Op-Ed by USAID Armenia Mission Director Jatinder Cheema on the 50th Anniversary of the U.S. Agency for International Development USAID: Celebrating Our Shared Values November 3rdmarks the 50th anniversary of U.S. President John F. Kennedy’screation of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). Whether it is vaccinating children against preventable diseases, helping businesses grow and increase employment, or responding to disasters, USAID has been a quiet force for progress not only inArmenia, but 100 other countries, fostering a more peaceful and secure world. The United States has been actively engaged with Armenia since it gained independence in 1991. Historically the largest bilateral donor agency in Armenia, USAID’s assistance program started with humanitarian aid to help Armenia address immediate needs in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake of 1988 and later worked to provide over 6,800 families with permanent housing in Shirak and Lori while clearing 120 sites for public use. We have since workedin close partnership with the Armenian government, private businesses, non-governmental organizations, other U.S. government agencies and international donors to advanceArmenia’s reform process, economic growth, and integration into the region. With over $1.3 billion of assistance channeled through our programs, USAID hasworked with the Armenian government to improve the business environment and with the private sector to make it more competitive regionally and internationally. Our programs have helped Armenia enhance essential public services in important areas such as water and energy, develop better ways to deliver social services to vulnerable populations, and reform primary healthcare services, with a special focus on maternal and infant care. With the public’s growing demand for governmental accountability and transparency, USAID activities also encourage political participation at all levels, empower civil society, and promote access to diverse information and opinion through both traditional and new media.In addition, we support efforts in cross-border cooperation to help create people-to-people linkages in the region. Today, we stand at an important turning point. In partnership with the Armenian people, USAID is transforming from a traditional aid agency into a modern development enterprise that is unleashing a new spirit of innovation and results-based development. Our success depends on listening and connecting with local leaders and communities, leveraging trust and partnership to support the vital work that still needs to be done. Through the two multi-million Assistance Agreements that we recently signed with the Armenian government, we reiterated our mutual interest and commitment to foster Armenia’s economic development and provide adequate health and social services to all of the country’s citizens. On behalf of all the men and women of USAID in Armenia, I would like to thank the Armenian people for your partnership and friendship. USAID will continue to reflect our shared values, character and fundamental belief that Armenia’s development will ensure a better future for generations to come.

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