Remarks

During the quarterly Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Board of Directors meeting I chaired today, my fellow Board members and I undertook an in-depth review of ongoing poverty reduction programs and upcoming partnerships around the world.

The fight against global poverty is more important than ever, especially given the current economic climate, and the United States stands steadfast in its goal to reduce poverty through sustainable economic growth. Our aid to the world’s poor must be as effective and transparent as it is generous. We will work to produce tangible results from every taxpayer’s dollar we spend overseas, and we will partner with developing countries that take responsibility for their development needs and accept the highest standard of accountability for those dollars. That is the mandate of the MCC.

President Obama has directed U.S. agencies to enhance engagement in the international effort to promote development by playing a leading role in reducing poverty and fighting corruption. We can do this through the MCC and other agencies of the U.S. government, and in cooperation with international organizations and private groups dedicated to this important effort. Our government’s efforts to alleviate poverty are a wise investment that ultimately helps the United States achieve its diplomatic and security goals.