The first phase of the Transformation of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is now complete: The new Bureau for Development, Democracy and Innovation (DDI) is operational. As of November 16, 2020, DDI joins the new Bureaus for Asia, Resilience and Food Security (RFS), Humanitarian Assistance (BHA), and Conflict Prevention and Stabilization (CPS), which became operational earlier this year. The new field-focused structure will allow the Agency to make more effective and efficient investments to help communities in partner countries on their Journeys to Self-Reliance.

DDI is USAID’s central resource for technical assistance to overseas Missions. DDI includes several critical components of the Agency’s efforts to further the Journey to Self-Reliance, and is the home for technical leadership on 13 of USAID's 17 Self-Reliance Metrics. DDI’s global perspective will enable the Agency to anticipate and respond to evolving trends and critical issues by adapting programs in innovative ways.

DDI houses USAID’s technical expertise in democracy, economics, education, energy, environment, citizen-responsive governance, human rights, religious and ethnic minorities, Indigenous Peoples, infrastructure, and market development, as well as cross-cutting development priorities, such as equality between women and men; religious freedom; innovation, technology and research; private-sector engagement; partnerships with diverse organizations, including local and faith-based groups; and inclusive development. The new Bureau will support USAID’s field Missions by helping them design and implement programs that are innovative, learn from successes and mistakes, and address emerging issues. DDI will advise Missions and Operating Units on key interagency priorities, lead the development and implementation of many of USAID’s corporate policies and strategies, and manage funding associated with Congressional and presidential directives.

As USAID institutionalizes the Journey to Self-Reliance, Acting Deputy Administrator John Barsa and all of the team around the world thanks Congressional stakeholders and implementing partners for feedback on, input to, and support for continuing efforts to transform USAID.