SUNY/CID: Connecting People and Ideas for Integrated Development James Utermark Acting Director Center for International Development US Government Democracy & Governance Programs – An Implementer’s Perspective

What is Democracy Promotion? Supporting the spread of democracy as a political system. Key Features: – Elections and electoral processes – Political parties – Judicial reform & Rule of Law – Strengthening Civil Society – Role of Media

US Democracy Promotion Many agencies involved, each with different missions and interests. Most are grouped under the US State Department – the primary arm of US Foreign Policy Implementation. Some are independent, including one under the US House of Representatives.

US State Department Department Mission Statement Shape and sustain a peaceful, prosperous, just, and democratic world and foster conditions for stability and progress for the benefit of the American people and people everywhere.

US State Department Several units involved in Democracy Promotion: – Largest by far is the US Agency for International Development (USAID). – Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights & Labor (DRL) – promotes freedom, democracy & protects human rights. – Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) – supports political, economic & social reform in the MENA region.

USAID - USAID Mission - Partnering to end extreme poverty and to promote resilient, democratic societies while advancing security and prosperity. Started in 1961 under the Foreign Assistance Act – Folded into the State Department in 2006 Large, multifaceted development programs across many sectors.

USAID Forward New Initiative begun in 2009 Strengthen foreign assistance performance Increased emphasis on technology, innovation, and achievement of measureable results Increased emphasis on local partnerships – Goal of 30% of funding going to local organizations

USAID DRG Strategy DRG – Democracy, Human Rights & Governance Introduced in June 2013 Designed to strengthen USAID’s ability to advance freedom and dignity around the world Emphasis on transparency & accountability

USAID DRG Strategy Less emphasis on stand-alone programs More cross-sectoral initiatives – maximize funding – how governance can improve results in other sectors More focus on the “demand side” of democracy More support for Civil Society Less emphasis on building strong institutions

Other D&G Promotion Actors MCC – Millennium Challenge Corporation – created in 2004 to fund good performing countries OPIC – Overseas Private Investment Corporation – mobilizes private capital to facilitate development NDI – National Democratic Institute IRI – International Republican Institute

US Congress House Democracy Partnership (HDP) Bi-Partisan Commission established in 2005 Works with 16 nations Supports the development of effective, independent & responsive legislative institutions Includes Afghanistan & Georgia

SUNY/CID

SUNY/CID – The Basics Started in 1986 as the SUNY International Development Division Over $300 million in projects implemented Work in over 40 Countries on 5 Continents In 2007, transferred to Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy – one of the top schools of public administration in the US Leading implementer of legislative strengthening programs

SUNY/CID – Mission The State University of New York's Center for International Development is a leading university based international development center enhancing the knowledge and practice of governance and policy making world wide.

SUNY/CID – What we do Broad-based international development organization Focus on Democracy and Governance programs Highly successful in Legislative Strengthening Expanding into Local Governance, Civil Society Strengthening, Rule of Law, Public Administration and Policy Development

SUNY/CID – Where we do it Over 40 Countries – A to Z Current Projects in: – Bosnia & Herzegovina – Cote d’Ivoire – Kenya Devolution Parliamentary Strengthening Funding from USAID, UK’s DfID and Ford Foundation

SUNY/CID – Our Approach Integrated Development Five Pillars: – Attention to local context and institutional incentives – Empowerment of local networks – Cross-disciplinary cooperation – Capacity building through pilots & experiments – Sustainability through learning

Other Initiatives Study Tours – SUNY/CID has implemented myriad study visits to locations far and wide Research – Constituency Development Funds (CDFs) – Publications – Academic Programs Internships International Senate Fellowship Art Sist Fellowship

Success Stories Kenya – 15 years working with Parliament Brazil – major program to train government staff – lead to creation of International Institute of Education Brazil (IIEB) Chile – Creation of CEAL Zimbabwe – Creation of SAPST Uganda – PRIP Internship Program

Contact James Utermark Acting Director Center for International Development 99 Pine Street, 4 th Floor Albany, New York

Questions? Thank you!