MFAN News

MFAN News Message

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 20:30:00 GMT

Subscribe to MFAN News via email by entering your email address below:

MFAN's Co-Chairs Note Progress, Look to Opportunities Ahead

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 16:41:00 GMT

Subscribe to MFAN News via email by entering your email address below:

EVENT: MFAN Partner Oxfam America Hosts Rep. Ted Poe 12/13

Fri, 09 Dec 2011 16:37:00 GMT

Subscribe to MFAN News via email by entering your email address below:

Rep. Ted Poe Drops Bipartisan Foreign Assistance Bill with 30 Co-sponsors; Rep. Berman Releases FAA Draft; Budget Update

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 15:42:00 GMT

<table width="590" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" bgcolor="#e0e3d9" align="center"> <tr> <td> <img class="header-img" src="http://updates.modernizingforeignassistance.org/images/mfan_mail_header.jpg"/> </td> </tr> </table> <table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="12" width="590" align="center"> <tr > <td bgcolor="#FFFFFF" style="border:solid 1px #d1d1d1;font-size:12px;"> <p>Welcome to the Modernizing Foreign Assistance Monitor, a newsletter on global development and foreign assistance reform compiled by MFAN. Forward the MFAN Monitor to your contacts and urge them to <a target="_blank" href="http://www.modernizeaid.net/2009/08/26/take-action-learn-how-you-can-get-involved-with-mfan/?utm_source=email&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=MFAN102111">join our cause</a>! Also, stay up to date on aid reform though the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.modernizeaid.net/pressroom/blog/?utm_source=email&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=MFAN102111">ModernizeAid blog</a> and follow us on Twitter <a target="_blank" href="http://twitter.com/modernizeaid">@ModernizeAid</a> and <a target="_blank" href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Modernizing-Foreign-Assistance-Network/133260516740181?ref=ts">Facebook</a>.</p> <h2>Quote of the Week—</h2> <p>“It is time to modernize and reform the outdated American foreign aid program…Now more than ever it is important for people to know exactly where their money is being sent.”<br /> —<em>Rep. Ted Poe (R-TX-2) October 13, 2011</em></p> <h2>Latest News</h2> <ul> <li>Rep. Ted Poe Introduces Bill to Make Foreign Assistance More Effective</li> <li>HFAC Ranking Member Howard Berman Releases Updated FAA Draft</li> <li>Budget Update</li> <li>Town Hall on the PPD, One Year Later</li> <li>USAID Unveils Five-Year Policy Framework</li> <li>MFAN Co-Chair Jim Kolbe on Kojo Nnamdi Show</li> <li>Upcoming Events</li> <li>Job Opportunities</li> <li>MFAN in the News</li> </ul> <h2>Rep. Ted Poe Introduces the Foreign Aid Transparency and Accountability Act</h2> <p>Last week, Congressman Ted Poe (R-TX), a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee (HFAC), introduced new legislation aimed at reforming U.S. foreign assistance. The <em>Foreign Aid Transparency and Accountability Act</em> (<a target="_blank" href="http://poe.house.gov/News/DocumentSingle.aspx?DocumentID=264310">H.R. 3159</a>) directs the President, in consultation with the Department of State, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), and the Department of Defense, to: 1) establish guidelines regarding the establishment of measurable goals, performance metrics, and monitoring and evaluation plans that can be applied on a uniform basis to U.S. foreign assistance programs, country assistance plans, and international and multilateral assistance programs receiving U.S. assistance; and 2) maintain an Internet Web site to make publicly available comprehensive, timely, comparable, and accessible information on U.S. foreign assistance programs.</p> <p>Thirty original cosponsors joined Representative Poe in bipartisan support of the legislation, including HFAC Ranking Member Howard Berman (D-CA). The bill builds on bipartisan reform legislation introduced in the 111th Congress — The <em>Initiating Foreign Assistance Reform Act</em> (H.R. 2139) sponsored by Representative Howard Berman (D-CA) and former Rep. Mark Kirk (R-IL) and the Foreign Assistance Revitalization and Accountability Act (S. 1524) sponsored by Senators John Kerry (D-MA) and Richard Lugar (R-IN) — as well as <a target="_blank" href="http://www.usaid.gov/evaluation/">USAID’s evaluation policy</a> that was released earlier this year, and the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.foreignassistance.gov/">Foreign Assistance Dashboard</a> that was launched last year by the Obama Administration.</p> <p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.modernizeaid.net/2011/10/13/mfan-statement-poe-bill-would-strengthen-foreign-assistance-transparency-accountability/?utm_source=email&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=MFAN102111">Click here</a> to read MFAN’s statement on the bill.</p> <h2>HFAC Ranking Member Berman Releases Draft of the Global Partnerships Act</h2> <p>Last month, House Foreign Affairs Committee Ranking Member Howard Berman (D-CA) released a discussion draft of The Global Partnerships Act. This draft legislation would completely overhaul the outdated Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 and emphasizes key principles of reform including increasing local ownership of development projects, prioritizing accountability, and empowering a 21st-century development agency. Specifically, the draft legislation calls for: a global development strategy every four years; a Global Development Council made up of private sector voices for meaningful consultation on development policy; three-to-five year country strategies to improve planning; and measures to expand data available on the Foreign Assistance Dashboard, among other items.</p> <p>“After 50 years, the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 is in desperate need of reform,” said Congressman Berman. “It could be easy for some to look at Foreign Assistance, particularly in these tough economic times, and advocate for indiscriminate cuts instead of responsible reform. But cutting blindly, without fixing the underlying problems, will only make things worse.”</p> <p>In a <a target="_blank" href="http://www.modernizeaid.net/2011/09/08/mfan-statement-berman-lays-strong-legislative-foundation-for-future-of-u-s-foreign-assistance/?utm_source=email&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=MFAN102111">statement</a>, MFAN’s co-chairs asserted: “Development assistance programs are a key pillar of U.S. foreign policy in a complex world, working along with defense and diplomacy efforts to give the U.S. another all-important tool for responding to fast-moving events like the Arab Spring. This draft bill presents Members of Congress with a rare opportunity to work together to strengthen these programs and build a stronger foundation for U.S. foreign assistance.”</p> <p>MFAN Co-Chair George Ingram recently reviewed Rep. Berman’s draft bill for our blog—<a target="_blank" href="http://www.modernizeaid.net/2011/10/04/mfan-co-chair-reviews-the-global-partnerships-act-of-2011/?utm_source=email&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=MFAN102111">click here</a> to read it!</p> <h2>Foreign Assistance and the FY 2012 Budget</h2> <p>As Appropriators in the House and Senate work to complete the appropriations process for Fiscal Year 2012 before the current Continuing Resolution funding the government expires on November 18th, the risk of severe cuts to the International Affairs budget looms.</p> <p>At the same time, the Joint Select Committee (JSC) on Deficit Reduction continues to look for ways to rein in the deficit and must present a plan to Congress by November 23rd. Earlier this week, the JSC released all the recommendations letters received from standing Committees in the House and Senate on deficit reduction measures within their jurisdiction. House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairwoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen laid out 21 specific recommendations to cut spending to foreign aid programs in her <a href="http://www.deficitreduction.gov/public/_cache/files/a650db6b-8ad4-4049-ba7e-62ee4323e996/111014-House%20Foreign%20Affairs%20Majority-RepIleanaRosLehtinen-Recommendations%20to%20JSC.pdf">letter</a> to the JSC including proposals to: cap State Department operating expenses, reduce overall funding for USAID to FY’08 levels, and divert development assistance funding to the Development Credit Assistance Program.</p> <p>HFAC Ranking Member Howard Berman (D-CA) sent a <a href="http://www.democraticleader.gov/pdf/ForeignAffairs101311.pdf">letter</a> underscoring the importance of foreign assistance programs to national security, writing, “Our children cannot be safe when deadly diseases run rampant and the global environment is degraded. Our jobs will not grow if people in other countries cannot afford to buy the products we make. And our budget deficit will not shrink if we are called to respond with military force to national security threats that could have been addressed with less costly preventive measures.”</p> <p>House Appropriations Committee Ranking Member Norm Dicks (D-WA) also sent a <a href="http://www.democraticleader.gov/pdf/Appropriations101311.pdf">letter</a> that outlines the impact of sequestration should the Committee not agree on $1.2 trillion in deficit reduction. Rep. Dicks writes about the negative impact cuts to international assistance would have on international cooperation, global health, and food security. Read <a target="_blank" href="http://www.modernizeaid.net/2011/10/20/mfan-statement-super-committee-must-protect-foreign-assistance-programs-and-reform-progress/?utm_source=email&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=MFAN102111">MFAN’s statement</a> on the recommendations to the JSC.</p> <p>Outside the halls of Congress, several MFAN Partners have been building momentum to protect against deep cuts to foreign assistance programs and what’s referred to as the 150 account. In mid-September, 129 organizations—including MFAN—<a target="_blank" href="http://www.modernizeaid.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/Roll-Call-Joint-Approps-Ad.pdf?utm_source=email&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=MFAN102111">signed a letter</a> to oppose disproportionate cuts that appeared in <em>Roll Call</em>.</p> <p>In addition to other efforts throughout the community, MFAN launched a campaign to protect USAID’s operating budget. MFAN Principal Bill Anderson <a target="_blank" href="http://www.devex.com/en/articles/a-make-or-break-moment-for-us-foreign-policy?source=DefaultHomepage_Headline">wrote an op-ed</a> outlining, in no slim terms, the impact the proposed cuts would have not only on operations around the world but on critical reforms USAID started in an effort to streamline the agency.</p> <p>Anderson, who served at USAID for over 30 years, wrote: “Of all the cuts to emerge from last month’s House Foreign Affairs Committee draft authorization bill and the fiscal 2012 State-Foreign Operations Appropriations Subcommittee bill markup, the cut from USAID’s operating expenses budget may turn out to be one of the most painful for U.S. foreign policy.”</p> <p>MFAN put out a <a target="_blank" href="http://www.modernizeaid.net/2011/09/12/mfan-statement-gutting-usaids-operating-budget-would-repeat-painful-mistakes-of-the-past/?utm_source=email&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=MFAN102111">statement</a> on the effect of cuts to USAID’s operating budget, arguing: “With such cuts, the development pillar of U.S. foreign policy—which supports the health, poverty alleviation, and economic growth programs that help strengthen our defense and diplomatic efforts—would be weakened at a time when we need all the tools of U.S. foreign policy to address complex global challenges. Although we acknowledge the fiscal reality America faces, we know that these disproportionate cuts will have unacceptable consequences because we’ve already seen it happen before.”</p> <p>For a lighthearted way to learn more about the impact of cuts to USAID’s operating budget, check out this short <a target="_blank" href="http://www.modernizeaid.net/2011/09/12/psa-dont-cut-off-your-nose-to-spite-your-face/?utm_source=email&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=MFAN102111">public service announcement</a> brought to you by the Association for Noseless Americans.</p> <h2>The Presidential Policy Directive on Global Development: One Year Later</h2> <p>On September 14th, MFAN hosted a town hall forum on the Presidential Policy Directive on Global Development (PPD). Panelists took questions on their views of the PPD one year after the release of the global development policy and progress each agency is making on implementing the directive. The discussion also touched upon the overwhelming sense of austerity, with each panelist addressing the potential effect of budget cuts on U.S. foreign assistance.</p> <p>MFAN Co-Chair Jim Kolbe kicked off the event by highlighting the importance of reform in these tough fiscal times. The panel was moderated by Carol Lancaster, Dean of Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service and former Deputy Administrator of USAID. Panelists included: Sheila Herrling, Vice President for Policy and Evaluation of the Millennium Challenge Corporation; Marisa Lago, Assistant Secretary of the Treasury for International Markets and Development; Ambassador Demetrios Marantis, Deputy United States Trade Representative; Susan Reichle, Assistant to the Administrator, Bureau of Policy, Planning and Learning, U.S. Agency for International Development; and Jake Sullivan, Director of Policy Planning, Department of State.</p> <p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.modernizeaid.net/2011/09/12/psa-dont-cut-off-your-nose-to-spite-your-face/?utm_source=email&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=MFAN102111">Check out a video</a> of the event or <a target="_blank" href="http://www.modernizeaid.net/2011/09/20/taking-a-closer-look-at-the-ppd-one-year-later/?utm_source=email&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=MFAN102111">read a recap</a>!</p> <h2>USAID Unveils Policy Framework 2011-2015</h2> <p>The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) released its <a target="_blank" href="http://usaid.gov/policy/USAID_PolicyFramework.PDF">Policy Framework 2011-2015</a> at the one-year anniversary of the President’s Policy Directive on Global Development (PPD). Outlining the agency’s priorities and strategies for the next four years, the framework builds on the underlying principles of <a target="_blank" href="http://forward.usaid.gov/">USAID Forward</a>, the PPD, and the Quadrennial Diplomacy and Development Review. The Policy Framework lays out seven core development objectives: increasing food security; promoting global health; reducing emissions and mitigating climate change; driving sustainable, broad-based economic growth; expanding and sustaining stable, prosperous, democratic states; providing humanitarian assistance and disaster mitigation; and preventing and responding to crises, conflict, and instability.</p> <p>In his foreward, USAID Administrator Raj Shah expresses his hope that the framework will compel “our missions and partners around the world to focus relentlessly on achieving and measuring development impact, which is especially important in an environment where we must generate more results out of every dollar we spend.” USAID plans to evaluate its Policy Framework every four years, examining new goals and striving to deliver assistance more effectively.</p> <h2>MFAN Co-Chair Jim Kolbe on Kojo Nnamdi Show</h2> <p>MFAN Co-Chair Jim Kolbe and Oxfam America’s Vice President for Policy and Campaigns Paul O’Brien partnered up last month on the Kojo Nnamdi Show, discussing the “Future of Foreign Aid.” With the anniversary of the PPD, Kolbe and O’Brien focused on the key points of U.S. foreign assistance reform, including the need to overhaul the “antiquated” Foreign Assistance Act and elevate aid as a key pillar equal to defense and diplomacy. The challenges facing these needed reforms in an austere budget environment are considerable, as several callers noted. But O’Brien claimed the conventional wisdom that “we can either help people here in the United States… or we can help people overseas” is a false dichotomy. As Kolbe reminded listeners, “In the long run, [aid] has helped the U.S. over the years….we [must] continue to support foreign assistance for the moral reasons, the national security reason s, and the democracy reasons.”</p> <p>To listen to the full segment, the “Future of Foreign Aid”, click <a target="_blank" href="http://thekojonnamdishow.org/shows/2011-09-19/future-american-foreign-aid/transcript">here</a>.</p> <h2>Upcoming Events</h2> <ul> <li><strong>Tuesday, October 25th: Overdue for Action: Gender, Property Rights and Economic Development</strong><br /> Developing countries have a dismal record in providing women with rights to land. Among the causes of the feminization of poverty (unequal access to education, health care, shelter) property rights looms large and affects economic opportunity and outcomes for an entire population. In "<a target="_blank" href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=qq6fe5bab&et=1108193390720&s=0&e=001SbJKZYnIgInsy39HOMWphy9rYx7ELZ1L5ndealkXDMz2UIQ6WJpf8EVrE5I_zj89asqGhkUTW6N7UsjDjq_j1hDhES8sNkyBtuljJyXD-cn8jdgngQRl76UapDJEBSVJJG3O62WLLBQ=">Gender and Property Rights</a>" Carol Rabenhorst reports that while some donor programs show some success, and while gender and property have long been recognized as a serious human rights concern, access to property is vital to any economic agenda. She targets four steps donors can take to more effectively integrate gender into economic development for all. The International Housing Coalition hosts a panel to discuss whether and how donors face this challenge. <ul> <li>10 am – 12 pm at Millennium Challenge Corporation (875 Fifteenth Street, NW)</li> <li>RSVP: to <a target="_blank" href="http://www.eventbrite.com/event/2314827712">http://www.eventbrite.com/event/2314827712</a> or to Laurie Ducca at 202 261 5775</li> </ul> </li> <li><strong>Tuesday, October 25th: Ending Hunger Through Development</strong><br /> On Tuesday, October 25, 2011, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.feedthefuture.gov/leadership.html">Tjada McKenna</a>, Deputy Coordinator for Development, U.S. Feed the Future Initiative will hold a conversation with <a target="_blank" href="http://www.bread.org/about-us/david-beckmann.html">David Beckmann</a>, President, Bread for the World, on Ending Hunger Through Development. The discussion will be moderated by Cheryl Benton, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs. You are invited to participate by submitting questions, some of which will be selected for response during the live broadcast. <ul> <li>2:00 PM streamed live on <a target="_blank" href="http://www.state.gov/">www.state.gov</a> and <a target="_blank" href="http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/site">DipNote</a>, the Department of State’s official blog</li> <li>Submit your questions on <a target="_blank" href="http://blogs.state.gov/index.php/site/entry/join_a_discussion_on_ending_hunger_through_development">DipNote</a>.</li> </ul> </li> <li><strong>Wednesday, October 26th: Corporations Supporting Women and Girls: Ethics, Efficiency, and Effectiveness</strong><br /> Women Thrive Worldwide’s Gender Roundtable discussion focuses on the private sector’s engagement in women’s and girls’ global development and whether the private organizations should subscribe to a set of ethical guidelines. Panelists include Ritu Sharma, Co-Founder and President, Women Thrive Worldwide; Pradeep Ramamurthy, Deputy Counselor for Innovation, United States Agency for International Development; Carol Grigsby, Senior Advisor, Economic Growth, Agriculture, and Trade (EGAT) Bureau, USAID; Dean Cycon, Founder and CEO, Dean's Beans Organic Coffee Company; Joan Libby Hawk, Special Advisor, Women's Empowerment Principles, UN Women and UN Global Compact; and Penny Abeywardena, Senior Manager, Women and Girls Portfolio, Clinton Global Initiative. <ul> <li>3:30-5:30 PM at the FHI 360 North Building (1875 Connecticut Avenue, the Board Room/Room 800)</li> <li>Please RSVP to Laura Tashjian at <a href="mailto:ltashjian@womenthrive.org">ltashjian@womenthrive.org</a></li> </ul> </li> <li><strong>Wednesday, October 26th: The Role of the United Nations in Promoting Prosperity and Development</strong><br /> Dr. Yumkella will provide his views on the role of the United Nations in fostering opportunities for sustainable development and lasting prosperity, as well as his work as Chairman, UN Energy. During his tenure as director general of UNIDO Dr. Yumkella has played a pivotal role in shaping policies and programs to address a wide variety of issues including sustainable industrial development, trade capacity building, public-private partnerships, renewable energy and energy efficiency, poverty reduction, climate change, food security, as well as issues specific to development needs in Africa. <ul> <li>4:00pm-5:30pm in B1 Conference Center, CSIS (1800 K. St. NW)</li> <li>Please RSVP to Lee Williams at <a href="mailto:lwilliams@csis.org">lwilliams@csis.org</a></li> </ul> </li> <li><strong>Thursday, October 27th: Increasing Access to Water & Sanitation: Building on Success for Greater Aid Effectiveness</strong><br /> Please join Reps. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), Jeff Fortenberry (R-NE), and Ted Poe (R-TX) for a briefing on the importance of providing sustainable access to safe drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) in the context of broader US foreign assistance to the developing world. They will be joined by a distinguished panel highlighting USAID’s work with NGOs and the private sector to find solutions through their <a target="_blank" href="http://idea.usaid.gov/organization/div">Development Innovation Ventures</a> (DIV) grant program, USAID’s partnership with <a target="_blank" href="http://www.gatesfoundation.org/topics/Pages/water-sanitation-hygiene.aspx">The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation</a> and <a target="_blank" href="http://www.care.org/careswork/whatwedo/health/water.asp">CARE</a> to increase access to sanitation, and exploring ways to develop transparency and accountability methods so every WASH dollar is spent productively. <ul> <li>1:30 PM in 340 Cannon House Office Building</li> <li>Please RSVP to <a href="mailto:Michael.Harold@mail.house.gov">Michael.Harold@mail.house.gov</a></li> </ul> </li> <li><strong>Thursday, October 27th: Famine in the Horn: Assessing the US Response</strong><br /> The Atlantic Council hosts Nancy Lindborg, assistant administrator for democracy, conflict, and humanitarian assistance at the US Agency for International Development USAID) for remarks and a discussion. The conversation will focus on ongoing efforts by the United States to alleviate the impact of the famine, the long-term regional development and security implications, and coordination within the United States and among other donors. <ul> <li>2-3:30 at the Atlantic Council (1101 15th Street, NW, 11th Floor)</li> <li>RSVP with your name and affiliation to <a href="mailto:ksmith@acus.org">ksmith@acus.org</a></li> </ul> </li> <li><strong>Friday, October 28th: USAID at 50: Legacy of Progress and Future of Partnership</strong><br /> Over the last 50 years, USAID has played an invaluable role in advancing American foreign policy objectives, enabling democracy and development, and reducing poverty worldwide. Since its inception, the agency has undergone an evolution in both its institutional structure and in the nature of its programs. Current Administrator Dr. Rajiv Shah and former administrators Henrietta Fore, Andrew Natsios, Brian Atwood (by video), and Peter McPherson, will join us to discuss their perspectives on the trajectory of the agency. Each administrator will share the challenges and opportunities unique to their time in office, as each of their tenures was defined by different development needs ranging from health, entrepreneurship, crisis management, democracy promotion, to food security. Please join us to recognize a legacy of progress, learn about a future of partnership, and celebrate the 50th anniversary of the United States' most prominent development agency. <ul> <li>10:00-11:30 AM at The Center for Strategic and International Studies (1800 K St. NW, Washington, DC)</li> <li>Registration is required, as seating is limited. Please RSVP to <a href="mailto:ChevronForum@csis.org">ChevronForum@csis.org</a> by October 26.</li> </ul> </li> <li><strong>Friday, October 28th: Basic Education Coalition – Congressional Briefing on Education in Conflict and Emergency Situations</strong><br /> Please join members of the Basic Education Coalition for a discussion on the importance of international basic education in conflict and emergency situations. The briefing will highlight a range of U.S. Government funded programs that are helping to strengthen fragile states, build civil societies that promote democracy, spur economic growth, and equip populations vulnerable to civil war and regional conflict with the skills and capacities for a better future. <ul> <li>10:30 – 11:30 AM in 340 Cannon House Office Building</li> <li>Please RSVP to Anna Roberts: 202-884-8751 or e-mail: <a href="mailto:aroberts@basiced.org">aroberts@basiced.org</a></li> </ul> </li> <li><strong>Tuesday, November 1st: Reducing Urban Poverty: Innovative Thinking from the Next Generation of Urban Scholars</strong><br /> Recognizing a need to develop and strengthen urban-focused practitioner and policy-making ties with academia, and disseminate evidence-based development programming, the Woodrow Wilson Center's Comparative Urban Studies Project, USAID's Urban Programs Team, the International Housing Coalition, the World Bank, and Cities Alliance teamed up to co-sponsor the second annual academic paper competition for graduate students studying urban issues. Join us in a discussion with the authors of the winning papers and seasoned experts in the field. <ul> <li>9-11 AM at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars (6th Floor Flom Auditorium, 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW)</li> <li>Please RSVP to <a href="mailto:cusp@wilsoncenter.org">cusp@wilsoncenter.org</a> with your name and affiliation.</li> </ul> </li> <li><strong>Tuesday, November 1st: Seizing the Opportunity in Public Private Partnerships</strong><br /> The Center for Strategic and international Studies will discuss the issues and opportunities in working with the private sector on development and suggest ways in which the U.S. government can take fuller advantage of these partnerships. The event features remarks by Henrietta H. Fore, Chairman and CEO, Holsman International and CSIS Trustee; a conversation with: E. Neville Isdell, Former Chairman and CEO, The Coca-Cola Company; and framing remarks by Holly Wise Former Director, USAID Global Development Alliance Initiative and CSIS Senior Associate. A panel moderated by Daniel Runde, Co-Director, CSIS Project on U.S. Leadership in Development and William A. Schreyer Chair in Global Analysis, includes Jeri Jensen, Senior Director for Policy, Initiative for Global Development; Drew Luten, Senior Associate, Booz Allen Hamilton; Jane Nelson, Director, Corporate Social Responsibility Initiative, Harvard Kennedy School; and Dennis Whittle, Co-Founder, GlobalGiving. <ul> <li>10 AM-12 PM in the in B1 Conference Center, Center for Strategic and International Studies (1800 K. St. NW)</li> <li>Please RSVP to <a href="mailto:ecoates@csis.org">ecoates@csis.org</a></li> </ul> </li> <li><strong>Tuesday, November 1st: The Private Sector and Sustainable Development: Market-Based Solutions for Addressing Global Challenges</strong><br /> On November 1, Global Economy and Development at Brookings will host a discussion on the role of the private sector in development. Doug McMillon, president and chief executive officer of Walmart International, will offer remarks and join a panel discussion featuring Bruce McNamer, president and chief executive officer of TechnoServe and Brookings nonresident senior fellow Jane Nelson, director of the Corporate Social Responsibility Initiative at Harvard University. Brookings Vice President Kemal Derviş, director of Global Economy and Development, will moderate the discussion. After the program, the panelists will take audience questions. <ul> <li>1-2:30 PM at Brookings (1775 Massachusetts Ave, NW, Falk Auditorium)</li> <li>To RSVP for this event, please call the Office of Communications at 202.797.6105 or <a target="_blank" href="http://www.cvent.com/d/kcqmjw/4W">click here</a>.</li> </ul> </li> </ul> <h2>Job Opportunities</h2> <ul> <li>Save the Children Director for Development Policy and Advocacy - Aid Effectiveness. This position will lead a two-person team directing Save the Children’s Aid Effectiveness policy and advocacy work, focusing on the U.S. government. Desired qualifications for candidates include at least 10-12 years of professional experience in policy development and advocacy, international development and/or humanitarian response, preferably with an international non-governmental organization, U.S. Executive Branch agency, congressional office, or think tank/research organization. For more information and to apply, please email Nora O’Connell at <a href="mailto:noconnell@savechildren.org">noconnell@savechildren.org</a>.</li> <li>Connect U.S. Fund Program Director. The Connect U.S. Fund is seeking to hire a Program Director to manage the Fund’s climate change operations and grant-making. For more information and to apply, <a target="_blank" href="http://connectusfund.org/resources/program-director">click here</a>.</li> </ul> <h2>MFAN in the News</h2> <ul> <li><a target="_blank" href="http://www.rollcall.com/issues/57_45/ted_poe_jim_kolbe_shedding_more_light_us_foreign_aid-209634-1.html?zkPrintable=true">Poe and Kolbe: Shedding More Light on U.S. Foreign Aid</a> (Roll Call- Rep. Ted Poe and former Rep. Jim Kolbe, October 20)</li> <li><a target="_blank" href="http://www.rollcall.com/news/cuts_foreign_assistance_penny_wise_pound_foolish-209613-1.html">Glickman and Green: Cuts in Foreign Assistance Are Penny Wise and Pound Foolish</a> (Roll Call-Dan Glickman and Mark Green, October 19)</li> <li><a target="_blank" href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/thomas-r-nides/investment-in-global-lead_b_1011721.html">America's Investment in Global Leadership Advances U.S. National Security and Economic Prosperity</a> (Huffington Post-Thomas Nides, October 19)</li> <li><a target="_blank" href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/were-already-reforming-foreign-aid/2011/10/05/gIQA3UiZYL_print.html">We’re already reforming foreign aid</a> (Washington Post-George Ingram, October 9)</li> <li><a target="_blank" href="http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1011/65322.html">Pursuing U.S. values and self-interest</a> (Politico-Thomas Nides, October 6)</li> <li><a target="_blank" href="http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/04/us/politics/foreign-aid-set-to-take-hit-in-united-states-budget-crisis.html?_r=1&nl=todaysheadlines&emc=tha2">Foreign Aid Set to Take a Hit in U.S. Budget Crisis</a> (New York Times-Steven Lee Myers, October 3)</li> <li><a target="_blank" href="http://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2011/09/we-dont-give-out-foreign-aid-to-make-people-like-us/245856/#.ToWpDgvs-Ew">We Don't Give Out Foreign Aid to Make People Like Us</a> (The Atlantic-James Lindsay, September 29)</li> <li><a target="_blank" href="http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-09-27/geithner-says-multilateral-development-banks-vital-to-growth.html">Geithner Says Multilateral Development Banks ‘Vital’ to Growth</a> (Bloomberg, September 27)</li> <li><a target="_blank" href="http://thehill.com/blogs/congress-blog/foreign-policy/182571-dont-cut-foreign-aid-millions-of-lives-at-stake">Don't cut foreign aid- Millions of lives at stake</a> (The Hill-Rep. Barbara Lee, September 20)</li> <li><a target="_blank" href="http://thehill.com/opinion/op-ed/182485-self-interest-argues-for-enlightenment">Self-interest argues for enlightenment</a> (The Hill-Andrew Mitchell, September 19)</li> <li><a target="_blank" href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/carolyn-s-miles/what-if-your-child-was-hu_b_964784.html">What if Your Child Was Hungry in Africa?</a> (The Huffington Post-Carolyn S. Miles, September 18)</li> <li><a target="_blank" href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/post-partisan/post/in-zoellicks-george-washington-speech-a-global-power-shift/2011/09/16/gIQArFmnXK_blog.html">The global power shift</a> (The Washington Post-Robert Samuelson, September 16)</li> <li><a target="_blank" href="http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/health/110916/kenya-ghi-future-pepfar-aids">In Kenya, a glimpse into GHI's future</a> (Global Post, September 16)</li> <li><a target="_blank" href="http://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/16/world/africa/famine-hits-somalia-in-world-less-likely-to-intervene.html?pagewanted=1&ref=africa">Famine Ravages Somalia in a World Less Likely to Intervene</a> (The New York Times, September 15)</li> </ul> </td> </tr> </table>

Subscribe to MFAN News via email by entering your email address below:

Rep. Howard Berman Previews FAA Rewrite on MFAN Blog

Mon, 25 Jul 2011 19:47:00 GMT

Subscribe to MFAN News via email by entering your email address below:

MFAN Launches New Benchmarks for Reform Progress; Focus on Development in AfPak

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 20:40:00 GMT

<table width="590" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" bgcolor="#e0e3d9" align="center"> <tr> <td> <img class="header-img" src="http://updates.modernizingforeignassistance.org/images/mfan_mail_header.jpg"/> </td> </tr> </table> <table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="12" width="590" align="center"> <tr > <td bgcolor="#FFFFFF" style="border:solid 1px #d1d1d1;font-size:12px;"> <h1>Modernizing Foreign Assistance Monitor (6.27.2011)</h1> <p>Welcome to the Modernizing Foreign Assistance Monitor, a newsletter on global development and foreign assistance reform compiled by MFAN. Forward the MFAN Monitor to your contacts and urge them to <a target="_blank" href="http://www.modernizeaid.net/2009/08/26/take-action-learn-how-you-can-get-involved-with-mfan/?utm_source=email&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=MFAN062711">join our cause</a>! Also, stay up to date on aid reform though the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.modernizeaid.net/pressroom/blog/?utm_source=email&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=MFAN062711">ModernizeAid blog</a> and follow us on Twitter <a target="_blank" href="http://twitter.com/modernizeaid">@ModernizeAid</a> and <a target="_blank" href="http://twitter.com/modernizeaid">Facebook</a>.</p> <h2>Quote of the Week—</h2> <p>“We cannot rely on the unsustainable stability provided by autocrats, or limit our assistance to groups that have been endorsed by governments. Instead, we will seek real democratic reform as a means to further peace and give people the ultimate voice in their own destiny and development. USAID's work must reflect a deeper understanding of the words ‘country ownership.’ Instead of equating a country with its government, [we] have to partner much more closely with an entire range of stakeholders: parliaments, opposition parties, civil society and most crucially, the citizens themselves.”<br /> <em>-USAID Administrator Rajiv Shah, June 20, 2011</em></p> <h2>Latest News</h2> <ul> <li>MFAN Releases Legislative Standards and Administration Benchmarks</li> <li>SFRC Report Uncovers Foreign Assistance Challenges in Afghanistan</li> <li>CGD Looks <em>Beyond Bombs and Bullets</em> in Pakistan</li> <li>CCEFA Attracts Bipartisan Support</li> <li>CSIS Initiates U.S. Leadership in Development Project</li> <li>PWYF Launches Aid Transparency Campaign</li> <li>MFAN’s Coverage of the OECD Ministerial Council Meeting</li> <li>MFAN-MSH Event Recap</li> <li>Upcoming Events</li> <li>Job Opportunities</li> <li>MFAN in the News</li> </ul> <h2>MFAN Releases New Measures to Move Reform Forward</h2> <p>Last week, MFAN unveiled two new documents: Standards for Global Development Legislation and Key Benchmarks for Global Development Policy Reform. MFAN created the eight legislative standards to guide policymakers and advocates as they consider legislation related to global development. These standards, ranging from reducing funding directives to partnering with other public- and private-sector donors, will help support progress on reform in the absence of an overhaul of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961. To read more about the legislative standards, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.modernizeaid.net/2011/06/16/mfan-introduces-legislative-standards-for-global-development/?utm_source=email&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=MFAN062711">click here</a>.</p> <p>MFAN also released <a target="_blank" href="http://www.modernizeaid.net/2011/06/16/mfan-releases-key-benchmarks-for-global-development-policy-reform/?utm_source=email&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=MFAN062711">benchmarks</a> to monitor the Obama Administration’s implementation of key policy reforms made over the last year, including the President’s global development policy and the first-ever Quadrennial Diplomacy and Development Review (QDDR).</p> <h2>SFRC Report Addresses Challenges for Development in Afghanistan</h2> <p>Earlier this month, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee majority staff <a target="_blank" href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/national-security/afghan-nation-building-programs-not-sustainable-report-says/2011/06/07/AG5cPSLH_story.html?hpid=z1">released a report</a> assessing the impact of U.S. development efforts in Afghanistan. This report, two years in the making, comes at a time when the Obama Administration is reevaluating its drawdown strategy for U.S. troops in the country. Examining civilian strategy in areas cleared of the Taliban by the military, the report concludes that positive development gains may not be sustainable. Other observations the report makes include lack of oversight, no clear lines of authority, and lack of coordination among development experts and the U.S. military.</p> <p>Still, there are signs that foreign assistance reform efforts, embraced by the Obama administration and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), are being implemented. To read MFAN’s statement on the SFRC report and the positive signs for development in Afghanistan, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.modernizeaid.net/2011/06/09/mfan-statement-sfrc-afghanistan-report-includes-positive-signs-despite-challenges/?utm_source=email&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=MFAN062711">click here</a>.</p> <h2>CGD Releases New Report Assessing Development in Pakistan</h2> <p>The Center for Global Development (CGD), an MFAN partner, recently released a major report, <em><a target="_blank" href="http://www.cgdev.org/content/publications/detail/1425136">Beyond Bullets and Bombs: Fixing the U.S. Approach to Development in Pakistan</a></em>, that criticizes U.S. policy toward Pakistan, while making the case for continued foreign assistance in the fragile country. The <a target="_blank" href="http://www.modernizeaid.net/2011/06/01/new-cgd-report-on-development-in-pakistan/?utm_source=email&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=MFAN062711">authors argue</a> U.S. Pakistan policy is burdened by too many priorities, measured by poor indicators, and obscured by a lack of transparency.</p> <p><em>Beyond Bullets and Bombs</em> provides recommendations to U.S. policymakers that, while specific to Pakistan, closely align with the principles proposed by MFAN to alleviate poverty and drive economic growth across the developing world. Specifically, the report identifies mismatched priorities, blurred lines of authority, lack of accountability, and failure to support local priorities as inhibitors to the success of U.S development goals. To read more about CGD’s report, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.modernizeaid.net/2011/06/01/a-closer-look-at-cgds-report-on-u-s-development-efforts-in-pakistan/?utm_source=email&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=MFAN062711">click here</a>.</p> <h2>CCEFA Gains New Members</h2> <p>Since the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.modernizeaid.net/2011/05/16/congressional-caucus-for-effective-foreign-assistance-kick-off-event/?utm_source=email&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=MFAN062711">kick-off event</a> of the Congressional Caucus for Effective Foreign Assistance (CCEFA) last month, a group of bipartisan Members of Congress have joined the caucus. See below for the latest list of CCEFA Members, as of June 23, 2011:</p> <ul> <li>Rep. Ander Crenshaw (R-FL-4)</li> <li>Rep. Adam Smith (D-WA-9)</li> <li>Rep. Dennis Ross (R-FL-12)</li> <li>Rep. Laura Richardson (D-CA-37)</li> <li>Rep. Denny Rehberg (R-MT)</li> <li>Rep. Lynn Woolsey (D-CA-6)</li> <li>Rep. Aaron Schock (R-IL-18)</li> <li>Rep. David Wu (D-OR-1)</li> <li>Rep. Keith Ellison (D-MN-5)</li> <li>Rep. Hank Johnson (D-GA-4)</li> <li>Rep. Jim McDermott (D-WA-7)</li> <li>Rep. Tammy Baldwin (D-WI-2)</li> <li>Rep. Jim Moran (D-VA-8)</li> <li>Rep. Mike Honda (D-CA-15)</li> <li>Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA-9)</li> </ul> <p>MFAN has started profiling Members of the Caucus on our blog, focusing on their development-related activities. Click the links to read profiles of CCEFA’s <a target="_blank" href="http://www.modernizeaid.net/2011/06/10/ccefa-profile-co-chairs-ander-crenshaw-and-adam-smith/?utm_source=email&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=MFAN062711">Co-Chairs Ander Crenshaw and Adam Smith</a>, as well as Member profiles of Representatives <a target="_blank" href="http://www.modernizeaid.net/2011/06/16/ccefa-profile-rep-keith-ellison/?utm_source=email&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=MFAN062711">Keith Ellison</a> and <a target="_blank" href="http://www.modernizeaid.net/2011/06/20/ccefa-profile-rep-denny-rehberg/?utm_source=email&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=MFAN062711">Denny Rehberg</a>. Check back on the blog and on Twitter <a target="_blank" href="http://twitter.com/modernizeaid">@ModernizeAid</a> for more and to help raise awareness about CCEFA and refo rm!</p> <h2>CSIS Kicks Off U.S. Leadership in Development Project</h2> <p>Earlier this month, the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) launched the <a target="_blank" href="http://csis.org/event/launch-project-us-leadership-development">U.S. Leadership in Development project</a> in partnership with Chevron. The launch event drew esteemed panelists, including former Secretary of State Dr. Condoleezza Rice and former National Security Advisor General Jim Jones, to discuss the impact of development on U.S. national security and economic objectives. Gen. Jones emphasized the national security role development plays in combating terrorism, but reminded the audience that development needs to be strategic and occur on a long-term time horizon. Rice made an eloquent case for development, saying it can help prevent the next Somalia or Afghanistan—asking the audience, “How many times do we have to learn that ungoverned territor[ies]...are a problem for us?”</p> <p>MFAN tweeted highlights from the event. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.modernizeaid.net/2011/06/07/tweet-stream-csis-launches-u-s-leadership-in-development-project/?utm_source=email&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=MFAN062711">Click here</a> to read more.</p> <h2>PWYF Launches Campaign to Make Aid Transparent</h2> <p>MFAN Partner Publish What You Fund (PWYF) launched a new campaign to “Make Aid Transparent” for citizens of donor and recipient countries. Aid transparency ensures that foreign assistance is accountable, effective, and responsive to local needs, and with recent pledges like the International Aid Transparency Initiative, now is the time to make sure governments follow through on their pledges.</p> <p>To learn more about the Make Aid Transparent campaign, watch a video about the value of transparency, and sign a petition, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.modernizeaid.net/2011/06/08/pwyf-launches-campaign-to-make-aid-transparent/?utm_source=email&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=MFAN062711">click here</a>.</p> <h2>OECD Ministerial Council Meeting: A Big Moment for Development</h2> <p>Last month, the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.oecd.org/home/0,2987,en_2649_201185_1_1_1_1_1,00.html">Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development</a> (OECD) celebrated its <a target="_blank" href="http://www.modernizeaid.net/2011/05/23/oecd-50th-anniversary-forum-a-big-moment-for-development/?utm_source=email&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=MFAN062711">50th anniversary</a> with a Public Forum and the 2011 Ministerial Council Meeting in Paris, France. The U.S. served as Chair of this year’s meeting—with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton leading the U.S. delegation—and Germany as Vice-Chair. The vision statement released this year focuses on coordinating policies for sustainable, broad-based economic growth and, with that goal in mind, implementing a new development paradigm.</p> <p>Clinton elaborated on this new development paradigm as it is laid out in the OECD’s Framework for Development during the Gender and Development session. Clinton’s remarks looked beyond aid to other means of development, specifically three reforms to help promote economic growth, including improving transparency, tackling corruption, and reforming tax systems. She also spoke briefly about domestic finance for development, an initiative enabling host countries to mobilize resources and hold governments accountable, arguing that this new U.S. effort aims “to raise these issues from the technical realm to the political realm, not just how to implement the reforms but how to spark leadership and action.”</p> <p>MFAN covered key moments over the course of OECD week. Click the links below to read more:</p> <ul> <li><a target="_blank" href="http://www.modernizeaid.net/2011/05/23/mfan-principal-on-what-to-expect-from-the-oecd-forum/?utm_source=email&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=MFAN062711">What to expect from OECD Week by Noam Unger, Brookings</a></li> <li><a target="_blank" href="http://www.modernizeaid.net/2011/05/24/oecd-coverage-kicks-off/?utm_source=email&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=MFAN062711">OECD kick-off post</a></li> <li><a target="_blank" href="http://www.modernizeaid.net/2011/05/24/oecd-coverage-kicks-off/?utm_source=email&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=MFAN062711">Public Forum day one recap</a></li> <li><a target="_blank" href="http://www.modernizeaid.net/2011/05/25/preview-of-secretary-clintons-oecd-speech-on-development/?utm_source=email&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=MFAN062711">Preview of Secretary Clinton’s remarks by Greg Adams, Oxfam America</a></li> <li><a target="_blank" href="http://www.modernizeaid.net/2011/05/25/oecd-50th-anniversary-commemoration-the-d-at-the-end-of-the-title/?utm_source=email&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=MFAN062711">Secretary Clinton’s opening remarks commemorating the OECD 50th anniversary</a></li> <li><a target="_blank" href="http://www.modernizeaid.net/2011/05/26/oecd-forum-session-addresses-new-paradigms-for-development/?utm_source=email&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=MFAN062711">New development paradigm Forum session</a></li> <li><a target="_blank" href="http://www.modernizeaid.net/2011/05/26/secretary-clinton-praises-oecds-new-framework-for-development/?utm_source=email&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=MFAN062711">Secretary Clinton’s remarks at the Gender and Development session</a></li> </ul> <p>The discussion that occurred during OECD Week will undoubtedly lay the foundation for more in-depth talks on the future of development at the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.aideffectiveness.org/busanhlf4/">High-Level Forum on Aid Effectiveness</a> coming up in Busan, Korea in November.</p> <h2>MFAN-MSH Event Recap</h2> <p>MFAN recently co-hosted an event with partner organization Management Sciences for Health (MSH) examining the impacts and implementation of performance-based financing (PBF) for global health services. The event featured: Gyuri Fritsche, MD, MS, Senior Health Specialist, Results Based Financing Team, World Bank; Dan Kraushaar, PhD, Principal Technical Advisor for Health Systems, MSH; Oscar Picazo, MA, Health Economist; and was moderated by Kathy Kantengwa, MD, MPP, Performance-Based Financing Advisor, MSH.</p> <p>Performance-based financing has the potential to increase funds and autonomy for healthcare providers throughout the developing world. Overall, the event underscored the need for country-wide, multi-level solutions led by local actors that offer long-term visions with increased accountability. To read more about MFAN’s event with MSH, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.modernizeaid.net/2011/06/02/mfan-management-sciences-for-health-on-performance-based-financing/?utm_source=email&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=MFAN062711">click here</a>.</p> <h2>Upcoming Events</h2> <ul> <li><strong>Tuesday, June 28th: A Conversation with Ambassador Eric Goosby</strong><br /> Please join the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) as Ambassador Eric Goosby reviews the outcomes of the UN high-level meeting and the future of U.S. global AIDS policy. Questions and answers will follow. Please note this event will be webcast live at <a target="_blank" href="http://smartglobalhealth.org/live">www.smartglobalhealth.org/live</a>. <ul> <li>10:30AM-12:00PM at CSIS (1800 K Street NW, Washington, DC)</li> <li>To RSVP, <a target="_blank" href="http://smartglobalhealth.org/page/signup/a-conversation-with-eric-goosby-u-s-global-aids-coordinator">register online here</a>.</li> </ul> </li> <li><strong>Tuesday, June 28th: Catalyzing Development: A New Vision for Aid</strong><br /> Global Economy and Development at Brookings will host Senior Fellow Homi Kharas; Kangho Park, consul general for the Republic of Korea; and Keiichiro Nakazawa, chief representative, USA Office, Japanese International Cooperation Agency, to discuss Brookings’ new book, review the changing aid climate, and provide recommendations to guide the work of international development partners in the years ahead. <ul> <li>2:30-4:00 PM at the Brookings Institution, Falk Auditorium (1775 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, DC)</li> <li>To RSVP, please call the Office of Communications at 202.797.6105 or <a target="_blank" href="http://www.cvent.com/d/3cqnzm/4W">click here</a>.</li> </ul> </li> <li><strong>July 12th-13th: 2011 USGLC Washington Conference</strong><br /> The U.S. Global Leadership Coalition (USGLC) will host its annual Washington Conference, “Investing in the Future: A Smart Power Approach to Global Leadership,” from July 12-13th at the Grand Hyatt in DC. Latest headliners include: Chuck Todd, Chief White House Correspondent, NBC News; General James Cartwright, Vice Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff; former Senator Tom Daschle; and former Governor Tom Ridge. Sessions will include building the peace, the global economy, and the 2012 presidential election. <ul> <li>Two-day conference at the Grand Hyatt Washington (1000 H Street, NW Washington, DC)</li> <li>To RSVP, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.usglc.org/2011-usglc-washington-conference/">register online here</a>.</li> </ul> </li> <li><strong>August 10th-12th: InterAction Forum 2011</strong><br /> InterAction’s annual Forum serves as a venue for the leadership of NGOs, governments, philanthropy, corporations and civil society to come together and forge common solutions that focus on our work to improve the lives of the world’s poor and marginalized and that move us toward a sustainable planet that works for all. Featuring thought provoking plenary sessions and workshops with more than 100 experts from around the world, Forum 2011 will bring together 1000 professionals from more than 350 organizations representing diverse sectors. <ul> <li>Three-day conference at Walter E. Washington Convention Center (801 Mt. Vernon Pl NW, Washington, DC)</li> <li>For program information and to RSVP, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.interaction.org/forum-2011">click here</a>.</li> </ul> </li> </ul> <h2>Job Opportunities</h2> <ul> <li>Director of Global Advocacy—Malaria No More. For more information and to apply, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.malarianomore.org/jobs-and-internships/director-global-advocacy-malaria-policy-center">click here</a>.</li> <li>PATH is seeking several new staff members to support their growing Advocacy and Public Policy team. Positions they are seeking to fill include: <ul> <li><a target="_blank" href="http://hostedjobs.openhire.com/epostings/submit.cfm?fuseaction=app.jobinfo&id=23&jobid=298874&company_id=15780&version=1&source=ONLINE&JobOwner=1012599&level=levelid2&levelid2=24189&parent=North%20America%3B%3B%3BCommunications%2FAdvocacy%20%20%20%20%20%20">Associate Director of Policy and Advocacy</a></li> <li><a target="_blank" href="http://hostedjobs.openhire.com/epostings/submit.cfm?fuseaction=app.jobinfo&id=23&jobid=298950&company_id=15780&version=1&source=ONLINE&JobOwner=1012599&level=levelid2&levelid2=24189&parent=North%20America%3B%3B%3BCommunications%2FAdvocacy%20%20%20%20%20%20">Family Health Advocacy Officer</a></li> <li><a target="_blank" href="http://hostedjobs.openhire.com/epostings/submit.cfm?fuseaction=app.jobinfo&id=23&jobid=298948&company_id=15780&version=1&source=ONLINE&JobOwner=1012599&level=levelid2&levelid2=24189&parent=North%20America%3B%3B%3BCommunications%2FAdvocacy%20%20%20%20%20%20">Product Development Policy Officer</a></li> <li><a target="_blank" href="http://hostedjobs.openhire.com/epostings/submit.cfm?fuseaction=app.jobinfo&id=23&jobid=298951&company_id=15780&version=1&source=ONLINE&JobOwner=1012599&level=levelid2&levelid2=24189&parent=North%20America%3B%3B%3BCommunications%2FAdvocacy%20%20%20%20%20%20">Policy Communications Officer</a></li> </ul> </li> <li>Summer Intern Security Springboard—Truman National Security Project. For more information and to apply, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.trumanproject.org/programs/springboard">click here</a>.</li> </ul> <h2>MFAN in the News</h2> <ul> <li><a target="_blank" href="http://www.nytimes.com/2011/06/21/opinion/21brooks.html?_r=1&ref=opinion">Smart Power Setback</a> (The New York Times-David Brooks, June 21)</li> <li><a target="_blank" href="http://www.foreignpolicy.com/articles/2011/06/20/green_shoots_in_the_killing_fields?page=full">Green Shoots in the Killing Fields</a> (Foreign Policy-Charles Kenny, June 20)</li> <li><a target="_blank" href="http://www.foreignpolicy.com/articles/2011/06/20/the_poor_will_inherit_the_earth?page=full">The Poor Will Inherit the Earth</a> (Foreign Policy-Uri Dadush and William Shaw, June 20)</li> <li><a target="_blank" href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/global-development/2011/jun/15/rajiv-shah-america-aid">Rajiv Shah: Our aid work is for the American people</a> (The Guardian-Madeleine Bunting, June 15)</li> <li><a target="_blank" href="http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5g3tWQofvA0-q4TiqZIfo_8oXzkKg?docId=6c6da780d2f24f3da78198267c81df7f">House panel OKs defense bill, limits Pakistan aid</a> (AP, June 14)</li> <li><a target="_blank" href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/06/13/us-vaccines-donors-idUSTRE75C1FV20110613/">Donors pledge $4.3 billion for vaccines for poor</a> (Reuters, June 13)</li> <li><a target="_blank" href="http://www.npr.org/2011/06/12/137135049/clintons-africa-tour-underscores-the-power-of-women">Clinton's Africa Tour Underscores The Power Of Women</a> (NPR-Michele Kelemen, June 12)</li> <li><a target="_blank" href="http://thecable.foreignpolicy.com/posts/2011/06/10/clinton_denies_wanting_world_bank_top_job">Clinton denies wanting World Bank top job</a> (FP Blog-David Kenner, June 10)</li> <li><a target="_blank" href="http://www.americanprogress.org/issues/2011/06/sfrc_afghan_aid.html">Afghan Aid Under the Microscope</a> (Center for American Progress blog-John Norris, June 9)</li> <li><a target="_blank" href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/national-security/afghan-nation-building-programs-not-sustainable-report-says/2011/06/07/AG5cPSLH_story.html?hpid=z1">Afghan nation-building programs not sustainable, report says</a> (The Washington Post, June 7)</li> <li><a target="_blank" href="http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0611/56342.html">Food security has global implications</a> (Politico-Tom Daschle, June 7)</li> <li><a target="_blank" href="http://www.irinnews.org/Report.aspx?ReportID=92853">AID POLICY: What the numbers don’t tell you</a> (IRIN, May 31)</li> </ul> </td> </tr> </table>

Subscribe to MFAN News via email by entering your email address below:

Caucus for Effective Foreign Aid Launches; President's Speech Mirrors MFAN�s Paper on Changing Middle East

Tue, 24 May 2011 19:41:00 GMT

<table width="590" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" bgcolor="#e0e3d9" align="center"> <tr> <td> <img class="header-img" src="http://updates.modernizingforeignassistance.org/images/mfan_mail_header.jpg"/> </td> </tr> </table> <table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="12" width="590" align="center"> <tr > <td bgcolor="#FFFFFF" style="border:solid 1px #d1d1d1;font-size:12px;"> <h1>Modernizing Foreign Assistance Monitor (5.24.2011)</h1> <p>Welcome to the Modernizing Foreign Assistance Monitor, a newsletter on global development and foreign assistance reform compiled by MFAN. Forward the MFAN Monitor to your contacts and urge them to <a href="http://modernizingforeignassistance.net/contact.html?utm_source=email&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=MFAN052311" target="_blank">join our cause</a>! Also, stay up to date on aid reform though the <a href="http://www.modernizingforeignassistance.org/blog/2009/08/11/state-department-strategic-review-of-development-and-diplomacy-holds-great-promise/?utm_source=email&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=MFAN052311" target="_blank">ModernizeAid blog</a> and follow us on Twitter <a href="http://twitter.com/modernizeaid" target="_blank">@ModernizeAid</a> and <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Modernizing-Foreign-Assistance-Network/133260516740181?ref=ts" target="_blank">Facebook</a>. </p> <h2>Quote of the Week—</h2> <p>“Stable international partners, accountability and transparency, access and development of sustainable global markets, poverty reduction, and greater national security can be developed from the effective delivery of foreign assistance. In our increasingly interconnected world, these goals are in everyone’s best interest.”<br /> -Congressman Ander Crenshaw (R-FL-04) on May 12, 2011</p> <p>“Foreign assistance accomplishes critical national objectives and develops stable international partners. Together, diplomacy, defense, and development work in concert to ensure global stability.”<br /> -Congressman Adam Smith (D-WA-09) on May 12, 2011</p> <h2>Latest News</h2> <ul> <li>MFAN Launches New Policy Agenda</li> <li>Congressional Caucus for Effective Foreign Assistance Launch</li> <li>MFAN’s Middle East Paper Recommendations Echoed in Obama’s Speech</li> <li>50th Anniversary OECD Forum and Ministerial Council Meeting</li> <li>Raj Shah Hosts ACVFA Meeting</li> <li>MFAN Partner Event Featuring Rye Barcott</li> <li>USAID Announces Gender Office</li> <li>Job Opportunities</li> <li>Upcoming Events</li> <li>MFAN In the News</li> </ul> <h2>MFAN’s New Agenda for Foreign Assistance Reform</h2> <p>Last month, MFAN launched a new policy agenda titled “<a href="http://www.modernizeaid.net/frompolicytopractice.html?utm_source=email&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=MFAN052311" target="_blank">From Policy to Practice: Maximizing the Impact and Accountability of U.S. Global Development Efforts</a>.” This set of recommendations builds on the bipartisan consensus from the past decade while acknowledging the current budget environment and geopolitical challenges abroad, especially in the Middle East.</p> <p>In a <a href="http://www.modernizeaid.net/2011/04/28/mfan-statement-an-updated-agenda-for-foreign-assistance-reform/?utm_source=email&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=MFAN052311" target="_blank">statement</a>, MFAN’s Co-Chairs David Beckmann, George Ingram, and Jim Kolbe said, “Policymakers must prioritize reform so that we can get the most out of the resources we have for development in the short term and create a system that will deliver better results over the long term. In From Policy to Practice we argue that policymakers can take a series of practical and cost-effective steps to reach these goals and build on the historic progress that has already been made on reform.” </p> <p>Among the key principles behind the new agenda are:</p> <ul> <li>Maximizing efficiencies by eliminating wasteful regulations, better coordinating and leveraging work with partners, and demanding clear results through better evaluation;</li> <li>Increasing accountability to U.S. taxpayers as well as people in developing countries;</li> <li>Codifying a shared Executive-Legislative vision for the U.S. approach to development built around sound strategic planning, greater transparency, accountability for results, and the flexibility to spend resources according to needs and opportunities on the ground;</li> <li>Ensuring assistance is responsive to local priorities and supportive of local policy reforms that will lead to sustainable economic growth and reduce poverty;</li> <li>Recognizing and institutionalizing the distinctiveness between diplomacy and development so that short-term humanitarian and political goals and long-term development goals are complementary and work together to achieve U.S. objectives; and</li> <li>Empowering and strengthening USAID as a 21st-Century development agency.</li> </ul> <p>MFAN also re-launched its website, <a href="http://www.modernizeaid.net/?utm_source=email&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=MFAN052311" target="_blank">www.modernizeaid.net</a>, which includes a new MFAN <a href="http://www.modernizeaid.net/partners.html?utm_source=email&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=MFAN052311" target="_blank">Partners page</a> featuring many of the organizations that make up our network. Lastly, we’ve created a <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Modernizing-Foreign-Assistance-Network/133260516740181?ref=ts" target="_blank">Facebook</a> page to help the reform message reach a broad audience. Be sure to check out MFAN on all of our platforms, and learn about other ways you can get involved with us by <a href="http://www.modernizeaid.net/2009/08/26/take-action-learn-how-you-can-get-involved-with-mfan/?utm_source=email&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=MFAN052311" target="_blank">clicking here</a>.</p> <h2>New Congressional Caucus for Effective Foreign Assistance Launched in House</h2> <p>Two weeks ago, Representatives Ander Crenshaw (R-FL-04) and Adam Smith (D-WA-09) launched the <a href="http://www.modernizeaid.net/2011/05/12/mfan-applauds-and-strongly-supports-creation-of-congressional-caucus-for-effective-foreign-assistance/?utm_source=email&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=MFAN052311" target="_blank">Congressional Caucus for Effective Foreign Assistance</a> in a packed room on Capitol Hill. </p> <p>At the event, USAID Administrator Rajiv Shah delivered remarks prior to a roundtable discussion on �The Importance of Effective Foreign Assistance� featuring development community voices including: Mark Green, Senior Director, U.S. Global Leadership Coalition, member of the Millennium Challenge Corporation Board of Directors, and former Member of Congress and former Ambassador to Tanzania; MFAN Principal Ray Offenheiser, President, Oxfam America; MFAN Co-Chair David Beckmann, President, Bread for the World; MFAN Principal Asif Shaikh, President and CEO, International Resources Group; and Dr. Jonathan Quick, President and CEO, Management Sciences for Health.</p> <p>During his opening remarks, Rep. Crenshaw tied reform to the budget debate, saying in today’s economic climate, it is even more important that government use every dollar effectively. Rep. Smith focused his remarks on the connection between national security and development, arguing instability and the lack of development create problems that later require U.S. troops. Smith also made the case for country ownership, saying development needs to be bottom-up, not top-down, and the U.S. needs to do a better job of helping to build local capacity.</p> <p>After sweeping remarks on the changes in development policy and practice over the last decade, Administrator Shah laid out three areas of focus for the coming year at the agency, building on the reform initiative that was announced last fall called “USAID Forward”:</p> <ul> <li>Seeking a way to make development policy more coherent and placing greater emphasis on economic growth and transparent government;</li> <li>Bringing science, technology, and innovation along to solve problems and take risks; and</li> <li>Creating a platform that brings together expertise across a range of public and private actors.</li> </ul> <p>For more details on the launch, see our <a href="http://www.modernizeaid.net/2011/05/16/congressional-caucus-for-effective-foreign-assistance-kick-off-event/?utm_source=email&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=MFAN052311" target="_blank">event recap here</a>.</p> <h2>President Obama Touts Economic Development in Major Middle East Speech</h2> <p>Using the backdrop of the State Department, last week President Barack Obama addressed the nation to outline the contours of U.S. policy in a rapidly changing Middle East.</p> <p>The President addressed the death of Osama bin Ladin, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and the U.S.’ effort to balance its interests and values in response to the Arab Spring. He spoke eloquently about the new generation of young Arab men and women who are tasting freedom and dignity for the first time, affirming that America will welcome change that brings forward self determination and freedom of opportunity. President Obama announced that the U.S. will continue to support transitions to democracy across the region as a matter of policy. He also pledged to speak out in opposition to the use of violence against demonstrators and in support of universal rights, including free speech, freedom of assembly, gender equality, and freedom of religion.</p> <p>Specifically, Obama noted that the U.S. will continue to stand up for the rights of women and will focus on maternal and child health, educating the women of the region, and supporting women to run for public office throughout the region, saying “The region will never reach its full potential when half the population is prevented from reaching their full potential.”</p> <p>The President also articulated a bold new effort to elevate broad and inclusive economic development as a top priority for U.S. policy in the Middle East. The President’s words last week paralleled many of the recommendations made in MFAN’s recent policy paper: “<a href="http://www.modernizeaid.net/documents/MFAN_ME-NA_041311a.pdf?utm_source=email&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=MFAN052311" target="_blank">A New Approach to U.S. Assistance in a Changing Middle East</a>,” including: </p> <ul> <li>Debt relief for Egypt</li> <li>Aid commitment to Egypt and Tunisia and other governments in transition </li> <li>Empowering civil society </li> <li>Partnering with the private sector</li> <li>Long-term U.S. support beyond a narrow focus on security </li> <li>Engaging as partners, not patrons</li> </ul> <p>In a <a href="http://www.modernizeaid.net/2011/05/23/mfan-statement-obama-middle-east-speech-highlights-key-elements-of-foreign-assistance-reform/?utm_source=email&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=MFAN052311" target="_blank">statement</a> following the speech, MFAN commended President Obama for taking additional steps to elevate development as a key pillar of U.S. foreign policy. </p> <h2>MFAN Coverage of 50<sup>th</sup> Anniversary OECD Forum</h2> <p>This week, the <a href="http://www.modernizeaid.net/2011/05/23/oecd-50th-anniversary-forum-a-big-moment-for-development/?utm_source=email&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=MFAN052311" target="_blank">Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development</a> (OECD) will hold its 50th Anniversary Forum in Paris. This year’s theme will include a strong focus on development effectiveness, reform, and a new U.S. “paradigm for development.” Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who is chairing the Ministerial meeting, is expected to lay out a detailed vision that looks beyond aid to development more broadly. MFAN Principal and Brookings Fellow Noam Unger recently <a href="http://www.modernizeaid.net/2011/05/23/mfan-principal-on-what-to-expect-from-the-oecd-forum/?utm_source=email&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=MFAN052311" target="_blank">published a piece</a> on what we can expect to hear in the Secretary’s remarks.</p> <p>MFAN will be covering several key events throughout the forum, which runs from May 24th-25th with the Ministerial meeting to run from May 25th-26th. Please check for updates on a daily basis via Twitter <a href="http://twitter.com/#!/modernizeaid" target="_blank">@ModernizeAid</a>, <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Modernizing-Foreign-Assistance-Network/133260516740181?ref=ts" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, and our <a href="http://www.modernizeaid.net/pressroom/blog/?utm_source=email&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=MFAN052311" target="_blank">blog</a>. </p> <h2>Shah Hosts ACVFA Meeting</h2> <p>On May 13th, the members of the Advisory Committee on Voluntary Foreign Aid (ACVFA) gathered at the National Press Club in Washington, DC for their first public meeting of the year. ACVFA began with a Presidential directive after WWII to serve as a link between the government and private voluntary organizations that work in the international development space. In announcing the approximately 30 members who make up ACVFA, USAID Administrator Raj Shah said, “To generate innovative ideas for achieving global development results, we must collaborate with an increasingly diverse community of actors. The composition of ACVFA – which includes experienced practitioners and cutting-edge thinkers – will help us harness this opportunity.”</p> <p>MFAN members of ACVFA include Co-Chair David Beckmann, President, Bread for the World, Liz Schrayer, Executive Director, U.S. Global Leadership Coalition, and Sam Worthington, President and CEO, InterAction. For a full list of members, <a href="http://www.usaid.gov/about_usaid/acvfa/acvfamem.html" target="_blank">click here</a>.</p> <p>At the public meeting, a panel of leading officials at USAID described the USAID Forward reforms and answered questions from the audience. In addition to Administrator Shah, the panel included: Susan Reichle, Assistant to the Administrator for Policy, Planning, and Learning; Maureen Shauket, Chief Acquisition Officer; Maura O’Neill, Chief Innovation Officer; and Nancy Lindborg, Assistant Administrator for the Bureau of Democracy, Conflict and Humanitarian Assistance. </p> <p>When pressed for detail on the Partnership for Growth Initiative, Shah said PFG is a new approach to development, moving beyond assistance as a model for change to encompass trade policy, science and technology, and others—ultimately bringing all the tools and resources across the government to the table as described in the President’s development policy announced last September. Still, it is experimental; Susan Reichle stressed that this is a new venture, so it’s difficult to predict what success will look like in the four countries that have been selected. She added that the Philippines, El Salvador, and Ghana have all completed the constraints to growth analysis,and Tanzania’s will be coming next week. The agency is looking toward mid-June to brief Congress on the initiative.</p> <p>Regarding the country development cooperation strategies (CDCS), Reichle said the strategies are created with the entire country team and seek to achieve USAID Forward reforms. For example, in Uganda, they conducted the PEPFAR and Feed the Future strategies at the same time. She also noted that these plans link up to the budget. </p> <p>In response to a question about stronger monitoring and evaluation, Reichle cited the <a href="http://www.foreignassistance.gov/" target="_blank">Foreign Assistance Dashboard</a> as an example of the ways in which the agency is trying to make more evidence-based policy decisions and increase transparency. </p> <h2>MFAN Hosts Carolina for Kibera Co-Founder Rye Barcott and Former Gov. Dirk Kempthorne</h2> <p>At a <a href="http://www.modernizeaid.net/2011/05/04/event-mfan-hosts-rye-barcott-59/?utm_source=email&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=MFAN052311" target="_blank">recent event</a> MFAN co-hosted with the Trade, Aid, and Security Coalition and the Business Council for Global Development, Rye Barcott, former Marine Corps captain & Co-Founder of Carolina for Kibera, spoke thoughtfully about the similarities and differences among his experiences in Kibera and the military. Former Governor of Idaho Dirk Kempthorne introduced Barcott at the event, calling him a “tenacious, steadfast warrior” who brought compassion in service to others. He added that while Barcott’s story is already one of great human triumph, his journey has not yet culminated.</p> <p>Barcott’s discussion centered on his new book, <em><a href="http://ithappenedonthewaytowar.com/" target="_blank">It Happened on the Way to War: A Marine’s Path to Peace</a></em>, which chronicles his military service and how he started Carolina for Kibera as an undergraduate at the University of North Carolina. In Kibera, he found an opportunity to exercise a new model of development that would help curb ethnic tension and provide pathways for growth and stability. Today, Carolina for Kibera’s programs are locally-led and meant to strengthen and build the capacity of the local citizens in Kibera—creating a sense of ownership for their development.</p> <p>To learn more about this event, <a href="http://www.modernizeaid.net/2011/05/12/rye-barcott-on-the-value-of-locally-led-development/?utm_source=email&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=MFAN052311" target="_blank">click here</a>.</p> <h2>USAID Announces Gender Office</h2> <p>At the end of April, USAID Administrator Raj Shah announced the establishment of a new office to focus on women’s issues—the Office of Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment. In a <a href="http://www.usaid.gov/press/releases/2011/ps110426.html" target="_blank">statement</a>, Shah said: “At USAID, we've taken important steps to address gender issues. President Obama's Feed the Future and the Global Health Initiatives both reflect a dedication to increasingly include women and girls as leaders, implementers and beneficiaries of our programs. We've also increased the number of missions carrying out assessments that incorporate gender into country planning and programming. And last month, I established a Policy Task Team to craft a new policy on gender equality and women's empowerment—our first in nearly 30 years.”</p> <p>The new office, transformed from the Economic Growth, Agriculture, and Trade’s (EGAT) Women in Development Office, will focus on building partnerships, giving greater support to female entrepreneurs, reducing gender gaps, and providing access to technology—all in the hopes of giving women more ownership and control over assets like land. Combating sexual and gender-based violence will be the responsibility of the Bureau of Democracy, Conflict, and Humanitarian Assistance (DCHA). </p> <p>Carla Koppell has joined USAID as the Senior Coordinator for Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment “to integrate gender equality as cross-cutting throughout the agency.” Kopell most recently served as director of the Institute for Inclusive Security and the Washington office of the Hunt Alternatives Fund. She has worked extensively with women and civil society leaders from conflict areas around the world including Afghanistan, Colombia, Iraq, the Middle East, and Sudan. </p> <p>Other leadership at USAID includes Dr. Caren Grown, who is the Senior Gender Advisor in the Policy Planning and Learning Bureau and leading a new Policy Task Team established to craft the new gender equality policy. </p> <h2>Job Opportunities</h2> <ul> <li>Communications Associate – the Global Health Technologies Coalition. For more information and to apply, <a href="http://hostedjobs.openhire.com/epostings/submit.cfm?fuseaction=app.jobinfo&id=23&jobid=298899&company_id=15780&version=1&source=ONLINE&JobOwner=1012599&level=levelid2&levelid2=24189&parent=North%20America;;;Communications/Advocacy%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%252" target="_blank">click here</a>.</li> <li>U.S. Representative – Publish What You Fund (UK). For more information and to apply, <a href="http://www.publishwhatyoufund.org/resources/vacancies/vacancy-u-s-representative/" target="_blank">click here</a>.</li> </ul> <h2>Upcoming Events</h2> <ul> <li><strong>Tuesday, May 24</strong>: Grounding Green Power—New Opportunities for Development Cooperation through Smart Energy Systems<br /> The event will feature opening remarks from Klaus Linsenmeier, Director, Heinrich Böll Foundation Washington DC, and feature a presentation from Manish Bapna, Executive Vice President & Managing Director, World Resources Institute, and Lutz Weischer, Research Analyst, World Resources Institute. Following the presentation is a discussion that will be moderated by Nigel Purvis, Senior Fellow, GMF, and President, Climate Advisers. Respondents include: Asoka Abeygunawardana, Adviser to the Minister of Power and Energy, Sri Lanka; William Breed, Director, Global Climate Change Team, USAID; Jens Haarlov, Alternate Executive Director for the Nordic and Baltic Countries, The World Bank Group; and Keya Chatterjee, Director, Climate Change Program, WWF <ul> <li><strong>4:00-5:45 PM at the German Marshall Fund of the United States</strong> (1744 R Street NW)</li> </ul> </li> <li><strong>Tuesday, May 24</strong>: International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers<br /> On behalf of the Better World Campaign, the Stimson Center, and the United Nations Association of the National Capital Area, we hope you are able to join us for a reception on May 24 to thank United Nations Peacekeepers and troop contributing countries for their efforts to build a more just and secure world.  We will celebrate the work of UN Peacekeepers and pay tribute to leading troop contributing countries including India, Bangladesh, Nigeria, Brazil, Uruguay, and Jordan with Alain Le Roy, Under-Secretary-General of the UN Department of Peacekeeping Operations.  These nations send thousands of their own citizens to the front lines of conflict zones, risking their lives, to stabilize volatile regions and assist people in need around the world. <ul> <li><strong>5:30-7:30 PM at 562 Dirksen Senate Office Building</strong></li> <li>RSVP to <a href="mailto:EVENTS@UNFOUNDATION.ORG">EVENTS@UNFOUNDATION.ORG</a> or 202-419-3223</li> </ul> </li> <li><strong>Wednesday, May 25</strong>: How is the Global Health Initiative Changing What Happens in the Field?<br /> The Kaiser Family Foundation will hold a briefing to explore the rollout of the U.S. government’s Global Health Initiative (GHI) on the ground, with a particular focus on the recently released GHI country-level strategies. The briefing will examine progress and challenges in translating the GHI in the field and next steps moving forward. The briefing will include Lois Quam, Executive Director of the U.S. Global Health Initiative, as well as U.S. field representatives from several of the “GHI-plus” countries, selected to serve as learning laboratories for global health interventions and strategies that could be replicated elsewhere if successful. In addition, Mark Green, Senior Director at the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition and former Ambassador to Tanzania, and Karl Hofmann, President and CEO of PSI and former Ambassador to the Republic of Togo, will share their perspectives. Jen Kates, Vice President and Director, Global Health and HIV Policy, at the Kais er Family Foundation will provide an overview and moderate the discussion. <ul> <li><strong>9:30-11:00 AM at the Kaiser Family Foundation</strong> (1330 G Street NW)</li> <li>RSVP by registering <a href="http://kff052511.eventbrite.com/" target="_blank">online here</a>.</li> </ul> </li> <li><strong>Wednesday, June 1</strong>: Demystifying Performance-Based Financing: How USG Dollars Can Improve Global Health Outcomes<br /> Please join MFAN and Management Sciences for Health, in conjunction with Representative Donald Payne (D-NJ), for a discussion on the merits of performance-based financing (PBF), which can help to maximize the impact of U.S. foreign assistance. PBF is heralded as an innovative and highly impactful solution to accelerate achievements in global health – particularly priority services that improve the health of women and children. PBF increases coverage of high-impact global health interventions, encourages transparency and ownership of host-country health systems, and improves the health of the world’s poorest and most vulnerable. Panelists for the discussion include: Gyuri Fritsche, MD, MS, Senior Health Specialist, Results Based Financing Team, World Bank; Kathy Kantengwa, MD, MPP, Performance-Based Financing Advisor, MSH; Dan Kraushaar, PhD, Principal Technical Advisor for Health Systems, MSH; Oscar Picazo, MA, Health Economist; and Pamela Rao, MBA, MA, MPH, Seni or Health Systems Strengthening Advisor, Office of HIV/AIDS, USAID (invited) <ul> <li><strong>8:00-10:00 AM at Rayburn Congressional House Building B-339</strong> </li> <li>For more information or to RSVP, please contact Mimi Wu at <a href="mailto:mwu@msh.org">mwu@msh.org</a>. </li> </ul> </li> <li><strong>Wednesday, June 1</strong>: Beyond Bullets and Bombs: Fixing the U.S. Approach to Development in Pakistan<br /> Fallout from the killing of Osama bin Laden in a Pakistani garrison town has prompted an anxious reassessment of all facets of the complex, troubled alliance between the United States and Pakistan. A new report from CGD’s Study Group on U.S. Development Strategy in Pakistan shines light on a crucial and too-often neglected aspect of the relationship: the aid, trade and investment policies that constitute America’s effort to support Pakistan’s development. The group’s message is alarming, but with a note of optimism. Two years into a new approach to engagement with Pakistan, the authors write, the U.S. development program still lacks coherent priorities, tools to manage and adjust them as conditions require, and a system to measure and report progress. Yet there are signs that the program has laid the foundation to do better—and there is a window of opportunity now to refocus and strengthen the program. The report authors will present the key find ings and recommendations and invite comments and questions from a distinguished expert panel and members of the audience. <ul> <li><strong>2:00-4:30 PM at the Center for Global Development</strong> (1800 Massachusetts Avenue NW, 1st Floor)</li> <li>RSVP by registering <a href="http://actevarsvp.com/acteva/jsp/register.jsp?eventID=a0I5000000BYJk0EAH&prtptID=a0D50000002pCduEAE&mailId=a0F50000002gK2NEAU" target="_blank">online here</a>. </li> </ul> </li> <li><strong>Monday, June 13</strong>: Passports to Progress—ICRW's 35th Anniversary Discussion Series<br /> Join ICRW on June 13 at The National Press Club in Washington, D.C., for a conversation on ending violence against women and a sneak preview of "Women, War & Peace." This is the second of our four-part Passports to Progress discussion series. The discussion will be moderated by Gayle Tzemach Lemmon, journalist, ICRW board member and author of the New York Times best-seller, "The Dressmaker of Khair Khana.” Speakers include: Abigail Disney, philanthropist, scholar and filmmaker of the acclaimed "Pray the Devil Back to Hell"; Donald Steinberg, deputy administrator of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID); and Mary Ellsberg, vice president of research and programs at ICRW. <ul> <li><strong>6:00-8:30 PM at the National Press Club</strong> (529 14th St. NW, 13th Floor)</li> <li>Tickets are $50 each and include admission to the event, hors d'oeuvres, cocktails and complimentary valet parking. See <a href="https://www.icrw.org/donate/lecture?ms=VAW1tick&utm_content=rstachowski%40icrw.org&utm_source=VerticalResponse&utm_medium=Email&utm_term=%20Purchase%20Tickets%20%26raquo;&utm_campaign=%22When%20She%20is%20Safe...%22%20Join%20us!" target="_blank">more information here</a>.</li> </ul> </li> </ul> <h2>MFAN In the News</h2> <ul> <li><a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/ezra-klein/post/five-ways-foreign-aid-could-cost-less-while-doing-more/2011/05/09/AFSEcm5G_blog.html#pagebreak" target="_blank">Five ways foreign aid could cost less while doing more</a> (The Washington Post-Ezra Klein, May 17)</li> <li><a href="http://www.rollcall.com/issues/56_117/-205344-1.html" target="_blank">Kolbe, Beckmann and Ingram: U.S. Foreign Assistance Needs Further Reform</a> (Roll Call-Jim Kolbe, David Beckmann, and George Ingram, May 5) </li> <li><a href="http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0511/54342.html#comments" target="_blank">Rethinking U.S. aid to Middle East</a> (Politico-Sarah Margon, May 5)</li> <li><a href="http://thehill.com/blogs/congress-blog/foreign-policy/158935-what-business-and-military-already-know" taret="_blank">What business and military already know</a> (The Hill-Mark Green, May 3)</li> <li><a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/afghan-aid-programs-are-crucial-to-the-war-effort/2011/05/01/AFFhLZjF_story.html" target="_blank">Afghan aid programs are crucial to the war effort</a> (The Washington Post-James Kunder, May 4)</li> <li><a href="http://www.devex.com/en/blogs/development-assistance-under-obama/mfan-unveils-revised-us-aid-reform-policy-agenda" target="_blank">MFAN Unveils Revised U.S. Aid Reform Policy Agenda</a> (Devex, April 29)</li> <li><a href="http://www.devex.com/en/articles/charting-a-new-path-for-us-foreign-assistance-in-the-middle-east-and-north-africa" target="_blank">Charting a New Path for US Foreign Assistance in the Middle East and North Africa</a> (Devex, April 19)</li> <li><a href="http://allafrica.com/stories/201104181987.html" target="_blank">MFAN Calls for Reform of U.S. Development Policy in a Changing Middle East</a> (allAfrica, April 18)</li> <li><a href="http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=135408706" target="_blank">U.S. State Department, Foreign Aid Take Hit In Budget Deal</a> (NPR-Interview with George Ingram, April 14)</li> <li><a href="http://dailycaller.com/2011/04/06/why-congress-shouldnt-slash-foreign-aid/" target="_blank">Why Congress shouldn’t slash foreign aid</a> (The Daily Caller-Jim Kolbe and Connie Morella, April 6)</li> <li><a href="http://www.military.com/opinion/0,15202,228991,00.html" target="_blank">The Long View for Shorter Wars</a> (Military Times-Rye Barcott, March 29)</li> </ul> </td> </tr> </table>

Subscribe to MFAN News via email by entering your email address below:

Caucus for Effective Foreign Aid Launches; President's Speech Mirrors MFAN�s Paper on Changing Middle East

Tue, 24 May 2011 19:39:00 GMT

<table width="590" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" bgcolor="#e0e3d9" align="center"> <tr> <td> <img class="header-img" src="http://updates.modernizingforeignassistance.org/images/mfan_mail_header.jpg"/> </td> </tr> </table> <table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="12" width="590" align="center"> <tr > <td bgcolor="#FFFFFF" style="border:solid 1px #d1d1d1;font-size:12px;"> <h1>Modernizing Foreign Assistance Monitor (5.24.2011)</h1> <p>Welcome to the Modernizing Foreign Assistance Monitor, a newsletter on global development and foreign assistance reform compiled by MFAN. Forward the MFAN Monitor to your contacts and urge them to <a href="http://modernizingforeignassistance.net/contact.html?utm_source=email&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=MFAN052311" target="_blank">join our cause</a>! Also, stay up to date on aid reform though the <a href="http://www.modernizingforeignassistance.org/blog/2009/08/11/state-department-strategic-review-of-development-and-diplomacy-holds-great-promise/?utm_source=email&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=MFAN052311" target="_blank">ModernizeAid blog</a> and follow us on Twitter <a href="http://twitter.com/modernizeaid" target="_blank">@ModernizeAid</a> and <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Modernizing-Foreign-Assistance-Network/133260516740181?ref=ts" target="_blank">Facebook</a>. </p> <h2>Quote of the Week—</h2> <p>“Stable international partners, accountability and transparency, access and development of sustainable global markets, poverty reduction, and greater national security can be developed from the effective delivery of foreign assistance. In our increasingly interconnected world, these goals are in everyone’s best interest.”<br /> -Congressman Ander Crenshaw (R-FL-04) on May 12, 2011</p> <p>“Foreign assistance accomplishes critical national objectives and develops stable international partners. Together, diplomacy, defense, and development work in concert to ensure global stability.”<br /> -Congressman Adam Smith (D-WA-09) on May 12, 2011</p> <h2>Latest News</h2> <ul> <li>MFAN Launches New Policy Agenda</li> <li>Congressional Caucus for Effective Foreign Assistance Launch</li> <li>MFAN’s Middle East Paper Recommendations Echoed in Obama’s Speech</li> <li>50th Anniversary OECD Forum and Ministerial Council Meeting</li> <li>Raj Shah Hosts ACVFA Meeting</li> <li>MFAN Partner Event Featuring Rye Barcott</li> <li>USAID Announces Gender Office</li> <li>Job Opportunities</li> <li>Upcoming Events</li> <li>MFAN In the News</li> </ul> <h2>MFAN’s New Agenda for Foreign Assistance Reform</h2> <p>Last month, MFAN launched a new policy agenda titled “<a href="http://www.modernizeaid.net/frompolicytopractice.html?utm_source=email&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=MFAN052311" target="_blank">From Policy to Practice: Maximizing the Impact and Accountability of U.S. Global Development Efforts</a>.” This set of recommendations builds on the bipartisan consensus from the past decade while acknowledging the current budget environment and geopolitical challenges abroad, especially in the Middle East.</p> <p>In a <a href="http://www.modernizeaid.net/2011/04/28/mfan-statement-an-updated-agenda-for-foreign-assistance-reform/?utm_source=email&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=MFAN052311" target="_blank">statement</a>, MFAN’s Co-Chairs David Beckmann, George Ingram, and Jim Kolbe said, “Policymakers must prioritize reform so that we can get the most out of the resources we have for development in the short term and create a system that will deliver better results over the long term. In From Policy to Practice we argue that policymakers can take a series of practical and cost-effective steps to reach these goals and build on the historic progress that has already been made on reform.” </p> <p>Among the key principles behind the new agenda are:</p> <ul> <li>Maximizing efficiencies by eliminating wasteful regulations, better coordinating and leveraging work with partners, and demanding clear results through better evaluation;</li> <li>Increasing accountability to U.S. taxpayers as well as people in developing countries;</li> <li>Codifying a shared Executive-Legislative vision for the U.S. approach to development built around sound strategic planning, greater transparency, accountability for results, and the flexibility to spend resources according to needs and opportunities on the ground;</li> <li>Ensuring assistance is responsive to local priorities and supportive of local policy reforms that will lead to sustainable economic growth and reduce poverty;</li> <li>Recognizing and institutionalizing the distinctiveness between diplomacy and development so that short-term humanitarian and political goals and long-term development goals are complementary and work together to achieve U.S. objectives; and</li> <li>Empowering and strengthening USAID as a 21st-Century development agency.</li> </ul> <p>MFAN also re-launched its website, <a href="http://www.modernizeaid.net/?utm_source=email&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=MFAN052311" target="_blank">www.modernizeaid.net</a>, which includes a new MFAN <a href="http://www.modernizeaid.net/partners.html?utm_source=email&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=MFAN052311" target="_blank">Partners page</a> featuring many of the organizations that make up our network. Lastly, we’ve created a <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Modernizing-Foreign-Assistance-Network/133260516740181?ref=ts" target="_blank">Facebook</a> page to help the reform message reach a broad audience. Be sure to check out MFAN on all of our platforms, and learn about other ways you can get involved with us by <a href="http://www.modernizeaid.net/2009/08/26/take-action-learn-how-you-can-get-involved-with-mfan/?utm_source=email&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=MFAN052311" target="_blank">clicking here</a>.</p> <h2>New Congressional Caucus for Effective Foreign Assistance Launched in House</h2> <p>Two weeks ago, Representatives Ander Crenshaw (R-FL-04) and Adam Smith (D-WA-09) launched the <a href="http://www.modernizeaid.net/2011/05/12/mfan-applauds-and-strongly-supports-creation-of-congressional-caucus-for-effective-foreign-assistance/?utm_source=email&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=MFAN052311" target="_blank">Congressional Caucus for Effective Foreign Assistance</a> in a packed room on Capitol Hill. </p> <p>At the event, USAID Administrator Rajiv Shah delivered remarks prior to a roundtable discussion on �The Importance of Effective Foreign Assistance� featuring development community voices including: Mark Green, Senior Director, U.S. Global Leadership Coalition, member of the Millennium Challenge Corporation Board of Directors, and former Member of Congress and former Ambassador to Tanzania; MFAN Principal Ray Offenheiser, President, Oxfam America; MFAN Co-Chair David Beckmann, President, Bread for the World; MFAN Principal Asif Shaikh, President and CEO, International Resources Group; and Dr. Jonathan Quick, President and CEO, Management Sciences for Health.</p> <p>During his opening remarks, Rep. Crenshaw tied reform to the budget debate, saying in today’s economic climate, it is even more important that government use every dollar effectively. Rep. Smith focused his remarks on the connection between national security and development, arguing instability and the lack of development create problems that later require U.S. troops. Smith also made the case for country ownership, saying development needs to be bottom-up, not top-down, and the U.S. needs to do a better job of helping to build local capacity.</p> <p>After sweeping remarks on the changes in development policy and practice over the last decade, Administrator Shah laid out three areas of focus for the coming year at the agency, building on the reform initiative that was announced last fall called “USAID Forward”:</p> <ul> <li>Seeking a way to make development policy more coherent and placing greater emphasis on economic growth and transparent government;</li> <li>Bringing science, technology, and innovation along to solve problems and take risks; and</li> <li>Creating a platform that brings together expertise across a range of public and private actors.</li> </ul> <p>For more details on the launch, see our <a href="http://www.modernizeaid.net/2011/05/16/congressional-caucus-for-effective-foreign-assistance-kick-off-event/?utm_source=email&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=MFAN052311" target="_blank">event recap here</a>.</p> <h2>President Obama Touts Economic Development in Major Middle East Speech</h2> <p>Using the backdrop of the State Department, last week President Barack Obama addressed the nation to outline the contours of U.S. policy in a rapidly changing Middle East.</p> <p>The President addressed the death of Osama bin Ladin, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and the U.S.’ effort to balance its interests and values in response to the Arab Spring. He spoke eloquently about the new generation of young Arab men and women who are tasting freedom and dignity for the first time, affirming that America will welcome change that brings forward self determination and freedom of opportunity. President Obama announced that the U.S. will continue to support transitions to democracy across the region as a matter of policy. He also pledged to speak out in opposition to the use of violence against demonstrators and in support of universal rights, including free speech, freedom of assembly, gender equality, and freedom of religion.</p> <p>Specifically, Obama noted that the U.S. will continue to stand up for the rights of women and will focus on maternal and child health, educating the women of the region, and supporting women to run for public office throughout the region, saying “The region will never reach its full potential when half the population is prevented from reaching their full potential.”</p> <p>The President also articulated a bold new effort to elevate broad and inclusive economic development as a top priority for U.S. policy in the Middle East. The President’s words last week paralleled many of the recommendations made in MFAN’s recent policy paper: “<a href="http://www.modernizeaid.net/documents/MFAN_ME-NA_041311a.pdf?utm_source=email&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=MFAN052311" target="_blank">A New Approach to U.S. Assistance in a Changing Middle East</a>,” including: </p> <ul> <li>Debt relief for Egypt</li> <li>Aid commitment to Egypt and Tunisia and other governments in transition </li> <li>Empowering civil society </li> <li>Partnering with the private sector</li> <li>Long-term U.S. support beyond a narrow focus on security </li> <li>Engaging as partners, not patrons</li> </ul> <p>In a <a href="http://www.modernizeaid.net/2011/05/23/mfan-statement-obama-middle-east-speech-highlights-key-elements-of-foreign-assistance-reform/?utm_source=email&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=MFAN052311" target="_blank">statement</a> following the speech, MFAN commended President Obama for taking additional steps to elevate development as a key pillar of U.S. foreign policy. </p> <h2>MFAN Coverage of 50<sup>th</sup> Anniversary OECD Forum</h2> <p>This week, the <a href="http://www.modernizeaid.net/2011/05/23/oecd-50th-anniversary-forum-a-big-moment-for-development/?utm_source=email&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=MFAN052311" target="_blank">Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development</a> (OECD) will hold its 50th Anniversary Forum in Paris. This year’s theme will include a strong focus on development effectiveness, reform, and a new U.S. “paradigm for development.” Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who is chairing the Ministerial meeting, is expected to lay out a detailed vision that looks beyond aid to development more broadly. MFAN Principal and Brookings Fellow Noam Unger recently <a href="http://www.modernizeaid.net/2011/05/23/mfan-principal-on-what-to-expect-from-the-oecd-forum/?utm_source=email&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=MFAN052311" target="_blank">published a piece</a> on what we can expect to hear in the Secretary’s remarks.</p> <p>MFAN will be covering several key events throughout the forum, which runs from May 24th-25th with the Ministerial meeting to run from May 25th-26th. Please check for updates on a daily basis via Twitter <a href="http://twitter.com/#!/modernizeaid" target="_blank">@ModernizeAid</a>, <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Modernizing-Foreign-Assistance-Network/133260516740181?ref=ts" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, and our <a href="http://www.modernizeaid.net/pressroom/blog/?utm_source=email&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=MFAN052311" target="_blank">blog</a>. </p> <h2>Shah Hosts ACVFA Meeting</h2> <p>On May 13th, the members of the Advisory Committee on Voluntary Foreign Aid (ACVFA) gathered at the National Press Club in Washington, DC for their first public meeting of the year. ACVFA began with a Presidential directive after WWII to serve as a link between the government and private voluntary organizations that work in the international development space. In announcing the approximately 30 members who make up ACVFA, USAID Administrator Raj Shah said, “To generate innovative ideas for achieving global development results, we must collaborate with an increasingly diverse community of actors. The composition of ACVFA – which includes experienced practitioners and cutting-edge thinkers – will help us harness this opportunity.”</p> <p>MFAN members of ACVFA include Co-Chair David Beckmann, President, Bread for the World, Liz Schrayer, Executive Director, U.S. Global Leadership Coalition, and Sam Worthington, President and CEO, InterAction. For a full list of members, <a href="http://www.usaid.gov/about_usaid/acvfa/acvfamem.html" target="_blank">click here</a>.</p> <p>At the public meeting, a panel of leading officials at USAID described the USAID Forward reforms and answered questions from the audience. In addition to Administrator Shah, the panel included: Susan Reichle, Assistant to the Administrator for Policy, Planning, and Learning; Maureen Shauket, Chief Acquisition Officer; Maura O’Neill, Chief Innovation Officer; and Nancy Lindborg, Assistant Administrator for the Bureau of Democracy, Conflict and Humanitarian Assistance. </p> <p>When pressed for detail on the Partnership for Growth Initiative, Shah said PFG is a new approach to development, moving beyond assistance as a model for change to encompass trade policy, science and technology, and others—ultimately bringing all the tools and resources across the government to the table as described in the President’s development policy announced last September. Still, it is experimental; Susan Reichle stressed that this is a new venture, so it’s difficult to predict what success will look like in the four countries that have been selected. She added that the Philippines, El Salvador, and Ghana have all completed the constraints to growth analysis,and Tanzania’s will be coming next week. The agency is looking toward mid-June to brief Congress on the initiative.</p> <p>Regarding the country development cooperation strategies (CDCS), Reichle said the strategies are created with the entire country team and seek to achieve USAID Forward reforms. For example, in Uganda, they conducted the PEPFAR and Feed the Future strategies at the same time. She also noted that these plans link up to the budget. </p> <p>In response to a question about stronger monitoring and evaluation, Reichle cited the <a href="http://www.foreignassistance.gov/" target="_blank">Foreign Assistance Dashboard</a> as an example of the ways in which the agency is trying to make more evidence-based policy decisions and increase transparency. </p> <h2>MFAN Hosts Carolina for Kibera Co-Founder Rye Barcott and Former Gov. Dirk Kempthorne</h2> <p>At a <a href="http://www.modernizeaid.net/2011/05/04/event-mfan-hosts-rye-barcott-59/?utm_source=email&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=MFAN052311" target="_blank">recent event</a> MFAN co-hosted with the Trade, Aid, and Security Coalition and the Business Council for Global Development, Rye Barcott, former Marine Corps captain & Co-Founder of Carolina for Kibera, spoke thoughtfully about the similarities and differences among his experiences in Kibera and the military. Former Governor of Idaho Dirk Kempthorne introduced Barcott at the event, calling him a “tenacious, steadfast warrior” who brought compassion in service to others. He added that while Barcott’s story is already one of great human triumph, his journey has not yet culminated.</p> <p>Barcott’s discussion centered on his new book, <em><a href="http://ithappenedonthewaytowar.com/" target="_blank">It Happened on the Way to War: A Marine’s Path to Peace</a></em>, which chronicles his military service and how he started Carolina for Kibera as an undergraduate at the University of North Carolina. In Kibera, he found an opportunity to exercise a new model of development that would help curb ethnic tension and provide pathways for growth and stability. Today, Carolina for Kibera’s programs are locally-led and meant to strengthen and build the capacity of the local citizens in Kibera—creating a sense of ownership for their development.</p> <p>To learn more about this event, <a href="http://www.modernizeaid.net/2011/05/12/rye-barcott-on-the-value-of-locally-led-development/?utm_source=email&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=MFAN052311" target="_blank">click here</a>.</p> <h2>USAID Announces Gender Office</h2> <p>At the end of April, USAID Administrator Raj Shah announced the establishment of a new office to focus on women’s issues—the Office of Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment. In a <a href="http://www.usaid.gov/press/releases/2011/ps110426.html" target="_blank">statement</a>, Shah said: “At USAID, we've taken important steps to address gender issues. President Obama's Feed the Future and the Global Health Initiatives both reflect a dedication to increasingly include women and girls as leaders, implementers and beneficiaries of our programs. We've also increased the number of missions carrying out assessments that incorporate gender into country planning and programming. And last month, I established a Policy Task Team to craft a new policy on gender equality and women's empowerment—our first in nearly 30 years.”</p> <p>The new office, transformed from the Economic Growth, Agriculture, and Trade’s (EGAT) Women in Development Office, will focus on building partnerships, giving greater support to female entrepreneurs, reducing gender gaps, and providing access to technology—all in the hopes of giving women more ownership and control over assets like land. Combating sexual and gender-based violence will be the responsibility of the Bureau of Democracy, Conflict, and Humanitarian Assistance (DCHA). </p> <p>Carla Koppell has joined USAID as the Senior Coordinator for Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment “to integrate gender equality as cross-cutting throughout the agency.” Kopell most recently served as director of the Institute for Inclusive Security and the Washington office of the Hunt Alternatives Fund. She has worked extensively with women and civil society leaders from conflict areas around the world including Afghanistan, Colombia, Iraq, the Middle East, and Sudan. </p> <p>Other leadership at USAID includes Dr. Caren Grown, who is the Senior Gender Advisor in the Policy Planning and Learning Bureau and leading a new Policy Task Team established to craft the new gender equality policy. </p> <h2>Job Opportunities</h2> <ul> <li>Communications Associate – the Global Health Technologies Coalition. For more information and to apply, <a href="http://hostedjobs.openhire.com/epostings/submit.cfm?fuseaction=app.jobinfo&id=23&jobid=298899&company_id=15780&version=1&source=ONLINE&JobOwner=1012599&level=levelid2&levelid2=24189&parent=North%20America;;;Communications/Advocacy%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%252" target="_blank">click here</a>.</li> <li>U.S. Representative – Publish What You Fund (UK). For more information and to apply, <a href="http://www.publishwhatyoufund.org/resources/vacancies/vacancy-u-s-representative/" target="_blank">click here</a>.</li> </ul> <h2>Upcoming Events</h2> <ul> <li><strong>Tuesday, May 24</strong>: Grounding Green Power—New Opportunities for Development Cooperation through Smart Energy Systems<br /> The event will feature opening remarks from Klaus Linsenmeier, Director, Heinrich Böll Foundation Washington DC, and feature a presentation from Manish Bapna, Executive Vice President & Managing Director, World Resources Institute, and Lutz Weischer, Research Analyst, World Resources Institute. Following the presentation is a discussion that will be moderated by Nigel Purvis, Senior Fellow, GMF, and President, Climate Advisers. Respondents include: Asoka Abeygunawardana, Adviser to the Minister of Power and Energy, Sri Lanka; William Breed, Director, Global Climate Change Team, USAID; Jens Haarlov, Alternate Executive Director for the Nordic and Baltic Countries, The World Bank Group; and Keya Chatterjee, Director, Climate Change Program, WWF <ul> <li><strong>4:00-5:45 PM at the German Marshall Fund of the United States</strong> (1744 R Street NW)</li> </ul> </li> <li><strong>Tuesday, May 24</strong>: International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers<br /> On behalf of the Better World Campaign, the Stimson Center, and the United Nations Association of the National Capital Area, we hope you are able to join us for a reception on May 24 to thank United Nations Peacekeepers and troop contributing countries for their efforts to build a more just and secure world.  We will celebrate the work of UN Peacekeepers and pay tribute to leading troop contributing countries including India, Bangladesh, Nigeria, Brazil, Uruguay, and Jordan with Alain Le Roy, Under-Secretary-General of the UN Department of Peacekeeping Operations.  These nations send thousands of their own citizens to the front lines of conflict zones, risking their lives, to stabilize volatile regions and assist people in need around the world. <ul> <li><strong>5:30-7:30 PM at 562 Dirksen Senate Office Building</strong></li> <li>RSVP to <a href="mailto:EVENTS@UNFOUNDATION.ORG">EVENTS@UNFOUNDATION.ORG</a> or 202-419-3223</li> </ul> </li> <li><strong>Wednesday, May 25</strong>: How is the Global Health Initiative Changing What Happens in the Field?<br /> The Kaiser Family Foundation will hold a briefing to explore the rollout of the U.S. government’s Global Health Initiative (GHI) on the ground, with a particular focus on the recently released GHI country-level strategies. The briefing will examine progress and challenges in translating the GHI in the field and next steps moving forward. The briefing will include Lois Quam, Executive Director of the U.S. Global Health Initiative, as well as U.S. field representatives from several of the “GHI-plus” countries, selected to serve as learning laboratories for global health interventions and strategies that could be replicated elsewhere if successful. In addition, Mark Green, Senior Director at the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition and former Ambassador to Tanzania, and Karl Hofmann, President and CEO of PSI and former Ambassador to the Republic of Togo, will share their perspectives. Jen Kates, Vice President and Director, Global Health and HIV Policy, at the Kais er Family Foundation will provide an overview and moderate the discussion. <ul> <li><strong>9:30-11:00 AM at the Kaiser Family Foundation</strong> (1330 G Street NW)</li> <li>RSVP by registering <a href="http://kff052511.eventbrite.com/" target="_blank">online here</a>.</li> </ul> </li> <li><strong>Wednesday, June 1</strong>: Demystifying Performance-Based Financing: How USG Dollars Can Improve Global Health Outcomes<br /> Please join MFAN and Management Sciences for Health, in conjunction with Representative Donald Payne (D-NJ), for a discussion on the merits of performance-based financing (PBF), which can help to maximize the impact of U.S. foreign assistance. PBF is heralded as an innovative and highly impactful solution to accelerate achievements in global health – particularly priority services that improve the health of women and children. PBF increases coverage of high-impact global health interventions, encourages transparency and ownership of host-country health systems, and improves the health of the world’s poorest and most vulnerable. Panelists for the discussion include: Gyuri Fritsche, MD, MS, Senior Health Specialist, Results Based Financing Team, World Bank; Kathy Kantengwa, MD, MPP, Performance-Based Financing Advisor, MSH; Dan Kraushaar, PhD, Principal Technical Advisor for Health Systems, MSH; Oscar Picazo, MA, Health Economist; and Pamela Rao, MBA, MA, MPH, Seni or Health Systems Strengthening Advisor, Office of HIV/AIDS, USAID (invited) <ul> <li><strong>8:00-10:00 AM at Rayburn Congressional House Building B-339</strong> </li> <li>For more information or to RSVP, please contact Mimi Wu at <a href="mailto:mwu@msh.org">mwu@msh.org</a>. </li> </ul> </li> <li><strong>Wednesday, June 1</strong>: Beyond Bullets and Bombs: Fixing the U.S. Approach to Development in Pakistan<br /> Fallout from the killing of Osama bin Laden in a Pakistani garrison town has prompted an anxious reassessment of all facets of the complex, troubled alliance between the United States and Pakistan. A new report from CGD’s Study Group on U.S. Development Strategy in Pakistan shines light on a crucial and too-often neglected aspect of the relationship: the aid, trade and investment policies that constitute America’s effort to support Pakistan’s development. The group’s message is alarming, but with a note of optimism. Two years into a new approach to engagement with Pakistan, the authors write, the U.S. development program still lacks coherent priorities, tools to manage and adjust them as conditions require, and a system to measure and report progress. Yet there are signs that the program has laid the foundation to do better—and there is a window of opportunity now to refocus and strengthen the program. The report authors will present the key find ings and recommendations and invite comments and questions from a distinguished expert panel and members of the audience. <ul> <li><strong>2:00-4:30 PM at the Center for Global Development</strong> (1800 Massachusetts Avenue NW, 1st Floor)</li> <li>RSVP by registering <a href="http://actevarsvp.com/acteva/jsp/register.jsp?eventID=a0I5000000BYJk0EAH&prtptID=a0D50000002pCduEAE&mailId=a0F50000002gK2NEAU" target="_blank">online here</a>. </li> </ul> </li> <li><strong>Monday, June 13</strong>: Passports to Progress—ICRW's 35th Anniversary Discussion Series<br /> Join ICRW on June 13 at The National Press Club in Washington, D.C., for a conversation on ending violence against women and a sneak preview of "Women, War & Peace." This is the second of our four-part Passports to Progress discussion series. The discussion will be moderated by Gayle Tzemach Lemmon, journalist, ICRW board member and author of the New York Times best-seller, "The Dressmaker of Khair Khana.” Speakers include: Abigail Disney, philanthropist, scholar and filmmaker of the acclaimed "Pray the Devil Back to Hell"; Donald Steinberg, deputy administrator of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID); and Mary Ellsberg, vice president of research and programs at ICRW. <ul> <li><strong>6:00-8:30 PM at the National Press Club</strong> (529 14th St. NW, 13th Floor)</li> <li>Tickets are $50 each and include admission to the event, hors d'oeuvres, cocktails and complimentary valet parking. See <a href="https://www.icrw.org/donate/lecture?ms=VAW1tick&utm_content=rstachowski%40icrw.org&utm_source=VerticalResponse&utm_medium=Email&utm_term=%20Purchase%20Tickets%20%26raquo;&utm_campaign=%22When%20She%20is%20Safe...%22%20Join%20us!" target="_blank">more information here</a>.</li> </ul> </li> </ul> <h2>MFAN In the News</h2> <ul> <li><a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/ezra-klein/post/five-ways-foreign-aid-could-cost-less-while-doing-more/2011/05/09/AFSEcm5G_blog.html#pagebreak" target="_blank">Five ways foreign aid could cost less while doing more</a> (The Washington Post-Ezra Klein, May 17)</li> <li><a href="http://www.rollcall.com/issues/56_117/-205344-1.html" target="_blank">Kolbe, Beckmann and Ingram: U.S. Foreign Assistance Needs Further Reform</a> (Roll Call-Jim Kolbe, David Beckmann, and George Ingram, May 5) </li> <li><a href="http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0511/54342.html#comments" target="_blank">Rethinking U.S. aid to Middle East</a> (Politico-Sarah Margon, May 5)</li> <li><a href="http://thehill.com/blogs/congress-blog/foreign-policy/158935-what-business-and-military-already-know" taret="_blank">What business and military already know</a> (The Hill-Mark Green, May 3)</li> <li><a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/afghan-aid-programs-are-crucial-to-the-war-effort/2011/05/01/AFFhLZjF_story.html" target="_blank">Afghan aid programs are crucial to the war effort</a> (The Washington Post-James Kunder, May 4)</li> <li><a href="http://www.devex.com/en/blogs/development-assistance-under-obama/mfan-unveils-revised-us-aid-reform-policy-agenda" target="_blank">MFAN Unveils Revised U.S. Aid Reform Policy Agenda</a> (Devex, April 29)</li> <li><a href="http://www.devex.com/en/articles/charting-a-new-path-for-us-foreign-assistance-in-the-middle-east-and-north-africa" target="_blank">Charting a New Path for US Foreign Assistance in the Middle East and North Africa</a> (Devex, April 19)</li> <li><a href="http://allafrica.com/stories/201104181987.html" target="_blank">MFAN Calls for Reform of U.S. Development Policy in a Changing Middle East</a> (allAfrica, April 18)</li> <li><a href="http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=135408706" target="_blank">U.S. State Department, Foreign Aid Take Hit In Budget Deal</a> (NPR-Interview with George Ingram, April 14)</li> <li><a href="http://dailycaller.com/2011/04/06/why-congress-shouldnt-slash-foreign-aid/" target="_blank">Why Congress shouldn’t slash foreign aid</a> (The Daily Caller-Jim Kolbe and Connie Morella, April 6)</li> <li><a href="http://www.military.com/opinion/0,15202,228991,00.html" target="_blank">The Long View for Shorter Wars</a> (Military Times-Rye Barcott, March 29)</li> </ul> </td> </tr> </table>

Subscribe to MFAN News via email by entering your email address below:

Reformers Take Over the Media; Reps Crenshaw and Smith Launch Aid Effectiveness Caucus

Thu, 05 May 2011 16:02:00 GMT

Subscribe to MFAN News via email by entering your email address below:

Reformers Take Over the Media; Reps Crenshaw and Smith Launch Aid Effectiveness Caucus