Millennium Challenge Corporation Launches Search for New Natural Resources Indicator at Kick Off Event Chaired by Governor Whitman

Washington, D.C. — Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) will hold a public session on February 28, 2005, chaired by MCC Board Member, Governor Christine Todd Whitman, to launch a process to identify indicators and indices that can measure a country's economic policies to promote the sustainable management of natural resources. MCC works with the world's poorest countries and selects eligible countries based on a country's performance against its peers on policies in three categories: ruling justly, investing in people, and economic freedom. Under its authorizing legislation, MCC is also asked to use objective and quantifiable indicators to evaluate a country's commitment to economic policies that promote the sustainable management of natural resources. Thus far, MCC has been unable to identify an existing measure.

To address this problem, MCC is seeking broad participation from the academic community, public and private sector practitioners, and researchers at think tanks and non-governmental organizations to improve data quality in this area. Governor Whitman will kick off this process in a public meeting to explain the criteria for proposal evaluation, our timeline, and invite comments and proposals.

“ MCC is seeking an independent, quantifiable indicator that assesses a country's economic policies regarding the management of natural resources,” said MCC CEO Paul Applegarth. “I thank Governor Whitman for her leadership in chairing this initiative. MCC looks forward to the participation of experts in this field.”

What: MCC Board Member will chair a public meeting to begin a search for a new natural resources indicator.

When: Monday, February 28, 2005, 1PM-2:30PM

Where: American Society of Association Executives (ASAE)

1575 Eye Street, NW
Washington, DC 20005

Seating is limited. If you plan to attend the event, RSVP with your name, organization, phone number, and e-mail address to mccevents@mcc.gov .

Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), a U.S. government corporation designed to work with some of the poorest countries in the world, is based on the principle that aid is most effective when it reinforces sound political, economic, and social policies that promote poverty reduction through economic growth.

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