Transition Initiatives
The USAID Office of Transition Initiatives supports U.S. foreign policy objectives by helping local partners advance peace and democracy in priority countries in crisis. Seizing critical windows of opportunity, OTI works on the ground to provide fast, flexible, short-term assistance targeted at key political transition and stabilization needs.
Since 1994, OTI, part of USAID’s Bureau for Democracy, Conflict, and Humanitarian Assistance, has laid the foundation for long-term development in thirty-one conflict-prone countries by promoting reconciliation, jumpstarting local economies, supporting nascent independent media, and fostering peace and democracy through innovative programming. In countries undergoing a transition from authoritarianism to democracy, violent conflict to peace, or pivotal political events, initiatives serve as catalysts for positive political change. OTI programs are short-term -- typically, two to three years in duration. OTI works closely with regional bureaus, missions and other counterparts to identify programs that complement other assistance efforts and lay a foundation for longer-term development. OTI programs often are initiated in fragile states that have not reached the stability needed to initiate longer-term development programs. OTI strategies and programs are developed and designed to meet the unique needs of each situation.
Recent Highlights and Successes
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Lebanon - Youth and Government Officials Debate Openly - August 2009
Young people from southern Lebanon had a rare opportunity to voice their opinions in a series of high-profile debates with politicians. The events were organized by local NGO Shu'on Janoubiya in the run-up to the country's parliamentary elections and focused on issues of concern to youth.
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Sudan - Dialogue Helps Set Stage for Abyei Boundary Ruling - August 2009
In an effort to build a foundation for peaceful acceptance of the Permanent Court of Arbitration's ruling on Abyei's boundaries, USAID's Office of Transition Initiatives facilitated the participation of 30 influential Dinka Ngok and Misseriya leaders in a 3-day workshop on Sudanese cross-border relations.
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Uganda - Open Bidding Minimizes Corruption, Improves Quality - September 2009
The reopening of the offices of Uganda's Resident District Commissioner in Gulu has solidified government presence in the north, and the restoration of the building demonstrated that corruption can be minimized. OTI's assistance helped introduce transparency into the procurement and contract award process.
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For media inquiries, please contact the Bureau of Legislative and Public Affairs at 202-712-4320.
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