Administrator and Deputy Administrator Speeches

As USAID and our partners seek to work alongside the people of Burma to address a staggering level of need, Burma remains one of the most restrictive environments in the world for development. A combination of the repression and the armed conflict make it difficult to act swiftly and efficiently, and development and aid workers are often put in harm's way while carrying out their work. The presence of legal and administrative hurdles like Burma's NGO law, which imposes draconian restrictions and requirements, create an environment of uncertainty for humanitarians, but also for development workers, and, above all, the communities that they serve. 

All around the world, in every sector of development, we have seen how these are the leaders who drive the most transformative and enduring change. But, changing our mindsets and our methods across the agency has, of course, been challenging. It has proven time-consuming to reach beyond our established partners to build relationships with these local groups. It has often taken more staff resources to help new partners navigate the sometimes-complex process of partnering with USAID. 

As the United States continues to mobilize our response, we need you. As members of the Sudanese diaspora, your voices are critical. You and your families continue to be affected by the multiple crises in Sudan. And so to all advocates in the room today, I urge you to continue your public and private advocacy for protecting the people of Sudan, not just for a surge in humanitarian assistance, which we all know is hugely needed, but a push to end this brutal conflict for good. We must continue pressure to disarm, halt the conflict, and support a lasting peace. Thank you for your participation in the dialogue today and for your continued advocacy and support of the people of Sudan. 

We are lucky that in Alexious’ new post, she is already contributing her talents to the people of not just one country, but two: Guinea and Sierra Leone. So we really need to clone her for this assignment. Both countries have extensive natural resources with some of the world's most valuable metal and mineral deposits, including green minerals like bauxite that are needed to power the clean energy technologies of the future. These resources have incredible potential to help fuel the region's economy and fund basic services that citizens so need, basic infrastructure for the Guinean and Sierra Leonean people. But, of course, too often, when such resources exist, the wealth that could have been generated has vanished into corruption, into graft. 

In John, team Tajikistan – as it seems like you already know – you are gaining someone with enormous creativity, deep love for the people and cultures of this extraordinary region, and that legendary Riordan optimism.

Indeed, there is no better person than Sara to take up the helm at USAID’s Mission in the Kyrgyz Republic. Nestled in the heart of Central Asia, the Kyrgyz Republic is often hailed for its breathtaking landscapes – the very landscapes that Sara became enamored by as a child looking through those books. But, beyond its picturesque mountains and its lakes, the country is a central part of an important region that is making strides to boost connectivity among neighbors and spark greater economic growth that benefits more people within the country. USAID has been working alongside the people of the Kyrgyz Republic since its independence in 1992.