The following is attributable to Spokesperson Clayton M. McCleskey:

On Friday, March 9, 2018, United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Administrator Mark Green hosted a Forum on Preventing Sexual Misconduct, which brought together senior USAID staff; the USAID Inspector General; and representatives from key partners, including non-governmental organizations, for-profit contractors, and United Nations agencies. Administrator Green reiterated the Agency's commitment to zero tolerance for sexual misconduct, and emphasized that USAID and its partners must share a commitment to the values of inclusion, integrity, dignity, and respect. The Administrator stressed that USAID and its partners have an obligation, as well as a moral imperative, to protect beneficiaries, especially children, young women, and other vulnerable populations.

The Administrator also informed the partners that last week he launched his Action Alliance for Preventing Sexual Misconduct, under the leadership of USAID General Counsel David Moore, which will conduct an internal review of USAID's policies and oversight practices in this area, and make recommendations for changes. The Administrator called on partners to join USAID to strengthen protections for beneficiaries and build a collective culture among development and humanitarian organizations that does not tolerate sexual misconduct.