President Barack Obama — and key members of his foreign policy team — enjoyed what many called a development “victory lap” this week in Washington, D.C.
Officials billed Wednesday’s White House Summit on Global Development as one part “celebration” and one part “recommitment.” In the twilight of an administration that launched multiple development initiatives and built on others it inherited, the resounding message to development professionals — “just a lot of do-gooders in one room,” as Obama dubbed them — was keep doing what you’re doing.
In place of big announcements — other than his signing the Global Food Security Act of 2016 into law — or new directions, the president opted for a message of continuity. He reminded attendees that the goals they strive to achieve take time.
About the author
Michael Igoe@AlterIgoe
Michael Igoe is a Senior Reporter with Devex, based in Washington, D.C. He covers U.S. foreign aid, global health, climate change, and development finance. Prior to joining Devex, Michael researched water management and climate change adaptation in post-Soviet Central Asia, where he also wrote for EurasiaNet. Michael earned his bachelor's degree from Bowdoin College, where he majored in Russian, and his master’s degree from the University of Montana, where he studied international conservation and development.
