U.S. Global Leadership Coalition (USGLC)

As the global landscape and funding for international assistance has shifted dramatically in recent months, it has been overwhelming to figure out where to focus our collective energy when it comes to shaping America’s global leadership. In response to these shifting winds and turbulent times for the foreign aid community, my colleague Dana Bruce and I created U.S. Global Leadership Coalition (USGLC)'s Future Forward Summer Salon Series, a dynamic set of conversations dedicated to unpacking what’s changed, what’s next and what it means for America’s ability to win in the world. Over the past two weeks, we convened six timely discussions around critical policy priorities, joined by senior voices from Congress, the Administration, foreign embassies, the private sector, and across USGLC’s broad coalition of NGOs and businesses. Together, we explored: - Unlocking private sector investment in Africa - Removing barriers to delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza - Reimagining global health security - Understanding the future of U.S.-Iran relations - Deepening ties with Africa’s Great Lakes region - Engaging rising freshman champions in Congress for global leadership My top takeaway? We may be feeling down, but we’re far from out. Sure, the challenges are real, and funding and systems for providing U.S. international assistance are going to look different – for now, and possibly long term – but these past 2 weeks proved to me that there is no shortage of smart, dedicated leaders ready to shape what comes next and to redefine how America leads in the world. Enjoy the August recess and stay tuned for more this September! 📷Photo from our salon with the Ambassadors of Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda.

From fighting global hunger 🍽️ to creating local jobs 💼, communities across the Heartland are proving that America’s leadership abroad starts with local voices at home. 🌎🇺🇸   Explore stories of impact, learn about USGLC’s engagement across the region, and find out how you can get involved. 🤝   🔗 https://lnkd.in/gSX-gj9S

🔔 Former Congressman Ted Yoho (R-FL) will co-chair our Florida Advisory Committee. “Congressman Yoho campaigned for the House as a skeptic on foreign aid and emerged as a leader on how smart reform of international assistance delivers for the American people,” said Liz Schrayer. “Congressman Yoho is an important addition to our leadership, providing a powerful, fiscal-conservative voice amplifying how targeted investments in international assistance make America safer, stronger, and more prosperous.” Congressman Yoho will help lead our bipartisan coalition of 260+ state leaders across the nonprofit, business, faith, and veteran communities alongside Florida’s former Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink. https://lnkd.in/etKafTdx

United States Senate Committee on Armed Services Chairman Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS) asked U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) nominee USAF Lt. General Dagvin Anderson how Moscow and Beijing would respond if we abandon international assistance programs in Africa— “I think they’d be celebrating, would they not?” Read more in Stars and Stripes 🔗 👇 https://lnkd.in/ecZqBUux

International assistance saves lives. "It creates resilient communities. It eradicates disease completely, and it creates goodwill. And all of that I think leads to a safer, stronger, more prosperous USA." Read more from Edgar A Sandoval Sr. World Vision👇 https://lnkd.in/eG_eN5tv

The threats from Iran, Russia, North Korea, and China have not diminished in the four months since this same Congress approved the very resources that were just cancelled. Read Liz Schrayer’s full statement on Congress’ rescissions to international affairs programs. 👇

Take it from decorated Navy SEAL and 4-star Commander of U.S. Special Ops Admiral William McRaven: "Our national security has never depended on military strength alone; rather, it relies on collaboration with a strong Foreign Service and diplomatic corps." https://lnkd.in/eanhbvKB

As the Senate prepares to vote on rescissions, former Sen. Saxby Chambliss (R-GA) warns in Fox News Media “this proposal… should concern every American who values national security, global stability & the economic wellbeing of communities right here at home.” https://lnkd.in/dAPvsQwg

Microsoft founder, Bill Gates, reminds us why funding global health isn’t charity — it’s strategy. "Before senators decide to cut funds for global health programs, they should understand what this spending is, what it isn’t, and all the U.S. has gained from it." 📖 Read his op-ed in The Wall Street Journal 👉 https://lnkd.in/gHFcnQKF

Arkansans understand that international assistance is a strategic self interest: “International aid programs aren't handouts. They're investments in American security, economic strength and global leadership.” Check out the new op-ed from Robert Coon in @ArkansasOnline: https://lnkd.in/ggwbMAi8