2014.1.R9

21st Century Leadership Challenge

Status:

ONGOING

Title of Resolution:

2014.1.R9: 21st Century Leadership Challenge: Knowledge as Power & Leverage

WG-USA Resolves:

…to support the programs of the US Government that provide and strengthen public policy education for US Citizens serving abroad including public servants, representatives of NGOs, International Affairs teachers and professors, US Government Officials and urges that all such education is comprehensive, unbiased, culturally sensitive and that it includes an understanding of international crisis management, development, human rights and peace.

To urge the US Government to appoint persons to US Foreign Policy jobs exclusively on the basis of merit, verified ability, experience, training and relevant cultural competence.

To urge the US Government to consult with knowledgeable and experienced civil society organizations in every country that is affected by US foreign policy decisions so that decisions are the result of the meaningful participation of civil society organizations especially those working in the areas of women’s equality, education, development and peace.

Plan of Action:

1. WG-USA will continue to petition the US Congress and the Administration to emphasize training and education programs, described above, for foreign service employees.

2. WG-USA will continue to monitor the experience and training of all publicly announced individuals for foreign service assignments.

3. WG- USA will continue to urge the US Government to include the meaningful participation of civil society in its foreign policy decision-making.

4. WG-USA also urges its members to individually advocate on the basis of this resolution with their elected officials.

Supporting Statement:

Training and education that is comprehensive, unbiased, culturally sensitive and includes an understanding of crisis management, development, human rights and peace should be critically important components of preparation for US foreign policy and other international jobs in our globalized, connected and diverse world.

Individuals selected on the basis of merit for International assignments rather than affiliation with a certain political party or ideology are more likely to much more consistently utilize their training and education in the course of their work here and abroad.

All foreign policy decisions must be contextual which means that they must take into consideration US priorities and the priorities of the country that will be impacted by these decisions. All US foreign policy decisions that are made and implemented with the meaningful participation of local NGOs have a greater likelihood of successful outcomes both for the US and the countries in question.

Financial Implication for WG-USA:

At this time no cost is anticipated.

Suggested Resources: 

At this time there are no suggested resources.