How Asia develops is critical to U.S. economic and security interests. Never before have our fates been so intertwined, especially in matters of health and the economy, as COVID-19 has proven. Asia is home to 4.7 billion people—over sixty percent of the human population—and half of the global economy, and its decisions and development trajectory will affect the world for generations. 

Today, Asia grapples with immense challenges—including the risks and consequences of climate change and vaccinating populations against COVID-19. They are facing rapid urbanization and the overexploitation and contamination of life-sustaining resources of the land, air, and sea. Barriers remain to stronger regional connectivity, sustainable infrastructure development, and commitment to democratic principles and freedoms. Many countries still struggle to improve health and education on a large scale, which could help prevent the next pandemic threat. Amid this backdrop, authoritarian models of development are raising countries’ debt burdens while threatening national sovereignty and sustainable progress—diminishing the promise that Asia’s future still holds.

Across Asia, USAID plays a vital role in ensuring that countries’ development decisions help realize equitable and sustainable long-term success. We help foster inclusive and equitable growth, safeguard good governance and human rights, unlock climate solutions, and accelerate progress in health and education to jumpstart social and economic development. By shaping a more prosperous Asia region, USAID advances U.S. security and economic priorities. And while Asian countries have vastly diverse development levels and needs, their interconnectedness—from trade and supply chains, to infrastructure, health and beyond—provides opportunities for the United States. Through sustainable, inclusive development partnerships such as the quadrilateral cooperation between Australia, India, Japan, and the United States (the Quad) and with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), USAID supports developing countries in Asia to realize their development goals and contribute to a more prosperous and peaceful world.

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Leadership

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Michael Schiffer

Michael Schiffer

Assistant Administrator

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Michael Schiffer is the Assistant Administrator of the Bureau for Asia. 

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Zeinah Salahi

Zeinah Salahi

Senior Deputy Assistant Administrator

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Zeinah Salahi joined the Bureau for Asia in August 2023 as the Senior Deputy Assistant Administrator for Asia.

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Sara Borodin

Sara Borodin

Deputy Assistant Administrator

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Sara Borodin serves as Deputy Assistant Administrator for East Asia and the Pacific

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Photo of Änjali Kaur

Änjali Kaur

Deputy Assistant Administrator

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Änjali Kaur is the Deputy Assistant Administrator of the Bureau for Asia. 

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Michael McCord

Michael McCord

Deputy Assistant Administrator

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Michael McCord serves as Deputy Assistant Administrator for Afghanistan and Pakistan

The U.S. Vision for a Free and Open Indo-Pacific

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In December 2021, Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken laid out the U.S. Government’s Indo-Pacific Strategy, America’s vision for a free, open, connected, prosperous, resilient, and secure Indo-Pacific region in which all countries are empowered to adapt to the 21st century’s challenges and seize its many opportunities. The United States will pursue an Indo-Pacific region that is free and open, connected, prosperous, resilient, and secure.

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Administrator Power Travels to Maldives - November 2023

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USAID Administrator Samantha Power will lead the U.S. Presidential Delegation to the Republic of Maldives to attend the inauguration of His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Muizzu on November 17.


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