The Guardian: The gender agenda: what has Obama done for women and girls?
Sarah Degnan Kambou, president of the International Center for Research on Women

“…The global development summit on Wednesday provides a moment to take stock of success and continue our commitments to navigating the global forces that are transforming our world. The first of these is climate change. … The second force is urbanization … And finally, conflict and migration. … Over his two terms, [President] Obama has taken important steps to integrate gender in his development agenda, and that’s a real accomplishment. There has been an increased understanding that if we are to eradicate poverty, women and girls must be at the center of our efforts. The summit provides an opportunity to reflect upon the enduring global challenges that lie ahead and how to best prepare for them. The next administration must build on these reforms to ensure an even stronger, more evidence-based and comprehensive approach to ensuring women and girls are full partners in finding solutions to global challenges” (7/20).

Huffington Post: Renewing Our Commitment To Global Development
Susan Rice, U.S. national security adviser

“…[The White House Summit on Global Development] is a chance to institutionalize the tremendous progress we have made together and to catalyze momentum across several key areas. First, we’ll continue encouraging broad-based and inclusive economic growth. … Second, building on the lessons of programs like our Feed the Future initiative, we will continue to transform food security and nutrition. … Third, we’ll do more to advance global health. … Finally, we’re investing in the young people who are the future of their countries and our world. … There will be no shortage of challenges for the next administration to face. But there are few greater opportunities to address those challenges, enhance the United States’ own security, and lift the lives of billions, than by advancing inclusive global development. Together, we must recommit ourselves to the vital task of expanding dignity and opportunity across the globe” (7/20).