WASHINGTON, D.C. (Nov. 12, 2009) — Save the Children commends President Obama for nominating Dr. Rajiv Shah to serve as Administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and urges the Senate to promptly take up the nomination for a post critical to U.S. leadership in international development.

"Save the Children is very encouraged by the nomination of Rajiv Shah – a man clearly committed to improving the health and well-being of the world's poor," said Charles MacCormack, President and CEO of Save the Children. "Dr. Shah's expertise and accomplishments in global health, agriculture and science will enable him to provide a strong and unique voice for development at our nation's foreign policy table." 

"That strong voice, especially if backed by significant reforms to U.S. development policy, is critical to addressing the urgent needs of the world's sick, hungry, and vulnerable children," MacCormack added. 

An Opportunity to Modernize Nation's Global Development Policy

Dr. Shah's nomination comes at a moment of great opportunity to modernize the nation's fragmented global development policy.  Both the administration and the Congress are currently undertaking policy reviews.

In order to achieve greater impact with foreign aid investments, Save the Children supports the institutionalized elevation of development policy within the senior levels of government, such as the National Security Council.  That will ensure the United States, together with its partners, more effectively tackles the challenges facing children in the developing world, the agency says.

Save the Children is the leading independent organization that creates lasting change for children in need in the United States and around the world. Save the Children USA is a member of the International Save the Children Alliance, a global network of 29 independent Save the Children organizations working to ensure the well-being and protection of children in more than 120 countries. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.