We are in the midst of a new era of political and social transitions around the globe. These transitions, as with many of the problems of the developing world, often involve conflict and crisis. The Department of State has launched the new Bureau of Conflict and Stabilization Operations. This new bureau will be an important partner for the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) in increasing our global capabilities essential to crisis prevention, response, recovery, and transition efforts.
The new Bureau of Conflict and Stabilization Operations is part of Secretary Clinton’s broader strategy laid out in the Quadrennial Diplomacy and Development Review to build smarter, more effective U.S. engagement with the world. The Bureau will subsume the Office of the Coordinator for Reconstruction and Stabilization.
A key responsibility of the new State Bureau of Conflict and Stabilization Operations is the continued management of the Civilian Response Corps, civilian staff from various U.S. government agencies trained to enhance U.S. government engagements in fragile states and post-conflict environments while laying the path for longer-term development and peace. Last year alone, USAID Civilian Response Corps personnel provided more than 9,300 person days to augment Embassy and USAID Mission efforts managing crises in 25 countries such as Haiti, South Sudan, Yemen, Tunisia and others.
Within USAID, the Bureau for Democracy, Conflict, and Humanitarian Assistance brings together wide-ranging technical expertise, flexible funding, and global operational capabilities with $2-3 billion per year in programs to support disaster and crisis prevention, response, recovery, and transition efforts.
We look forward to partnering with the State Department’s new Bureau of Conflict and Stabilization Operations to drive integrated development and diplomatic efforts to prevent, respond to, and stabilize crises in priority states and regions, helping local actors set the conditions for sustainable solutions and long-term peace.
