As the government of Mexico implements its National Human Rights Plan at the federal and state levels, it must address structural challenges to human rights and enhance its dialogue with civil society organizations.
Micro-, small-, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) play a critical role in Georgia’s economy, but without the proper support, they have been unable to realize their full potential. The USAID Zrda activity in Georgia targets MSMEs across the country to help people in rural communities strengthen their skills and productivity and, in turn, contribute to broad-based…
Over the past two decades, Rwanda has made progress toward its goal of becoming a country with a middle-income, knowledge-based economy. Strengthening education was a cornerstone of this effort, so the USAID Soma Umenye project partnered with the Rwandan Ministry of Education to support early literacy. The project reached at least 1 million children in…
Kosovo is investing in its business environment to enhance the private sector and create employment opportunities across the country.
Ninety-nine percent of payments in the Philippines take place via cash or check. In a country made up of more than 7,000 islands where transporting cash is challenging, this system is not only inefficient but also less transparent and inclusive. Electronic payments (e-payments), although not as common in the Philippines, have many advantages over cash:…
In the Philippines, watersheds are one of the country’s key sources of natural capital: These drainage basins protect vulnerable communities from natural disasters while supporting 35 percent of the country’s energy needs through hydro and geothermal power. Another key source of capital, forests support agriculture as well as timber and non-timber projects that total $100…
President Daniel Ortega, who was elected to office in 2006, leads Nicaragua’s government. Since taking office, Ortega has engineered changes to the country’s constitution that may allow him to stay in power indefinitely. Given these changes, the government must become more transparent and accountable, which means citizens must have a stronger voice. The USAID Capacity…
The June 2014 ratification of the Association Agreement and the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement with the European Union enabled Moldova to expand its trade significantly. Funded by USAID and Sweden, the Moldova Competitiveness Project (MCP) made the most of these economic benefits by improving the quality of Moldovan products and encouraging the country’s…
Beyond enriching the lives of millions of visitors every year, the tourism sector plays a critical role in Jordan’s economy and requires structured support to achieve its full potential.
Despite gains made through prior USAID initiatives, Colombia still faces challenges in securing ongoing respect and protection for human rights. Vulnerable populations generally lack knowledge of protection mechanisms and of government efforts to prevent and respond to human rights violations. USAID’s Human Rights Activity (HRA) uses a three-pronged strategy — promote a culture of human…
Colombia is experiencing a gold mining boom, but approximately 80 percent of its gold mining production — with a value of $1.7 billion — is currently illegal. Uncontrolled gold mining in Colombia fuels social conflict, environmental degradation, and governance challenges. To address these issues, the Artisanal Gold Mining – Environmental Impact Reduction Activity, known as…
With Indonesia’s incredible marine and terrestrial biodiversity at risk, the need to manage conservation areas and protect vulnerable ecosystems more effectively is acute.