SE Valley Times

Arizona State University (ASU) has been collaborating with the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) for over ten years, delivering projects that benefit both global communities and U.S. interests. These initiatives have spanned countries such as Ghana, the Philippines, Egypt, and El Salvador, addressing issues like border security, economic development, and strategic alliances.

However, USAID's funding freeze has impacted ASU's projects significantly. Lara Ferry from ASU emphasized that these efforts reflect America's spirit of "people helping people" and are crucial for national security. "If we’re a good guy in the eyes of many of these nations," Ferry noted, "then that is leveraged for us in terms of our national security."

Glen Goodman from ASU highlighted that the university's projects have delivered over $200 million in aid and stressed their importance in diplomacy and economic growth. He stated that investment in development reduces defense spending needs: “Every dollar spent on development and diplomacy is $10 we don’t have to spend on defense.”

Since 2015, ASU has engaged in 22 USAID projects focusing on economic growth, border security, strategic influence, innovation, and workforce development. Sally C. Morton from ASU noted these efforts also boost local economies by opening new markets aligned with U.S. trade interests.

Notable projects include CARISCA in Africa aimed at improving supply chains to reduce reliance on China; LibrES in El Salvador focused on reducing violence to curb illegal immigration; and a partnership initiative with Indonesia to enhance STEM education critical to industries like cybersecurity.

Goodman expressed concern about potential impacts if such programs cease due to funding cuts: "When we pull out...a lot of countries will enter readily...creating goodwill for their countries." The continuation of these collaborations remains vital for sustaining U.S. influence abroad.

Other notable USAID-supported initiatives involve leadership training in Africa through YALI L&L; enhancing geospatial data via YouthMappers; strengthening Egypt’s energy sector; modernizing Vietnam’s STEM education; managing locust outbreaks globally; improving teacher training across various regions including India and Georgia; among others.