Speeches Shim
Our commitment remains steadfast. Let me be clear: the people and Government of Afghanistan have a true partner in the United States. USAID believes that economic development, transparent institutions, and good governance are essential for peace. We are committed to working hand in hand with the government and with the private sector when it comes to human development and peacebuilding.
The U.S. Government knows how crucial our Pacific neighbors are in fostering a free and open Indo-Pacific region. And we’ve had a longstanding commitment to the Pacific Islands. Yet, the region’s stability and vitality continue to be threatened—by debilitating natural disasters, development challenges, and malign actors who engage in predatory economic activities.
We must rely on women and their leadership to help build even stronger communities. And this is why it is more important than ever to invest in women, during this pandemic and beyond. USAID has a long history of investing in women. And the White House-led Women’s Global Development and Prosperity Initiative, or W-GDP, brings a whole-of-government approach to the belief that advancing women’s economic empowerment globally has the potential to create real change and resilience.
For the very first time, Prosper Africa has brought together the services and resources of 17 participating U.S. Government agencies to help U.S. and African companies do business. By connecting U.S. and African companies with new trade and investment opportunities, the Initiative is creating jobs, driving growth, and fostering shared prosperity.
In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, the United States strongly endorses collaboration among all of the organizations represented here today, and we welcome this discussion. Humanitarian needs are at an all-time high, and we need new partnerships and ways of doing business to rise to the challenge.
Thank you and good morning.
I’m happy to be here to kick-off the next generation of USAID’s continued assistance programming focused on energy security and critical infrastructure protection throughout Europe and Eurasia.
More than three years since the last mass displacement of Rohingya fleeing violence in Burma, we are here today to reiterate our shared commitment to supporting Rohingya refugees and the Bangladeshi communities that generously host them. On behalf of USAID, I’m proud to announce today our additional support, alongside KSrelief, for WFP’s project on cyclone shelter rehabilitation and strengthening disaster readiness. This project is one of the many ways that USAID is strengthening resilience for all communities in Cox’s Bazar.
[As Prepared]
Good afternoon Jim, thank you very much for hosting me.
I’ll start off by addressing the elephant in the room. Yes, there was an election yesterday and no, we don’t yet know the results of all the races. But it is certainly an exciting time to be watching democracy in action!
With the focus on the election, it’s easy to forget that the vital work of the US government and its partners -- especially in the fields of national security and humanitarian assistance -- does not stop for elections.
Based on phone surveys supported by USAID in five African countries, as many as 300 million people are already facing challenges in accessing drinking water. As incomes drop, prices rise, and water is available for fewer hours, many households have less money to pay for water. And in many countries, service providers are at risk of outright insolvency because of pauses on customer fees, higher household demand, and lower industrial use of water.
I want to underscore how much the Trump Administration, USAID, and the American people care about the situation in Cuba. We see how bad things are, and—as today’s report details—we know that the situation continues to deteriorate. Responsible leaders would see these challenges and take care of the people who are suffering in this way.
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Last updated: November 25, 2020
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