Weekly Briefing (7/16/2012 – 7/20/2012)

July 17: In an op-ed appearing in The Hill, Save the Children CEO and President Carolyn Miles and The Coca-Cola Company Senior Vice President Clyde Tuggle discussed the economic and national security benefits of international development. The executives stated that growing new markets and building stable societies will help American businesses and development organizations. They also highlighted USAID’s support and how the Agency is partnering with the Coca-Cola Company to provide access to water for millions of people in Africa.

July 18: In a piece appearing in Foreign Policy, contributor John Norris discussed USAID’s efforts regarding procurement reform as part of a broad effort to help countries stand on their own two feet by helping them build the capacity to do so.

July 18: Celebrating South Sudan’s first year of independence, National Geographic published an article written by Wildlife Conservation Society Director of South Sudan Programs Dr. Paul Elkan. In the story, Elkan highlighted the country’s vast potential for ecotourism and conservation, along with USAID’s support for WCS’ programs in the country. Citing the recent conservation accomplishments in South Sudan, Elkan wrote that, “the establishment and stewardship of protected areas such as the Boma and Badingalo Parks, as well as a number of important wildlife migration corridors, has led to a dialogue among stakeholders over land and resource management.”

July 19: In an interview with Miami’s Tropik TV, USAID Chief Innovation Officer Maura O’Neill discussed the success of the Haiti Mobile Money Initiative, which is building up the country’s development capacity after the January 2010 earthquake.