Today in New York, a host of foreign governments gathered at the United Nations headquarters to discuss plans to fund reconstruction and long-term development for Haiti. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton delivered remarks to an audience that included Haitian President René Préval, citing the need to continue supporting relief and reconstruction efforts beyond humanitarian grounds, saying “If the effort to rebuild is slow or insufficient, if it is marked by conflict, lack of coordination, or lack of transparency, then the challenges that have plagued Haiti for years could erupt with regional and global consequences.” She also noted critical reforms that had begun to turn the country around – including 3% growth of Haiti’s economy – just before the earthquake struck on January 12th. See the following excerpts from her speech that use foreign assistance reform principles like country ownership, coordination, better monitoring and evaluation, and transparency to talk about building a better Haiti:
“The leaders of Haiti must take responsibility for their country’s reconstruction. They must make the tough decisions that guide a strong, accountable, and transparent recovery. And that is what they are starting to do with the creation of a new mechanism that provides coordination and consultation so aid can be directed where it is most needed.”
