President Biden Announces $2.9 Billion in Additional For Global Food Security at UN General Assembly
FACT SHEET: At United Nations General Assembly, President Biden Announces $2.9 Billion in Additional Funding to Strengthen Global Food Security
Africa-Related New York
The White House released the below fact sheet on this announcement
U.S President Joe Biden arrives New York today for the 77th UN General Assembly
FACT SHEET:
Today, in his address to the 77th session of the United Nations General Assembly President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. announced over $2.9 billion in new assistance from the U.S. Government to address global food insecurity. President Biden’s announcement builds on the $6.9 billion in U.S. government assistance to support global food security already committed this year.
The compounding impacts of the pandemic, the deepening climate crisis, rising energy and fertilizer costs, and protracted conflicts - including Russia’s invasion of Ukraine - have disrupted global supply chains and dramatically increased global food prices. A multi-year drought in the Horn of Africa has created a dire humanitarian emergency, with parts of Somalia at risk of famine for the second time in just over a decade. This new announcement of $2.9 billion will save lives through emergency interventions and invest in medium to long term food security assistance in order to protect the world’s most vulnerable populations from the escalating global food security crisis.
Yesterday, the United States convened a Global Food Security Summit co-chaired by Secretary of State Antony Blinken with the leaders of the European Union, African Union, and Spain, and co-hosted with Germany, Nigeria, Indonesia, and Colombia, on the margins of the UN General Assembly’s High-Level Week. The Global Food Security Summit reaffirmed the commitment of world leaders to act with urgency and at scale to respond to the pressing global food crisis and avert extreme hunger for hundreds of millions of people around the world. President Biden will also convene the White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health, on September 28, to end hunger and reduce diet-related diseases here at home.
Today, President Biden announced the following additional investments in lifesaving humanitarian and food security assistance this year:
Global Humanitarian Assistance: President Biden announced an additional $2 billion in global humanitarian assistance through USAID. This funding will help save lives in countries facing food security crises, including through food and nutrition assistance, health care, safe drinking water, protection for the most vulnerable, and other vital relief. This funding increase emergency food security programming in those countries most impacted by the pandemic, the climate crisis, and the rise in food prices and supply chain constraints resulting from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Global Development Assistance: President Biden also announced $783 million in global development assistance funding, including:
$140 million in new development funding, subject to Congressional notification, to accelerate last-mile delivery of agricultural tools, technologies, and production methods that will help smallholder farmers to boost their productivity, efficiency, and incomes. This funding will go towards the U.S. government’s Feed the Future Initiative to scale a rapid response for smallholder systems in sub-Saharan Africa through the new Accelerated Innovation Delivery Initiative. This will support smallholder producers, small and medium agricultural enterprises, and national partners to maintain food production in the face of volatile global commodity prices and disrupted supply chains.
$220 million, through the U.S. Department of Agriculture, for eight new school feeding projects that are expected to benefit nearly a million children in food-insecure countries in Africa and East Asia. Funds are being awarded through the McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition Program.
$178 million, through the U.S. Department of Agriculture, for seven international development projects on four continents to support U.S. government priorities including promoting climate-smart agriculture, facilitating trade, and addressing the root causes of migration in Central America. The funds are being awarded under the Food for Progress Program, through which USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service partners with non-governmental organizations and foreign governments on projects that help developing countries strengthen their agricultural systems and boost their trade capacity.
Through the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), the U.S. government and the Government of Malawi will also sign a new Malawi compact later this month. This compact includes a $245 million Accelerated Growth Corridors Project, which sets out an ambitious agenda to reduce transport costs and better connect goods, farms, and rural populations to markets.
Global Agriculture and Food Security Program (GAFSP): President Biden announced that the United States has contributed $150 million to the Global Agriculture and Food Security Program, enabling the first new Call for Proposals since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. The U.S. contribution will encourage other donors—both government, multilaterals, and philanthropic groups—to match and announce additional commitments to support GAFSP’s Call. Given the scale of the challenge, the United States believes we can only overcome global food insecurity by working together to create innovative partnerships with international financial institutions, international organizations, and other key stakeholders. Through the Call, GAFSP will enable us to collaboratively respond to the most urgent needs of the growing food security crisis.
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Protecting the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
Persons with disabilities often face stigma, exclusion and discrimination, and are over-represented amongst the people living in persistent poverty, and are less likely than others to be able to lift themselves out of poverty.
By Oyiza Adaba | Africa-Related New York
Protecting the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
It is estimated that 80% of people with disabilities live in developing countries.
Persons living with disabilities are rated among some of the strongest people we know. Their ability to triumph and even excel above what life throws, leaves much to be admired by the ‘fully formed’. Every July 3 serves as a reminder to celebrate these inspiring individuals.
The U.S. Special Advisor on International Disability Rights Sara Minkara addressed the media about the United States’ new role as co-chair for the Global Action on Disability Network GLAD . In collaboration with the International Disability Alliance (IDA) led by Vladimir Cuk, the goal of the GLAD Network is to achieve inclusive international development and humanitarian action.
“... our priority is disrupting the narrative surrounding disability, moving from a charity lens to a value-based lens”
Persons with disabilities often face stigma, exclusion and discrimination, and are over-represented amongst the people living in persistent poverty, and are less likely than others to be able to lift themselves out of poverty.
“We are really traveling the world and working with different governments and countries to really support in building capacity and helping governments uphold their commitments when it comes to disability”.
- Sara Minkara, U.S. Special Advisor on International Disability Right
It is estimated that 80% of people with disabilities live in developing countries. What is your country doing to make life easier for people living with disabilities? Guide to
INSPIRING VOICES: Nigerians Living with Disabilities
Obi Ndefo, Juanita Ashade, Irene Olumese and Yagazie Foundation are among the Nigerians working to bring more attention to the subject. Follow their inspiring stories below.
See full press briefing transcript here
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U.S Secretary of State Blinken to Attend 77th United Nations General Assembly;
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken will travel to New York City September 18-23 to participate in the 77th Session of the United Nations General Assembly High Level Week
By Africa-Related New York
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesperson
STATEMENT BY NED PRICE, SPOKESPERSON
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken will travel to New York City September 18-23 to participate in the 77th Session of the United Nations General Assembly High Level Week. While in New York City, the Secretary will meet with UN officials and counterparts on the margins of the event.
Stay connected with the Office of Press Relations:
What is the UN General Assembly and what happens there?
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U.S Supports UN Permanent Forum on International Day for People of African Descent
August 31 marks the 2nd anniversary of the International Day for People of African Descent, a day created by the United Nations to celebrate the achievements of people of African descent worldwide.
By Oyiza Adaba | Africa-Related New York
“It is essential that we continue to speak up – loudly and without fail – against any notion of racial superiority and that we work tirelessly to free all societies from the blight of racism.”
— UN Secretary-General António Guterres
2014-2024
How much progress has been made in the UN’s International Decade, aimed at advancing social justice, eradicating racism and promoting human rights for people of African descent?
August 31 marks the 2nd anniversary of the International Day for People of African Descent, a day created by the United Nations to celebrate the achievements of people of African descent worldwide.
A panel of experts came together to examine The Critical Role of Racial Equity and Justice in U.S. Foreign Policy and to highlight their works in the last year to protect and advance human rights, to combat systemic racism, discrimination and xenophobia around the world as well as the work of the United Nations Permanent Forum on People of African Descent.
The briefers include the U.S. Representative to the United Nations Amb. Linda Thomas- Greenfield , The Honorable Congressman Gregory W. Meeks, Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Special Representative for Racial Justice and Equity Desiree Cormier Smith and Justin Hansford, Howard University Law Professor.
All speakers touched on US efforts around the world in highlighting the indispensable contributions of Africans and people of African descent in multiple facets of society, while calling for people worldwide to continue to stand united inspite of the profound injustices and systemic discrimination they may confront today.
“Honoring this day means not shrinking away from our painful past or our current responsibilities.”
- Amb. Linda Thomas- Greenfield U.S. Representative to the UN
These U.S efforts in the last year include support for the UN Permanent Forum for people of African descent, partnerships with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU), which led to the creation of the Thurgood Marshall Centre at Howard University Washington D.C, as well as various country programs in Mali, Columbia , Mauritania and Brazil.
“We need voices”
- Gregory W. Meeks, Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Cmtee
The 193-member UN body unanimously adopted a resolution establishing this office, presided over by a 10-member advisory body, who have set targeted goals by 2024.
Some of the key questions that arose include placements of key policy makers of African descent around the world and collaborative platforms for advancement? All these, as we look ahead to the second U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit in December
See press briefing transcript here
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U.S STATE DEPT ANNOUNCES COLIN POWELL LEADERSHIP PROGRAM
The Colin Powell Leadership Program will provide paid fellowships to recent college graduates and paid internships to students who are enrolled at accredited institutions of higher education.
Africa-Related New York
“diversity is a source of strength, it is a source of our success”
Photo: U.S State Dept website
In support of the Secretary’s modernization agenda, the U.S. Department of States announced the new Colin Powell Leadership Program to further advance the Department’s commitment and efforts to hire a workforce representative of all segments of society. The program will provide individuals the opportunity to pursue careers at the Department of State.
Colin Powell understood that diversity “is a source of strength, it is a source of our success,” and exemplified his leadership values—both as a general and as Secretary of State — by putting people first. The Colin Powell Leadership Program recruits highly motivated candidates from a variety of backgrounds who aspire to and possess the potential to become future civil service leaders at the U.S. Department of State.
This program will provide paid fellowships to recent college graduates and paid internships to students who are enrolled at accredited institutions of higher education. Both paths may lead to full-time employment opportunities at the Department and are focused on developing future leaders through training, mentoring, and on-the-job experience to provide them with the skills, tools, and resources needed for long-term success at the Department.
Internship opportunities will be in the Social Science Student Trainee (0199) and Administration and Office Support Student Trainee (0399) series. Fellowship opportunities will be in the Foreign Affairs (0130) and Management Analysis (0343) series. Applicants will apply via USAJobs and the first vacancy announcement is tentatively scheduled for mid to late September 2022. Subsequent announcements will be held annually in the spring. All applicants must be U.S. citizens and able to obtain and retain a secret or top-secret clearance. All positions will be located in the Washington, D.C. area.
To be eligible for the Colin Powell Leadership Internship Program, applicants must either be an enrolled or current student, on a part-time or full-time basis, pursuing their bachelor’s degree in a qualifying post-secondary educational program. A cumulative GPA of at least 3.2 out of 4.0 is required. The duration of the internship program will be determined by the participant’s anticipated graduation date and may not exceed four years from the initial appointment to the program.
Applicants for the Colin Powell Leadership Fellowship Program must have received a baccalaureate or graduate degree within the last two years with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.2 out of 4.0. The fellowship program is a one-year paid developmental program.
For more information about this opportunity, please visit here
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US VISAS: State Department Gives Post-Pandemic Update
The US State Department briefed journalists on recent measures taken to combat post-pandemic visa backlog at consular posts overseas. Some of the measures include the global visa approach, whereby applicants can apply for U.S visas anywhere in the world.
By Oyiza Adaba | Africa-Related New York
“Applicants can apply anywhere in the world where there’s an appointment available.”
The Deputy Assistant Secretary for Visa Services, Julie Stufft provided an update to members of the foreign press on the current status of visa processing and services at the U.S Consular sections overseas. The pandemic, no doubt impacted the world’s travel
“Right now the wait time for routine visa appointments at half of our overseas posts is less than four months and at some posts is actually far, far shorter than that.
- Julie Stufft, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Visa Services -
She however stressed that the State department is viewing the visa workload globally, and that Consular posts worldwide are experiencing a faster recovery than initially expected. She highlighted some of the measures taken to meet visa demands and reduce the backlog. They include:
Waiving in-person interviews;
Upgraded Staffing and ‘doubled consular hiring’;
Remote/Virtual Adjudication processes leading to more visa adjudications ‘this year than in the past six years’;
Expedited visa appointment for business travel, urgent humanitarian or medical travel;
Increased number of visas to Temporary Workers (including agricultural workers) and Student categories;
Global Visa approach where applicants can apply in any U.S consulate, and not necessarily in their country of origin.
“… if an applicant is in a country with a long wait time, that applicant go to another post… and this has really been successful for thousands of visa applicants this year.
- Julie Stufft, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Visa Services -
What has been your post-pandemic experience at the U.S Consulate in your country?
See transcript here