IGD has chosen to focus its advocacy on a comprehensive set of aid, trade and economic development policies that support long-term economic growth by building capacity, opening markets, developing human capital and encouraging investment. IGD partners have advocated for change in the following areas:

Global Poverty Act

In order to elevate poverty reduction and global development as key national priorities, IGD has supported the Global Poverty Act, which would require the U.S. government to report to Congress on progress toward meeting critical development objectives.

MCC

Since its inception, IGD has supported the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), an innovative assistance program that rewards good governance with long-term investments.

Farm Bill reform

IGD worked to reform the farm bill in the context of its 2007 reauthorization with the objective of advancing the cause of a more open trading system and minimizing the harm U.S. commodity programs have caused to farmers in developing countries.

G8 Summit

IGD sent an open letter to President Bush urging strong leadership on global poverty at the 2005 G8 Summit. One hundred forty-five business and civic leaders from around the country signed the letter, which was published with some fifty signatures in The Washington Times, The Washington Post and The Wall Street Journal.