Interaction Applauds President Obama’s New Presidential Policy Directive On Global Development

InterAction is pleased that President Obama has followed through on his promise to elevate global development to be as important a U.S. foreign policy component as defense and diplomacy.  During his speech on Wednesday, September 22, at the United Nations Millennium Development Goals Summit, Obama announced the United States will formulate the first-ever U.S. Global Development Strategy which recognizes development to be a strategic, economic and moral imperative, emphasizing the importance of economic growth for the eradication of poverty.

This policy ushers in a new model for U.S. foreign assistance. With the creation of the Inter-Agency Policy Committee on Global Development, the U.S. adopts a whole of government approach, led by the White House, to pursue the most efficient means to generate lasting change in the developing world.

Non-governmental organizations will participate in the newly established U.S. Global Development Council, to advise the president and maintain focus on the importance of bottom-up interventions that address basic human needs.  We look forward to working with the Obama administration on making a significant difference in the lives of the world’s poor and most vulnerable citizens.

Read the InterAction analysis of the Presidential Policy Directive on Global Development