The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is accepting new applications for the Development Innovation Ventures (DIV) program. Anyone, anywhere can apply at any time.

U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Administrator Mark Green met with the Colombian Minister of Foreign Affairs, The Honorable Carlos Holmes Trujillo, on Friday in Washington, D.C. In the meeting, the Administrator highlighted USAID's close partnership with Colombia, and emphasized the Agency's commitment to helping the new Duque Administration implement Colombia's priorities.

The U.S. Agency for International Development is deeply troubled by the flawed convictions of Reuters journalists Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo. We join the international community in calling for their immediate, unconditional release. These convictions are an enormous setback for democracy and the rule of law in Burma. We urge the Government of Burma to protect journalists and press freedom, which are the bedrocks of democracy and peace. Actions that restrict the freedom of the press prevent Burma from reaching the full promise of democratic, citizen-responsive governance and equal opportunity and rights for all. The United States will continue to stand with journalists, civil society, and others who work to shine a light in dark places and give a voice to the voiceless.

U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Counselor Thomas H. Staal will travel to Berlin, Germany September 1-3 to participate in the High Level Conference on the Lake Chad Region to discuss humanitarian response, crisis prevention, stabilization, and sustainable development.

U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Administrator Mark Green will travel to New York City and Salt Lake City, Utah on August 23-24 to meet with United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, U.S. Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley, and Permanent Representatives of Pacific Small Island Developing States.

This morning, on behalf of USAID, I hope to convey two important messages to all of you.  The first is, as Dan was alluding to, relates to the rapidly-evolving nature of humanitarian relief and assistance. 

The second, as we mark this day, is simply our deep, deep admiration and gratitude for the many heroes of our humanitarian work.  They, and many of you, are truly extraordinary and heroic.

This Sunday, August 19, marks World Humanitarian Day, a time to recognize aid workers who sacrifice their lives to help people affected by global crises. Since the deaths of 22 staff members from the United Nations and other relief agencies in a Baghdad bombing 15 years ago, each year on this day we honor the brave women and men who risk everything to help people in need. In disaster and conflict zones around the world, attacks on aid workers and civilians are making it more dangerous for humanitarians to deliver assistance. Last year, 313 aid workers were killed, injured, or kidnapped.

As Eric mentioned, one year ago this week, President Trump gave me the honor of joining the great team at USAID.  It seems only fitting that I mark that milestone here. I've made more trips to Latin America during that time than any other region in the world.

On August 8, U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Administrator Mark Green will give the keynote address at a Council of the Americas event at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace in Washington, D.C. The Administrator will discuss his recent trip to Colombia, and USAID's efforts in the Latin American region to promote democratic values and a "Hemisphere of Freedom." The event will include a moderated question and answer session with the audience.