Former US ambassador to Tanzania Mark Green has been nominated by President Donald Trump to head the US Agency for International Development, it has been announced.

Alex Thier, executive director of the Overseas Development Institute, is available for interview to discuss the appointment and the challenges Mr Green now faces.

The two worked closely together while Mr Thier was a senior USAID official and Mr Green was president of the International Republican Institute.

Mr Thier said: ‘Mark Green is a strong and experienced leader but it is now critical that he fights for the development budget and the independence of USAID at a time when there are threats to cut its funding or merge it into the state department.

‘Green must be a strong voice in the administration and globally for democracy, human rights and rule of law. Signals from the Trump administration so far have not identified these as priorities, but Green must continue to carry this torch even when times are tough.

‘The US cannot isolate itself and handle global challenges alone. If Ebola, climate disasters and the long path to women’s empowerment teach us anything, it is that strong partnerships, burden sharing and an effective multilateral system are key to achieving US national interests.’

ENDS

For more information or to arrange an interview with Mr Thier please contact James Rush on [email protected] or +44 (0)7808 791265

Photo: Mark Green, president of the International Republican Institute. Photo: CSIS / CC BY-NC-SA