The Washington Post Blog quotes CGD senior fellow Steve Radelet on reforming U.S. foreign assistance.
From the article:
"Today, there's no national voice inviting Americans to serve humanitarian interests around the world and no clear strategy for promoting democracy, economic development, health, education, and human rights. Experts like Steve Radelet, Senior Fellow at the Center for Global Development, have argued for a new Cabinet-level Department for Global Development to provide such a voice and such a strategy.
I'd propose an agency with an even broader mission, a new "Department of Development and Service" to serve needs at home and abroad. More than ever, citizen groups, philanthropies, businesses, and faith based organizations are willing to do more to promote basic education for all, opportunity for women and girls, inclusion for those with disabilities, and peace. More than ever, the ability exists to eradicate age old diseases of the body like malaria and age old diseases of the spirit like fear and intolerance. With Obama's inspirational power, the response to a Presidential call would be monumental.
Consider one small example of innovation in the service of promoting peace and development. Last year, The President of Liberia, Ellen Sirleaf joined with global activist Ed Scott and Radelet to launch the Scott Family Fellows, a team of six post-Masters level development workers who serve in Liberia for a year. Despite the modest salary and the difficulties of life in west Africa, more than 300 top applications poured in. Almost any of them could have been selected."