Presentation by Walid Maalouf
Director Public Diplomacy for Middle Eastern & MEPI Affairs
before the US Japan Cultural Program
USAID Visitor Center
August 26, 2004
President George W. Bush recognizes in his National Security Strategy that development and diplomacy are as important as defense for building a safer, freer and better world. To this end the Department of State and the U.S. Agency for International Development have put together a strategic plan that builds on President Bush's three Ds - Defense, Diplomacy, Development - to create a more secure, democratic, and prosperous world for the benefit of the American people and the international community. The goals of the strategic plan are: to achieve peace and security, advance sustainable development and global interest, promote international understanding and strengthen diplomatic program capabilities.
These goals are being pursued through USAID as well.
The U.S. Agency for International Development is the lead agency for the U.S. Government providing economic development and humanitarian assistance to people around the world. By creating the conditions to help countries move from poverty to prosperity, we serve both the American public and millions of people living in countries in development and transition. The total budget of USAID has grown in the last three years from $8 billion to $ 14 billion. You can clearly see the commitment of our Administration toward a better way of life for all human beings around the world.
We have Missions in:
- Africa
- Asia and the Near East
- Europe and Eurasia
- Latin America and the Caribbean
- Representatives Offices in Brussels, Tokyo, UN in Geneva, the World Bank and the OECD.
Presidential Initiatives
Under President George W. Bush's leadership, the United States has adopted a new forward strategy designed to encourage freedom and reform in the greater Middle East. The Presidential Initiatives strive to bring together private sector businesses, non-governmental organizations, civil society groups and government officials to develop and promote innovative reform policies in the greater Middle East focusing on democracy, economic and political reform, social, cultural and education for all with full opportunities for women.
So three years ago President Bush initiated the Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) to help the democratization process in that region. Today MEPI has two Representative offices in Tunisia and UAE. President George W. Bush started another initiative called the Broader Middle East and North Africa in which our European allies are fully engaged in helping the transformation of the Middle East to democracy. USAID is involved in nearly all aspect of the MEPI program and the Broader Middle East & North Africa's initiative.
Public Diplomacy at USAID
Public Diplomacy for Middle Eastern & MEPI Affairs at USAID was created to increase communications between the Agency and the greater Middle Eastern community in America and the region. We are committed to improving knowledge of American political values in the greater Middle East and promoting a better understanding of the policy goals of Presidential Initiatives and the mission of USAID. We also provide essential information about these programs and policies.
Currently, we maintain consistent communication by sending our Front Lines to more than 200 Middle Eastern leaders in the United States, keeping them abreast of new developments and press releases. We organize seminars for different segments of the community, putting them together with senior officers of the administration for frank and open discussions. We visit and keep the Middle Eastern Ambassadors in Washington and at the United Nations informed and aware of all our humanitarian and economic developments. We participate in many functions organized by Middle Eastern American organizations and Embassies in an effort to keep our presence visible. Finally, we participate in inter-agency meetings regarding issues related to the Broader Middle East and North Africa.
Our plan for the future includes traveling the region to meet & build relationships with civic and social leaders to familiarize them with our USAID projects and programs in the field; visiting with student leaders; build bridges with the working class; offering interviews with local media about President Bush's initiatives in the region; and many other activities here and abroad.
Day-in and day-out, USAID makes a world of difference around the world by saving peoples lives, building economies and promoting democracy.
Thank you.
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