April 16, 2021

CHAIRMAN CASTRO LEADS SUBCOMMITTEE HEARING ON INNOVATION IN DEVELOPMENT POLICY

WASHINGTON — The House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on International Development, International Organizations, and Global Corporate Social Impact held a hearing entitled “Innovation in Development Policy: Maximizing Impact and Results” under the leadership of Chairman Joaquin Castro (TX-20) on Friday, April 16, 2021. The hearing focused on how the United States can develop and expand the use of innovative development practices at the US Agency for International Development and other foreign affairs agencies of the United States.  

“Meeting our goals for outcomes in international development will need greater resources, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic’s impacts on global poverty and health. It will also need us to maximize the effectiveness and reach of development programs through innovation,” said Chairman Castro. “Investing in the capabilities, authorities, and leadership at USAID to develop new ideas and to support their widespread adoption. The subcommittee will consider the issues discussed today in pursuit of our oversight and legislative responsibilities.”

Testifying before the subcommittee were Ms. Ann Mei Chang, Former Chief Innovation Officer and Executive Director of U.S. Global Development Lab at USAID, Ms. Alix Petersen Zwane, the Chief Executive Officer of the Global Innovation Fund, and Mr. Benjamin Leo, the Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Fraym.