InterAction annual CEO Retreat this week

More than 65 CEOs from InterAction are holding their annual retreat in Washington, D.C., this week, hearing from leading government officials and experts on the challenges of the day and how they affect the work of NGOs. It is also a time when leaders from the NGO community can network and find common solutions to the changing global aid and development landscape.

The keynote speaker at Wednesday’s dinner was Deputy Secretary of State Ambassador Bill Burns, who outlined the diplomatic challenges in 2012 and their possible impact on NGOs. Today, NGOs hear from experts on core issues such as country ownership and how to combat what is referred to as the “new isolationism.” USAID Chief Economist Steve Radelet, American Enterprise Institute Resident Scholar Norman Ornstein and U.S. Global Leadership Coalition Executive Director Liz Schrayer will lead that conversation. USAID Administrator Rajiv Shah will speak during lunch.

Another session will look at best practices in advocacy and communications in today’s tough economic and political climate, with a presentation from leading pollster Celinda Lake.