David Arnold, the newly-appointed president of the Asia Foundation, has pledged to support “quiet champions” who advocate adherence to the rule of law and the advancement of human rights.
There would inevitably be roadblocks on the path to success, Arnold was quoted by the Agence France-Presse, but the Asia Foundation has the capacity to “strengthen forces within different cultures and societies to achieve reform.”
“I think that there is a definite role for organizations within the country to advocate and to be quiet champions for advancements both in terms of basic rule of law as well as a recognition of internationally recognized human rights,” the new president told AFP.
The Asia Foundation named Arnold as its new president on June 7. He will be replacing Douglas Bereuter, who will retire on Sept. 30 after six years with the organization.
Berueter, a former U.S. congressman, took over the leadership of the Asia Foundation in 2004. During his tenure, the organization allocated 86 percent of its USD138 budget to governance, economic development, women empowerment and environment programs in Asia, according to its news release.
