PAI Statement Regarding Confirmation of Samantha Power as USAID Administrator

PAI celebrates today’s U.S. Senate confirmation of Samantha Power as Administrator for the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). Through this pivotal role in the Biden-Harris administration, Power will lead international development and humanitarian efforts. As a former human rights adviser to President Obama and U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, Power brings with her a wealth of experience and expertise.

Administrator Power’s confirmation could not come at a more critical time as the world confronts challenges associated with climate change, ongoing humanitarian crises and struggles with a pandemic that disproportionately impacts women, as well as Black, Brown and Indigenous communities.

“The nomination and confirmation of Administrator Power signals a new era of U.S. global leadership that is rooted in a commitment to challenge inequality in the pursuit of rights and justice worldwide,” said PAI President and CEO Nabeeha Kazi Hutchins. “At PAI, we recognize the significance of this transformation at USAID and urge Administrator Power to prioritize restoring relationships with the communities most in need of U.S. global health assistance and programs. We are eager to work in partnership with the Biden-Harris administration on a bold approach to increase equity in access to health care services, including sexual and reproductive health care.”

We also look forward to working with Administrator Power to advance democracy and human rights and elevate the importance of civil society. PAI’s work is grounded in the understanding that without a strong, vibrant and representative civil society, it is impossible to reform the financing and governance of country health systems or influence the funding and policy decisions that impact the health needs of a population, in particular, the sexual and reproductive health needs and rights of women and girls.

We stand ready to support Administrator Power as the agency creates bold new strategies in line with the core tenets of the Biden-Harris administration and a vision for global development that is aligned with combatting climate change, achieving the sustainable development goals and promoting health equity.

While working alongside Power and the dedicated career officials at USAID, PAI will continue to advocate for U.S. global health investments and policies that call for comprehensive sexual and reproductive health services as essential health care, address the systemic health and social inequities exacerbated by COVID-19 and promote equitable, gender-responsive programming.

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PAI champions policies that put women in charge of their reproductive health. We work with policymakers in Washington, D.C. and our network of partners around the world to remove roadblocks between women and the services and supplies they need. For over 55 years, we’ve helped women succeed by upholding their basic rights. To learn more, visit pai.org.