Letter from the President

The challenge of international development is staggering: nearly 3 billion people (almost half the world) living on less than $2 per day, HIV infection rates above 25% in some countries, growing pollution and environmental degradation, and failed democracy in dozens of countries. Add to that the apparent ineffectiveness of foreign aid, First World critics of foreign assistance from the right and left, and exasperated developing country citizens crushed under development assistance debt. It is enough to make the developed countries of the world retreat behind their borders.

But of course that is not an option. Promoting international development is both a moral imperative and a foreign policy requirement for the world’s developed countries. As we come to grips with the new global economy and the information age, one thing is clear: the world’s greatest asset is its people. International development’s singular goal is empowering the people of the world - for their own benefit and for a strong global economy, a preserved environment, and geo-political stability.

It is important that we who care about development acknowledge that foreign assistance has not always been effective. But we must also reiterate that it is a necessary component in promoting international development. As a result, our focus should be both expanded foreign assistance and more effective delivery of that assistance.

We at The Development Executive Group are playing our small part in improving the effectiveness of development assistance. Our organization is working hard to bring greater transparency, increased collaboration, and a focus on utilizing developing country professionals to the international development market. To our members who are helping to realize this vision, thank you. We are honored by your support.

Raj Kumar
President
The Development Executive Group