At USAID, we believe democracy and development are integrally linked. We know democracies are more peaceful, experience higher economic growth and lower poverty rates, protect the environment, provide more clean water, have higher life expectancies, and see more equitable distribution of education.

The USAID Bureau for Democracy, Human Rights, and Governance leads the Agency’s efforts to invigorate democracy, enhance human rights and justice, and bolster governance that advances the public interest and delivers inclusive development. The bureau shapes policy and development agendas, generates knowledge and evidence that drives innovation, catalyzes partnerships and coalitions, and mobilizes cutting-edge programs and technical assistance to enable USAID’s Missions and partners to accelerate democratic development globally.