President Obama issues a Presidential Study Directive
September 8, 2009

IGD commends President Obama for issuing a Presidential Study Directive that requires a review of the full range of U.S. development efforts. Co-chaired by National Security Advisor Gen. Jim Jones and National Economic Council Director Lawrence Summers, the review will include all aspects of development - aid, trade, investment and more. This comprehensive study is a critical step in the process of creating a smart and effective development strategy.

IGD’s business constituency believes strongly that our future economic health and security is inextricably linked with the prosperity and stability of the rest of the world. Poverty is at the root of many of the world’s greatest challenges, and reducing it should be a key component and goal of U.S. foreign policy.

The Study Directive builds on House and Senate bills that would initiate broad reform of U.S. foreign aid as well as the Quadrennial Diplomacy and Development Review process recently launched by the Secretary of State. IGD is pleased to see growing momentum and strong leadership for smarter and more coherent U.S. development policy at both ends of Pennsylvania Ave.