali border. Thu, 11 Aug 2011 17:19:30 -0500 http://www.usaid.gov/press/speeches/2011/ty110804.html http://www.usaid.gov/press/speeches/2011/ty110804.html The drought in the Horn is the worst in 60 years and it is now affecting 12.5 million people in Somalia, Kenya, Ethiopia, and Djibouti. It's both a humanitarian and a security crisis, as famine has been declared in parts of southern Somalia and refugees are pouring across borders into drought-stressed areas of Kenya and Ethiopia. Thu, 04 Aug 2011 17:19:30 -0500 http://www.usaid.gov/press/speeches/2011/ty110803.html http://www.usaid.gov/press/speeches/2011/ty110803.html In scale and severity, the current drought in the Horn of Africa is the worst in 60 years and, according to the UN Office of the Coordination for Humanitarian Affairs, it is now affecting an estimated 12.4 million people in Somalia, Kenya, Ethiopia, and Djibouti. Wed, 03 Aug 2011 10:30:30 -0500 http://www.usaid.gov/press/speeches/2011/ty110726.html http://www.usaid.gov/press/speeches/2011/ty110726.html Section 15(k) of the Small Business Act requires that all Federal agencies with procurement powers establish an Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization. Fri, 29 Jul 2011 13:16:30 -0500 http://www.usaid.gov/press/speeches/2011/sp110613.html http://www.usaid.gov/press/speeches/2011/sp110613.html Both USAID and Water for People seek through water supply, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) programs to save and improve the lives of those threatened by unsafe water and sanitation related diseases. Fri, 29 Jul 2011 12:22:30 -0500 http://www.usaid.gov/press/speeches/2011/sp110725.html http://www.usaid.gov/press/speeches/2011/sp110725.html The U.S. Agency for International Development is proud to use its efforts to promote global development in support of this President's new strategy to combat transnational crime. This past September, President Obama announced the first-ever Presidential Policy Directive on development at the United Nations. This forward-looking policy statement makes clear that international development is in our national interest. Mon, 25 Jul 2011 13:22:30 -0500 http://www.usaid.gov/press/speeches/2011/sp110720.html http://www.usaid.gov/press/speeches/2011/sp110720.html This morning, the United Nations issued a famine declaration for South and Central Somalia. I also had a chance this morning to visit with Somali refugees in the Dadaab camp, and to visit other drought-affected communities inside of Kenya at Wajir. What I saw was striking. Thu, 21 Jul 2011 12:36:30 -0500 http://www.usaid.gov/press/speeches/2011/ty110719.html http://www.usaid.gov/press/speeches/2011/ty110719.html Long-term underdevelopment throughout Yemen has resulted in chronic poverty, poor nutrition, and sub-standard living conditions, particularly related to food insecurity and limited water supplies. The recent political upheaval has resulted in a dire economic situation and increased humanitarian needs. Tue, 19 Jul 2011 12:36:30 -0500 http://www.usaid.gov/press/speeches/2011/ty110713.html http://www.usaid.gov/press/speeches/2011/ty110713.html For over 57 years, the USAID Food for Peace program has allowed the United States to live up to our historic mission to help alleviate hunger around the world. With Congress's assistance, we have fed billions of the world's neediest people - perhaps the largest and longest-running expression of humanity ever seen in the world. Wed, 13 Jul 2011 14:13:30 -0500 http://www.usaid.gov/press/speeches/2011/ty110712.html http://www.usaid.gov/press/speeches/2011/ty110712.html Our diplomats are working intensively with the parties to resolve the issues between them through direct negotiations. Simultaneously, we at USAID, with our colleagues throughout the U.S. Government, are supporting Palestinians in their efforts to create robust institutions and a viable economy that are essential to a future Palestinian state that is a responsible neighbor and will contribute to regional peace, security, and stability. Mon, 18 Jul 2011 14:13:30 -0500 http://www.usaid.gov/press/speeches/2011/sp110707.html http://www.usaid.gov/press/speeches/2011/sp110707.html As you know, this Saturday, July 9th, the Republic of South Sudan will celebrate a ceremony to mark its independence, culminating a six-year peace process. Thu, 07 Jul 2011 13:13:30 -0500 http://www.usaid.gov/press/speeches/2011/ty110707.html http://www.usaid.gov/press/speeches/2011/ty110707.html In Somalia, the combined effects of consecutive seasons of failed or poor rainfall coupled with conflict, have resulted in rising inflation, crop failure, livestock mortality, population displacement, food insecurity, and significant acute malnutrition rates in Somalia. Thu, 07 Jul 2011 12:13:30 -0500 http://www.usaid.gov/press/speeches/2011/sp110628.html http://www.usaid.gov/press/speeches/2011/sp110628.html "As you know, this Saturday, July 9th, the Republic of South Sudan will celebrate a ceremony to mark its independence, culminating a six-year peace process. Fri, 08 Jul 2011 12:13:30 -0500 http://www.usaid.gov/press/speeches/2011/sp110628.html http://www.usaid.gov/press/speeches/2011/sp110628.html Tonight, early 1 billion will go to bed hungry, and each year 3.5 million children will die of malnutrition. And unfortunately, these numbers will get worse. Tue, 05 Jul 2011 12:13:30 -0500 http://www.usaid.gov/press/speeches/2011/sp110621.html http://www.usaid.gov/press/speeches/2011/sp110621.html And it's even more exciting that we have two outstanding award winners this year that absolutely personify a main lesson that I learned from Dr. Borlaug, which was as much as the scientists need to work at it and as much as we need support from so many agricultural experts, at the end of the day, political leadership at the highest levels makes the biggest difference in terms of whether we can end hunger or whether we will continue down the path we've been continuing down of, recently, actual increases in the number of people who go to bed hungry every night. Tue, 21 Jun 2011 16:04:30 -0500 http://www.usaid.gov/press/speeches/2011/sp110620.html http://www.usaid.gov/press/speeches/2011/sp110620.html That larger story-one of supporting people's desires for freedom and dignity, of determining the path of progress, of using technology to unite people, of empowering leaders to make courageous stands-is what I'd like to speak about today. Mon, 20 Jun 2011 16:04:30 -0500 http://www.usaid.gov/press/speeches/2011/ty110616.html http://www.usaid.gov/press/speeches/2011/ty110616.html Sudan is a priority for the Obama Administration-a country where we need to provide humanitarian, development, and stabilization assistance, all at the same time. Fri, 17 Jun 2011 12:17:30 -0500 http://www.usaid.gov/press/speeches/2011/sp110614.html http://www.usaid.gov/press/speeches/2011/sp110614.html But you know, the work we do in global development is at a really special and unique time. We've never had the chances that we have today to bring together the technologies, the innovations, the partnerships and the solutions that now exist to tackle extreme hunger, extreme poverty, the lack of health opportunity that exists for hundreds of millions of people around the world, and to do so in a manner that generates really specific results. Fri, 17 Jun 2011 12:16:30 -0500 http://www.usaid.gov/press/speeches/2011/sp110524.html http://www.usaid.gov/press/speeches/2011/sp110524.html Around the world, we're seeing food prices hit all-time highs. As of March, the UN Food Price Index had climbed for eight consecutive months, setting new records along the way. In India, wheat prices have soared even as wheat has seen bumper harvests in the country. And in Indonesia, rising rice costs have doubled the cost of a daily staple. Tue, 24 May 2011 14:51:30 -0500 http://www.usaid.gov/press/speeches/2011/sp110523.html http://www.usaid.gov/press/speeches/2011/sp110523.html Today's Development Forum really builds on the Development Forum that we had last fall. As many of you remember our conversation with our administrator, Rajiv Shah, who when we were discussing about the Presidential Policy Directives and we've had several Town Halls and different discussions since, but now with our first outside visitor and our Policy Seminar Series which we began earlier this year, a monthly opportunity really to hear from outside speakers about some of the issues that really challenge us in development. Tue, 24 May 2011 17:51:30 -0500 http://www.usaid.gov/press/speeches/2011/ty110519.html http://www.usaid.gov/press/speeches/2011/ty110519.html Cote d'Ivoire was once one of the most prosperous states in West Africa, but political instability in the past decade has taken a heavy toll on the population and the economy. In late November 2010, the country held the second round of the long-awaited Presidential elections, which pitted incumbent President Laurent Gbagbo against former Prime Minister Alassane Dramane Ouattara in a run-off. Fri, 20 May 2011 14:51:30 -0500 http://www.usaid.gov/press/speeches/2011/sp110517.html http://www.usaid.gov/press/speeches/2011/sp110517.html We have a security interest because states that are prosperous and free from conflict generally do not traffic in drugs and persons and weapons, they don't spew out large numbers of refugees across borders and across oceans, they don't serve as breeding grounds for pandemic diseases, they don't have pirates off their shore, and perhaps most importantly, they don't require American forces on the ground. Wed, 18 May 2011 10:00:30 -0500 http://www.usaid.gov/press/speeches/2011/sp110513.html http://www.usaid.gov/press/speeches/2011/sp110513.html Economic growth through private sector development is the most sustainable means to create jobs and poverty reduction. Georgia has already achieved significant accomplishments in economic reform and the reduction of corruption. Wed, 18 May 2011 10:00:30 -0500 http://www.usaid.gov/press/speeches/2011/ty110511.html http://www.usaid.gov/press/speeches/2011/ty110511.html Two months after joining the agency, I instituted one of the most sweeping sets of reforms USAID has ever undergone, a package of reforms we call USAID Forward. It's an early outcome of Secretary Clinton's comprehensive Quadrennial Diplomacy and Development Review. This ambitious set of reforms is changing the way we do business, with new partnerships and emphasis on transparency and accountability and a relentless focus on achieving results for our development dollars. Sat, 21 May 2011 10:51:30 -0500 http://www.usaid.gov/press/speeches/2011/sp110510.html http://www.usaid.gov/press/speeches/2011/sp110510.html Improved nutrition is crucial to the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals. Good nutrition in early life builds human and economic capacity through improved learning and productivity, and contributes to a robust and stable workforce. Tue, 10 May 2011 10:51:30 -0500 http://www.usaid.gov/press/speeches/2011/sp110425.html http://www.usaid.gov/press/speeches/2011/sp110425.html The United States Government continues to provide aid to the people of Libya. To date, we've committed $47 million toward humanitarian assistance. There have been some optimistic changes over the last two or three days, but conditions continue to be difficult to assess in many areas due to security. Tue, 26 Apr 2011 11:45:30 -0500 http://www.usaid.gov/press/speeches/2011/ty1100414_2.html http://www.usaid.gov/press/speeches/2011/ty110414_2.html To get the kinds of outcomes we are looking for, USAID now has several new tools at its disposal. The Obama Administration's Policy Directive on Global Development is guiding the U.S. Government to take stock of its efforts contributing to development outcomes, and to focus and improve the impacts of our interventions. Combined with Secretary Clinton's leadership in the Quadrennial Diplomacy and Development Review and Administrator Shah's own efforts to fundamentally change how USAID does business through USAID Forward, the United States is significantly improving the impact and efficiency of its work in Africa. Fri, 15 Apr 2011 11:45:30 -0500 http://www.usaid.gov/press/speeches/2011/ty1100414_1.html http://www.usaid.gov/press/speeches/2011/ty110414_1.html The President's fiscal year 2012 budget request for Europe and Eurasia builds on momentum for reform, seeks to entrench stability, and addresses key challenges that inhibit the full democratic and economic transitions of the region. To accomplish these objectives, the President's request includes $513.9 million for Assistance to Europe, Eurasia, and Central Asia; $14.5 million for Global Health and Child Survival (USAID); and $6 million for the Economic Support Fund. Fri, 15 Apr 2011 11:43:30 -0500 http://www.usaid.gov/press/speeches/2011/ty1100414.html http://www.usaid.gov/press/speeches/2011/ty110414.html Mr. Chairman, there's no question that Central Asia is, in many respects, a challenging environment for USAID. The political space and human rights record of many of the countries has been troubling. Yet our ability to succeed in Afghanistan and Pakistan is critically impacted by stability and progress in Central Asia. The region's importance to the United States demands that we find ways to engage the Central Asian republics and work to expand any openings for political and economic reform. Thu, 14 Apr 2011 15:15:30 -0500 http://www.usaid.gov/press/speeches/2011/ty1100413_1.html http://www.usaid.gov/press/speeches/2011/ty110413_1.html The evidence is clear: development saves lives, strengthens democracies and expands opportunity around the world. It also keeps our country safe and strengthens our economy. But our development assistance also expresses our American values. Wed, 13 Apr 2011 17:55:30 -0500 http://www.usaid.gov/press/speeches/2011/ty1100413.html http://www.usaid.gov/press/speeches/2011/ty110413.html Mr. Chairman, the President's FY12 budget request for USAID in the Western Hemisphere reflects the Administration's intent to focus our investments in priority countries and sectors and achieve lasting development gains overseas while contributing to the security and prosperity of the American people. Wed, 13 Apr 2011 16:55:30 -0500 http://www.usaid.gov/press/speeches/2011/ty1100412.html http://www.usaid.gov/press/speeches/2011/ty110412.html The evidence is clear: development saves lives, strengthens democracies and expands opportunity around the world. It also keeps our country safe and strengthens our economy. But our development assistance also expresses our American values. Thu, 14 Apr 2011 16:55:30 -0500