Michele Sumilas, Assistant to the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), has addressed the G20 Development Ministerial Meeting, emphasizing the United States’ dedication to fighting global inequalities and promoting trilateral cooperation.
Sumilas applauded Brazil for its leadership during the G20 presidency and endorsed the “Leaving no one behind: G20 Development Ministerial Declaration,” the first such declaration in three years. She also welcomed the African Union as a permanent G20 member, marking a significant milestone in global cooperation.
Addressing pressing global challenges such as climate change, pandemics, and conflicts, Sumilas highlighted the need for sustainable, inclusive growth to reduce poverty and inequality.
She stated USAID’s commitment to advancing locally led development, shifting decision-making power to partner countries, and promoting the inclusion of marginalized and under-represented groups in development processes.
Sumilas stressed the importance of local leadership in ensuring the effectiveness and sustainability of development and humanitarian programs. She emphasized the U.S.’s dedication to full inclusion of all people, combating systemic marginalization and discrimination, and fostering economic growth.
A key focus of her speech was the commitment to gender equality, referencing last year’s G20 Leaders’ agreement to cut the gender digital divide in half by 2030. The United States, in partnership with the Gates Foundation and other G20 members, launched the Women in the Digital Economy Fund to address this challenge, with contributions from seven G20 countries, including South Korea.
Sumilas reiterated the U.S.’s commitment to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the importance of human rights in G20’s initiatives.She highlighted efforts to accelerate investment in critical infrastructure through the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment and the modernization of multilateral development banks (MDBs) to address global challenges.
The address also covered the U.S.’s prioritization of climate resilience, particularly in combating the impacts of extreme heat, and the global initiative to achieve a lead-free future. Sumilas expressed concern over the exacerbating effects of Russia’s war against Ukraine on global inequality and reaffirmed U.S. support for partner countries affected by the conflict.
