J. Brian Atwood, Former Administrator, USAID

Initiative Session Date: January 29, 2004

Summary:
J. Brian Atwood reminded IGD that we are on the cusp of an extraordinary opportunity, both as a society and as a group, to improve conditions of extreme poverty throughout the world. Atwood touched on the need to continue making our case in Washington and reminding government officials that eliminating global poverty is critical because poverty is at the root of all our other goals. Atwood stressed that results in development are achievable, touching specifically on the importance of realizing both the moral rationale and the national interest rationale for eliminating global poverty. Atwood stressed that everyone needs to be involved in the fight, including corporations, foundations and non-profits, and the government. Of critical importance, Atwood argued, is the leadership of the U.S. government in this effort, noting the U.S. position as an international leader on issues of military force and diplomacy, and voicing that it should also be the leader on foreign aid and development cooperation assistance. Atwood argued that an agreed development framework, including humanitarian and transnational issues, is crucial, and that this framework must focus on wealth creation and industries that are competitive on a global scale. Atwood reminded the group that there is more agreement now within the international community about development goals than at any other time in history, and that we must build on this success. Atwood closed by saying that the U. S. is now in the lowest esteem of the past 35 years, and that the Seattle Initiative is just the kind of effort to put us back on track. It’s past time, Atwood urged, to show the world that the power of our example is much more effective than the example of our power.

Biography