Dr. Rajiv Shah as USAID Administrator

Press Release Subtitle

ICRW Applauds Nomination

Press Release Author

Jeannie Bunton, 202.742.1316, [email protected]

WASHINGTON, D.C. – ICRW on Wednesday praised the Obama  administration’s selection of Dr. Rajiv Shah to head the U.S. Agency for International  Development (USAID).

“Dr. Shah brings to USAID the powerful voice and vision required to elevated development’s role in U.S. foreign policy,” ICRW President Geeta Rao Gupta said of the undersecretary of research, education and economics at the agriculture department. “He will provide the leadership and insight crucial for the agency at this pivotal time in its history.” 
 
ICRW Chief Operating Officer Sarah Degnan Kambou added that through his agricultural work, Shah has gained key insights into the interrelated challenges of international development. He also “has demonstrated a clear commitment to investing in women as a path to reducing poverty, improving the health of families and bettering economies in developing countries,” she said.
 
“ICRW stands ready to work with Rajiv Shah and a revitalized USAID to ensure that gender equality is central to U.S. development objectives,” Degnan Kambou said. “We urge a quick Senate confirmation of Dr. Shah as the new administrator of USAID.”
 
Geeta Rao Gupta and Sarah Degnan Kambou are available for comment.

Mission Statement:

ICRW’s mission is to empower women, advance gender equality and fight poverty in the developing world. To accomplish this, ICRW works with partners to conduct empirical research, build capacity and advocate for evidence-based, practical ways to change policies and programs.