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The Global Development Alliance initiative was announced on May 8, 2001, by USAID Administrator Andrew Natsios in testimony before the Senate Appropriations Sub-Committee on Foreign Operations.
"It's not enough to reconsider our priorities. We need to fundamentally change the way we do business. Not only has the world changed; but the provision of foreign assistance has changed drastically. The globalization of the world economy has meant that governments, while still essential, are not the only institutions through which public services are provided. The role of religious institutions, non-governmental organizations, private foundations, universities, and the private market economy in providing services and accomplishing public objectives has dramatically increased."
I intend to create ... the Global Development Alliance. The Global Development Alliance (GDA) is USAID's commitment to change the way we implement our assistance mandate. We propose to serve as a catalyst to mobilize the ideas, efforts, and resources of the public sector, corporate America, the higher education community and non-governmental organizations in support of shared objectives. For example, a critical development need is to help poor countries have access to new information technologies, so they aren't left permanently off the digital highway. Some companies, like Hewlett Packard, already assist developing countries with information technology; I want such companies to consider working with us, in collaboration with U.S. universities and NGOs, to really make an impact."
Why will this work? Because U.S. organizations and companies want to and already do try to help less fortunate people worldwide, out of American compassion and out of the desire to create new markets. But many organizations don't know how to get involved in providing foreign assistance, and USAID has not been prepared to take full advantage of the resources private organizations can bring us. The GDA will change this by actively seeking out partners willing to commit real resources - funding, information, or personnel - to support development programs. With these partners, we will build alliances that target specific development objectives, and leverage private funds from foundations and corporations to accomplish those objectives."
Andrew Natsios,
USAID Administrator
May 8, 2001