Shah to Give Major Speech on Development

By: Staff Person
January 18, 2011

Since being sworn in as the 16th administrator of USAID on January 7th, Dr. Rajiv Shah has taken a number of steps to position U.S. development efforts as a critical and dynamic component of U.S. foreign policy. From taking the lead on the Feed the Future initiative to internal reforms within USAID, Dr. Shah has demonstrated his leadership in making the agency a cutting edge actor in development, one that puts renewed emphasis on partnerships, innovation and learning, and evidenced-based results. Over the last 12 months, Shah also co-chaired the Quadrennial Diplomacy and Development Review (QDDR) and played an active role in the formulation of President Obama’s Presidential Policy Directive on U.S. Global Development Policy.

MFAN Partner Launches USAID Monitor

By: Staff Person
January 10, 2011

“The Monitor will focus on aid effectiveness, transparency, and the efficient use of federal funds to support U.S. foreign policy. It will track new initiatives begun by Administrator Shah as embodied in USAID Forward. It will pay special attention to the agency’s new approach to evidence-based policy and planning and will monitor congressional activities that affect its authorities and capacity to achieve development objectives.”

MFAN Partner Takes a Closer Look at the QDDR

By: Staff Person
January 4, 2011

“While there is much to applaud in the report, its shift towards a national security foundation for diplomacy and development raises significant concerns among development professionals. Over time, how this affects the planning and selection of development solutions at both State and USAID could result in an undercutting of the elevation of development which the QDDR asserts as one of its key goals. Furthermore, how the reforms outlined in the report are implemented will determine whether humanitarian and development programs in the field are strengthened or weakened.”

More QDDR Reactions from MFAN Partners

By: Staff Person
December 21, 2010

MFAN Partners continue to respond to the Quadrennial Diplomacy and Development Review (QDDR), which Secretary Clinton released last week. If you missed our first recap, click here.

Stimson Center Launches QDDR Scorecard

By: Staff Person
December 17, 2010

The Stimson Center has put together a helpful scorecard on their assessment of the Quadrennial Diplomacy and Development Review (QDDR). Focusing on authorities, structures, and capacity this QDDR scorecard is a useful tool to keep in mind as you make your way through the 200+ page document. Categories include: Define State and USAID missions and set … Continue reading Stimson Center Launches QDDR Scorecard

MFAN Partner Oxfam on the New US Foreign Assistance Dashboard

By: Staff Person
December 16, 2010

See below for a guest post from MFAN member Archana Palaniappan of the Aid Effectiveness Team at Oxfam America as she highlights features of the new US Foreign Assistance Dashboard, which launched today. The dashboard is just one of the changes brought on by the Quadrennial Diplomacy and Development Review (QDDR) and internal reforms at … Continue reading MFAN Partner Oxfam on the New US Foreign Assistance Dashboard

QDDR Executive Summary

By: Staff Person
December 15, 2010

The first-ever Quadrennial Diplomacy and Development Review (QDDR) is now ready for your comments, courtesy of MFAN Partner InterAction’s QDDR Page. Before diving into the full 200-page report (awaiting release), we recommend taking a look at the Executive Summary which states: “These civilians ask one question again and again: How can we do a better … Continue reading QDDR Executive Summary

QDDR Fact Sheet

By: Staff Person
December 15, 2010

The Quadrennial Diplomacy and Development Review (QDDR) Fact Sheet is now up on state.gov. Of note is a helpful sidebar that lists key outcomes of the report. These include: Build America’s civilian power, bringing together the unique contributions of civilians across the federal government to advance U.S. interests. Elevate and transform development to deliver results by … Continue reading QDDR Fact Sheet

Sec. Clinton’s Prepared Remarks on QDDR Rollout

By: Staff Person
December 15, 2010

“The QDDR is a blueprint for how we can make the State Department and USAID more nimble, more effective, and more accountable. A blueprint for how our country can lead in a changing world through the use of what I call “civilian power” – the combined force of all of the civilians across the U.S. government who practice diplomacy, carry out development projects, and act to prevent and respond to crisis and conflict.”

CGD Gets in the Holiday Spirit

By: Staff Person
December 14, 2010

“Now Slaughter! Now, Radelet! Now, Geithner and Shah! On, Nides! On, Steinberg! On Yohannes, hurrah! To the top of the White House! To the top of the Hill!”

Now dash away! Dash away! Get us good will!”