Speeches Shim
The future of clean, sustainable energy begins with us. Together, we have the expertise and the resources to make a difference. Even with the challenges brought by COVID-19, we can use this opportunity to pursue policy and regulatory measures that will link recovery with sustainable energy development. I’d like to close by quoting USAID’s Private Sector Engagement Policy: “Businesses and investors create jobs. They develop and fund technologies and innovation. And they provide critical goods and services.” For USAID and its partner countries, this means that all of you—the private sector—are more than just important stakeholders. You are indispensable partners on countries’ Journeys to Self-Reliance.
Let me begin by making a point that too often is overlooked: Foreign assistance is not just a numbers game. It’s not just who has written checks, and for how much, and to whom. Foreign assistance is a reflection of a nation’s core principles and values. America’s use of smart power has always been a reflection of our values, from our moment of independence. In fact, you could argue that the most powerful and important tool we’ve given the world is the Declaration of Independence.
USAID Mekong Safeguards promotes smarter, more sustainable infrastructure development to prevent environmental damage and depletion of natural resources in the Lower Mekong region. The project aims to ensure that large-scale infrastructure is planned and developed in ways that optimize sustainable social, economic, and environmental outcomes. To that end, I’m proud to help officially launch the Mekong Infrastructure Tracker. This user-friendly tracker is the most comprehensive online platform on energy, water, and transportation infrastructure projects in the Lower Mekong region.
Today, much of our work occurs under the umbrella of addressing fragility and fostering resilience. Through targeted, multi-sectoral assistance we aim to prevent crises before they occur; stabilize those that do; and create conditions that serve as bulwarks to external shocks. Of course, the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic have brought even greater urgency to the imperative to address global fragility.
Today marks my final day at the helm of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). It has been an extraordinary privilege to work with partners like you in pursuit of a safer, freer, and more prosperous world, and I know that you'll continue to provide invaluable support to USAID's mission. Before I step away, I wanted to provide an update on the Agency's COVID-19 response efforts.
The U.S. Government, through the United States Agency for International Development, is providing more than MNT3.3 billion ($1.2 million) to the World Health Organization and UNICEF to support the Government of Mongolia’s COVID-19 response.
On behalf of the United States Government, thank you all for joining us to launch these training efforts, which mark an important step forward in addressing gender-based violence and supporting safe learning environments. Gender-based violence remains a grave reality for countless women and youth in Tanzania and around the world, affecting victims regardless of socioeconomic status or background.
On behalf of the U.S. Government, I am delighted to be here. I would first like to say “Hongereni sana” to the Minister and his team for the commitment that has resulted in the National Chimpanzee Conservation Action Plan for Tanzania.
Tuberculosis, or TB, continues to be a major global health concern and one of the top 10 causes of deaths worldwide. The World Health Organization reported that during 2015, 10.4 million people became ill with TB and 1.8 million died from the disease! This indicates that globally, TB has surpassed HIV/AIDS as a major cause of mortality.
Your Excellency President Mulatu Teshome, Your presence here today is testament to how important the work of the African Fine Coffees Association is for Ethiopia, as well as for the continent as a whole.
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Last updated: May 06, 2022
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