Today, Administrator Samantha Power and CEO of the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation Peter Laugharn signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that establishes a framework for cooperation between USAID and the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation to further advance and expand locally-led development.
Local communities deeply understand the challenges they face, and the solutions needed to address them. The partnership with USAID will strengthen our collective support for locally-led development and Administrator Power’s leadership on this issue has been critical. We hope our continued efforts will inspire others to join us and work towards a more sustainable, equitable and inclusive approach to global development.
Peter Laugharn, president and CEO of the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation
Through this agreement, USAID and the Hilton Foundation will identify and apply their respective organizational strengths to advance locally-led efforts in areas of shared interest, such as early childhood development, youth empowerment, disaster response and humanitarian assistance, safe water systems, and engagement with faith-based and community organizations. The two organizations will leverage their convening power, share networks, and coordinate outreach to mobilize U.S.-based and global philanthropies, civil society, and other stakeholders to prioritize elevating local leadership of development and humanitarian assistance. Through the MOU, the Hilton Foundation and USAID will also work together to strengthen the evidence base around locally-led development.
USAID is committed to increasing locally-led development by recognizing that local leadership and ownership are essential for fostering sustainable results across our development and humanitarian assistance work. The Hilton Foundation’s leadership was instrumental in the effort to bring 15 foundations to endorse the Donor Statement on Supporting Locally-Led Development on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in September 2023.
To learn more about USAID’s efforts to ensure our work puts local actors in the lead, strengthens local systems, and is responsive to local communities, visit usaid.gov/localization.