Paul Weisenfeld

Paul Weisenfeld @PaulWeisenfeld

Paul Weisenfeld is executive vice president for international development at RTI International, a global research institute and leading international development organization. Before joining RTI, he served as a foreign service officer for the U.S. Agency for International Development, achieving the highest rank of career minister in the Senior Foreign Service. He is currently chair of USAID’s Advisory Committee on Voluntary Foreign Aid and serves in the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition and other boards and advisory committees.

Latest Articles

Opinion: How global organizations can support locally led development

Opinion: How global organizations can support locally led development

over 2 years ago // Localization

It's exciting to see many global development organizations committed to making localization work. Now we must figure out how to operationalize it at scale, Paul Weisenfeld writes in this opinion.

Opinion: What makes a strong climate adaptation intervention

Opinion: What makes a strong climate adaptation intervention

about 3 years ago // Sponsored by RTI

Climate change is affecting our world in ways that we cannot fully predict. Adapting and building resilience to these changes require interventions that are evidence-based, locally informed, and take a long-term view, argues RTI’s Paul Weisenfeld.

Opinion: It is not too early to plan for Ukraine’s reconstruction

Opinion: It is not too early to plan for Ukraine’s reconstruction

over 3 years ago // Ukraine

Even now, the global community needs to consider supporting Ukraine's institutions of government to reestablish public services in health, education, water and sanitation, energy, and more. Robust support for civil society institutions is also vital.

Opinion: Let’s have an uncomfortable conversation

Opinion: Let’s have an uncomfortable conversation

over 5 years ago // Inclusive development

Conversations about race often leave participants unsatisfied and the most awkward issues unsaid. This op-ed outlines six factors to address honestly and directly to continue forging a world united by values rather than separated by tribe.

Opinion: Calls for racial justice are a wake-up for the global development community

Opinion: Calls for racial justice are a wake-up for the global development community

over 5 years ago // Inclusive development

In this op-ed, Paul Weisenfeld, executive vice president for international development at RTI International, discusses what organizations can do to support positive social change and justice — within the globaldev sector's own institutions and in the broader society.

Opinion: Eliminating the need for foreign assistance, one country at a time

Opinion: Eliminating the need for foreign assistance, one country at a time

about 8 years ago // Sponsored by RTI International

The idea behind development work is that one day, it will no longer be needed. That day may still be far off, but there is proof that it will come. RTI International’s Paul Weisenfeld explains why USAID's flagship neglected tropical diseases project is one such indication that progress is being made. He shares key lessons that may help other development programs achieve and sustain their goals.

Invigorating the global development partnership

Invigorating the global development partnership

about 10 years ago // Sustainable Development Goals

In order to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, the development community must improve the way it works together. Paul Weisenfeld, senior executive of RTI International outlines the key elements for success in this exclusive opinion.