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U.S. Policy
  • Peruvian farmer Esteban Torres tends to his high-value artichoke crop at his farm in the Mantaro Valley in central Peru. (Photo: USAID/Chemonics)
    Development

    The United States government believes in the dignity and potential of every human being. The U.S. remains the global leader in providing assistance to developing nations, and is working around the world to create conditions that eliminate the need for such assistance. The U.S. government is committed to improving the lives of people worldwide by combating global hunger, promoting global health, and supporting growth through development in agriculture and other industries, education, and trade. 

  • Protesters holding up signs and photographs (AP Images)
    Democracy and Human Rights

    The Universal Declaration of Human Rights echoes the United States Declaration of Independence in stating that all members of the human family have equal and inalienable rights. The United States recognizes that the rights of all people are inextricably bound with those of others, therefore the protection of human rights worldwide is a central goal of U.S. foreign policy. The promotion of all fundamental rights and freedoms, including religious freedom and freedom from modern-day slavery, contributes to peace, promotes the rule of law, strengthens democratic institutions, and helps reduce the potential for humanitarian crises. The United States is committed to the promotion of rights for all people regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, age, or religion. 

  • Drought is just one risk of changing climate (©AP Photo)
    Energy and Environment

    The United States seeks to protect the environment by working with partners around the world to promote sustainable economic growth and social development, increase energy security, and help nations deliver greater prosperity for their people. The U.S. Government is engaged in many partnerships and initiatives that advance environmental stewardship in such areas as climate change, forests, water, energy, climate, fisheries, and oceans management to foster a safer, more secure and hopeful world.  

  • Police officer in full protection gear (AP Photo)
    Peace and Security

    International terrorism threatens the United States, its allies and interests, and the world community. Defeating those who seek to do us harm requires sound policies, concerted U.S. Government effort, and international cooperation. The first step to defeating terrorism is promoting freedom, justice, and human dignity. Preventing terrorist access to or use of weapons of mass destruction, their delivery systems, related materials, and advanced conventional weaponry, is one of our government's highest priorities. The U.S. will continue to work with its allies and partners globally to eliminate the incentives of extremism and defeat terrorists who wish to harm us. In addition, we will continue to work to resolve situations in the Middle East and elsewhere that threaten peace. 

  • prayer candles (photo credit: j.gresham)
    Interfaith Action

    President Obama has called upon Americans to cross historical divides and come together to serve our neighbors in need and renew our communities. On key issues, such as caring for the environment, global health and development, and peace and security, faith communities are able to mobilize their members and supporters, shift opinions and work for the common good. In his historic speech in Cairo in 2009, President Obama said, “Faith should bring us together… Around the world, we can turn dialogue into interfaith service, so bridges between peoples lead to action – whether it is combating malaria in Africa, or promoting relief after a natural disaster.” To find solutions to the world’s most pressing problems, people of different faiths can and must work together.