USAID U.S. Development Policy in Context

Post date: Dec 23, 2016 8:49:08 AM

U.S. Development Policy in Context

USAID activities are informed by the President's Policy Directive on Global Development (PPD-6). The PPD-6 calls for the elevation of development as a core pillar of American power and charts a course for development, diplomacy and defense to reinforce and complement one another in an integrated, comprehensive approach to national security. The Quadrennial Diplomacy and Development Review (QDDR) supports the PPD-6 and the National Security Strategy, and proposes steps to strengthen our diplomatic and development capabilities to better meet our foreign policy goals. Leading through civilian power means directing and coordinating the resources of all America's civilian agencies to prevent and resolve conflicts; help countries lift themselves out of poverty into prosperous, stable and democratic states; and build global coalitions to address global problems.

The USAID Policy Framework operationalizes the policy guidance set forth in the PPD-6 and QDDR, clarifies USAID’s core development priorities, explains how operational principles will be applied across USAID, and presents an agenda for institutional reform.

USAID policies, strategies, frameworks and visions support our efforts to achieve the agency's mission of partnering to end extreme poverty and promote resilient democratic societies while advancing our security and prosperity.

Policies, Strategies, Frameworks and Visions

The scope, intent and composition of USAID policies, strategies, frameworks and visions vary according to subject matter and issue area. They are intended to convey the thinking of the agency’s leadership and, in some cases, make agency commitments to key stakeholders. As such, they seek to make an operational difference in the effectiveness of USAID’s development programs. Policies, strategies, frameworks and visions are developed according to a common set of procedures (ADS 200) that ensure they are grounded in the best available evidence, reflect good development practice and clearly articulate the agency's collective vision. They illustrate USAID's understanding of the nature of challenges within a certain theme and the best approaches for accomplishing agency goals in this area.