Discussion with J. Brian Atwood, Dean, Hubert H. Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs, University of Minnesota (USAID Administrator 1993 - 1999)

On June 25, 2009, the German Development Institute and the Bonn Chapter of the Society for International Development welcomed J. Brian Atwood, Dean of the Hubert H. Humphrey School of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota and former Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development, to Bonn for a presentation and discussion round on what types of changes might be expected from the new US administration in the development policy realm. During this event, Mr. Atwood expressed optimism that there would be progress on the development cooperation front in the United States in the coming years. Among the most positive signals coming from the new administration are commitments to significantly increase the resources directed toward global development objectives. Mr. Atwood also highlighted the potential to achieve a long-awaited reform of the US foreign assistance system, and the possibility that this will materialize appears to be strengthened by the presence of advocates of elevating the position of development at high levels within the foreign policy making apparatus as well as by advocates within the US Congress. 

Nevertheless, the achievement of a reform that would improve the coherence of US development programs and contribute to making the US a more effective donor remains uncertain, given persisting challenges such as the fragmentation of the bureaucratic landscape in the US aid system and a resistance to embrace a culture of prevention in the foreign policy arena, and if reforms do not move forward soon prospects for change in this area may diminish further. The afternoon event, including lively question and answer sessions, covered a wide variety of development cooperation topics, including the defence-development relationship, the role of the United States in contributing to the implementation of the aid effectiveness agenda, and the value of student exchanges as a means of fostering mutual learning and international cooperation.