Clinton's Speech Stresses "A New Generation" for State and Civil Society Relations

by Suraj Sazawal, 4/28/2009

Nonprofit Organizations and Counterterrorism Measures

Speaking at the Global Philanthropy Forum Conference in Washington, D.C., Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton told the audience that the State Department's doors are "wide open" to engage and collaborate with civil society organizations. The April 22, 2009 speech served as another platform for Clinton to promote her "smart power" strategy that emphasizes an increased role for aid and development in American foreign policy.

"I talk about the three Ds of our foreign policy- defense, diplomacy and development. And I'm determined that diplomacy and development will eventually be considered on the same par, as equal partners with defense, because I know what a difference this work can make," Clinton said.

Acknowledging that the challenges facing the United States "will not be solved by governments alone", she said, "I'm committed to increasing the State Department's engagement with the private sector and with civil society." Clinton also applauded the leadership, generosity and "standard of innovation and creativity" that NGO's and philanthropic foundations have repeatedly demonstrated while responding to global crisis. "We embrace collaboration and become more receptive to the ideas and approaches that you will bring to us," she added.

Calling for an "honest conversation about what works and what doesn’t", Clinton said the revitalized relationship would be facilitated by the State Department's Global Partnership Initiative. The Initiative will be lead by Elizabeth Bagley, a former senior advisor to Secretary Madeline Albright and ambassador to Portugal. Working with her is Kris Balderston, a Clinton staffer who also worked in Bill Clinton's administration. According to Clinton, the three primary benefits for organizations partnering with the State Department are:

Bring people from different regions and sectors to communicate on issues of common interest
Create new programs, provide training or technical assistance and develop innovative solutions
Collaborate with NGOs and other organizations to reduce redundant programs and implement strategies

Clinton's remarks were welcomed by grantmakers and NGO representatives in the audience. There is a guarded optimism among NGOs that Clinton and other State Department officials will approach this "new generation of public-private partnerships" with sensible counterterrorism policy choices such as adhering to the State Department's own Guiding Principles on Non-Governmental Organizations.

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