In order to make significant dents in global poverty, countries, no matter their annual GDPs, must collaborate. Poverty-stricken and privileged nations alike must work together. International and unifying organizations, such as the United Nations, make this kind of collaboration possible, along with departments of state enabling progressive conversation. The Bureau of International Organization Affairs, headed by the Assistant Secretary of State for International Organization Affairs, incumbent Esther Brimmer, speaks for the United States on critical stages, at the United Nations and other international organizations. It is a powerful tool for banishing poverty; something you should know a thing (or two) about.

1. The Basics

The Bureau of International Organization Affairs is a division of the United States Department of State and speaks on behalf of the U.S. while working with international agencies and organizations. This means that it is the Bureau’s duty to promote the President’s vision regarding international collaboration. President Obama’s vision centers around something called “robust multilateral engagement.” The Bureau’s process is considered multilateral because it regards a wide range of global issues, including peace and security, nuclear nonproliferation, human rights, economic development, climate change and global health. As these issues develop and change, so do the Bureau’s policies and implementation tactics.

2. Recent Projects

The Bureau recently spearheaded an attack against the inequality keeping 62 million girls out of school in what is called the Let Girls Learn project. This new push will be led by USAID and, according to its own description, will “provide the public with meaningful ways to help all girls to get a quality education.” USAID additionally announced over $230 million for global education initiatives. Education droughts are severe roadblocks on the path of poverty reduction, and are exacerbated by the sexual bias targeted by Let Girls Learn. In the words of Barrack Obama, “The best judge of whether or not a country is going to develop is how it treats its women.” The Bureau of International Organization Affairs acknowledges this and is acting to relieve harsh, sexist conditions.

Other recent projects include the commemoration of World Refugee Day, observed on June 20, and the designation of a new World Heritage Site, Poverty Point, La., on June 22. The Bureau’s scope is large, both local and global, but with an emphasis on communication and internationality.

3. They are Accessible

Because of social media and the Internet, vast amounts information are accessible, and organizations who utilize social media’s power reap the benefits. Anyone can follow the U.S. Bureau of International Organization Affairs on Twitter, Tumblr, Youtube, RSS and mail subscription. Tweets offer honest (albeit political) advice, informative links and interesting statistics. The Bureau makes an effort to communicate not only with diplomats and foreign political leaders, but also with the general public, giving the not-necessarily-political an opportunity to get to know their country’s global actions. This is important, especially when those actions combat global poverty or send neglected women to school.

– Adam Kaminski

Sources: Bureau of International Organization Affairs., USAID, U.S. Delegation Official Website for World Urban Forum
Photo: Education News