United States Mission Geneva

Global cellular phone coverage has far outpaced the expansion of essential services such as water and electricity, as well as access to financial services. For this reason, “mobile money” is seen as a means to transform the notion of banking around the world, and broaden access to credit, insurance and secure savings that are desperately needed in the developing world as individuals seek to enhance their well-being and emerge from poverty.

The Obama Administration’s strategy for meeting the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), “Celebrate, Innovate, and Sustain: Toward 2015 and Beyond”, lays out a determined, strategic and results-focused plan that promises to both reenergize efforts to achieve the MDGs and strengthen the United States’ voice in the global development dialogue.

Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, William Fitzgerald: “There are a growing number of African women who are getting involved in business, from soft drinks to banking to agriculture and trading. Even 20 to 25 years ago in Togo there were a lot of women in business who were referred to as Nana Benz.”

Innovation and technology can do for human development today what the Green Revolution did for agriculture. And we can generate significant yields from very modest inputs. One recent World Bank study showed that in a typical developing country, a 10 percent increase in the penetration rate of mobile phones led to an almost 1 percent increase in per capita GDP.

The U.S. government continues to lay the groundwork for efforts under the U.S. Global Health Initiative (GHI), announcing the first round of “GHI Plus” countries, as well as the program’s governance structure.

The agreement signed June 15 follows a decision by the governments of Brazil and the US to work jointly on issues related to the world of work, in particular child labour. It will support efforts by Haitian authorities and society, and is “inspired on successful Brazilian experiences which shall be adapted to the local context and needs of the Republic of Haiti.”

USAID hosted Global Pulse 2010 from March 29-31 to generate discussion of critical global issues and ideas. According to a just-completed analysis people from nearly every country on earth logged on.

The game of soccer has proven to be instrumental in bringing communities together, empowering youth, and teaching crucial life skills like teamwork, self-confidence and motivation to succeed.

Sports such as soccer play a significant role in cultures and communities around the world, and have the capacity to transform the lives of individuals. It bolsters physical, psychological, emotional, and social well-being and development. There is a growing understanding that sports programs are powerful vehicles for achieving broader goals, particularly in advancing development and peace agendas.

“USAID is committed to the inclusion of small businesses as partners in our work,” Chief of Staff Sean Carroll stated as he welcomed the more than 200 attendees to the all-day event. He added that the agency is committed to changing its business model, and small businesses will play an important role in the new procurement reform strategy.