Report on the Decline of USAID and Its Impact on Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction

The United States Foreign Service, a professional and nonpartisan body of diplomats and development experts, faces significant challenges as career personnel are dismissed or marginalized. This situation threatens the effectiveness of U.S. foreign assistance programs, especially those administered by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). The disruption undermines critical efforts aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which aim to promote global peace, prosperity, and sustainability.

Historical Context and USAID’s Role in Advancing SDGs

The Marshall Plan and the Foundation of USAID

1. Post-World War II, the Marshall Plan was initiated to revive war-torn economies and foster political and social conditions conducive to free institutions, directly supporting SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions).
2. USAID was established in 1961 by President John F. Kennedy to consolidate U.S. foreign assistance programs, emphasizing self-reliance and combating global challenges such as poverty, disease, and tyranny, aligning with SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 4 (Quality Education), and SDG 5 (Gender Equality).
3. Throughout its history, USAID has contributed to nation-building, economic growth, and democratic governance, supporting numerous SDGs including SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).

USAID’s Contributions to Global Development

• Reduction of infant, child, and maternal mortality rates, combating diseases such as malaria and tuberculosis (SDG 3).
• Conflict prevention and mitigation to reduce forced migration (SDG 16).
• Rural development and agricultural assistance to ensure food security amid global shocks (SDG 2, SDG 13 Climate Action).
• Environmental protection efforts to reduce pollution and conserve natural resources (SDG 6 Clean Water and Sanitation, SDG 14 Life Below Water, SDG 15 Life on Land).
• Energy development and diversification to promote sustainable economic growth (SDG 7 Affordable and Clean Energy).
• Support for macroeconomic reforms and private sector development to foster stability and job creation (SDG 8).
• Educational initiatives from pre-K to graduate levels to build human capital (SDG 4).
• Promotion of democracy, accountable governance, and justice (SDG 16).

Current Challenges and Implications for SDGs

Programmatic Reductions and Staff Layoffs

In 2025, USAID faces unprecedented cuts, with plans to reduce its workforce by nearly 8,000 employees, including Foreign Service Officers, Civil Service staff, and Foreign Service Nationals. These reductions threaten the continuity and effectiveness of development programs critical to achieving SDGs worldwide.

Impact on Development Projects and Global Stability

• Suspension and cancellation of infrastructure projects such as clinics, schools, and water systems undermine SDG 3, SDG 4, and SDG 6.
• Loss of technical assistance and capacity-building efforts weakens partner countries’ ability to sustain progress toward SDGs.
• Reduction in support for democratic institutions risks backsliding on SDG 16.
• Decreased U.S. leadership in global development creates opportunities for adversarial influence, potentially destabilizing regions and hindering SDG progress.

Strategic Concerns and National Security

The elimination of USAID programs without a clear national security strategy raises concerns about the long-term risks to U.S. safety and global stability. Experts warn that neglecting development assistance may lead to increased conflict, migration, and health crises, which could ultimately require greater defense spending and humanitarian intervention, counteracting SDG 16 and SDG 3.

Voices from the Field: The Human Dimension of USAID’s Decline

Engineering and Infrastructure Development

USAID Foreign Service engineers have played a pivotal role in building infrastructure that supports health, education, and economic growth. Their work embodies SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). The dismantling of engineering teams has resulted in halted projects and damaged U.S. credibility as a reliable partner.

Economic Development and Regional Cooperation

USAID officers have facilitated trade, investment, and regional cooperation, contributing to SDG 8 and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). The abrupt termination of contracts and assistance programs disrupts the path to self-reliance for developing countries and undermines democratic transitions.

Commitment to Build Despite Challenges

Despite setbacks, USAID personnel emphasize the importance of continuing development efforts to uphold U.S. values and global stability. Their dedication reflects the spirit of the SDGs, advocating for sustained investment in human and economic development to secure a prosperous future for all.

Conclusion and Recommendations

1. Recognize the integral role of USAID in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals and global stability.
2. Develop and communicate a comprehensive national security strategy that includes foreign assistance as a key component.
3. Restore and sustain funding for USAID programs to prevent loss of critical development gains.
4. Support the retention and development of skilled USAID personnel to maintain program effectiveness and accountability.
5. Engage the American public in understanding the importance of diplomacy and development in achieving global SDGs and national interests.

Failure to address these issues risks reversing decades of progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals and undermining both global and American security and prosperity.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 1: No Poverty – The article discusses efforts to reduce poverty through development assistance and economic growth support.
2. SDG 2: Zero Hunger – References to famine prevention, agricultural assistance, and food aid relate to this goal.
3. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – The article mentions reducing infant, child, and maternal mortality, combating diseases like malaria, tuberculosis, and polio.
4. SDG 4: Quality Education – Support for education from pre-K to graduate levels is highlighted.
5. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation – Infrastructure projects such as water systems are discussed.
6. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy – Technical and infrastructure assistance for energy development and diversification is mentioned.
7. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – The article addresses private enterprise development, job growth, and economic stability.
8. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – Support for marginalized groups, including women in government, is noted.
9. SDG 13: Climate Action – Environmental protection efforts such as reducing pollution and protecting natural resources are included.
10. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions – The article emphasizes democracy support, accountable governance, and conflict prevention.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 1
   • Target 1.1: Eradicate extreme poverty for all people everywhere.
   • Target 1.4: Ensure equal rights to economic resources and basic services.
2. SDG 2
   • Target 2.1: End hunger and ensure access to safe, nutritious food.
   • Target 2.3: Double agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers.
3. SDG 3
   • Target 3.1: Reduce maternal mortality ratio.
   • Target 3.2: End preventable deaths of newborns and children under 5 years.
   • Target 3.3: End epidemics of communicable diseases such as malaria, tuberculosis, and polio.
4. SDG 4
   • Target 4.1: Ensure all children complete free, equitable, and quality primary and secondary education.
   • Target 4.3: Ensure equal access to affordable technical, vocational and higher education.
5. SDG 6
   • Target 6.1: Achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water.
   • Target 6.2: Achieve access to adequate and equitable sanitation and hygiene.
6. SDG 7
   • Target 7.1: Ensure universal access to affordable, reliable, and modern energy services.
   • Target 7.2: Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.
7. SDG 8
   • Target 8.3: Promote development-oriented policies that support productive activities and decent job creation.
   • Target 8.5: Achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all.
8. SDG 10
   • Target 10.2: Empower and promote social, economic and political inclusion of all.
9. SDG 13
   • Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters.
10. SDG 16
    • Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions.
    • Target 16.7: Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory and representative decision-making.
    • Target 16.10: Ensure public access to information and protect fundamental freedoms.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Health Indicators:
   • Infant, child, and maternal mortality rates.
   • Incidence and prevalence rates of diseases such as malaria, tuberculosis, diarrheal diseases, and polio.
2. Education Indicators:
   • Number of students completing various education levels (e.g., PhDs, master’s degrees).
   • Access to and quality of educational infrastructure.
3. Economic Indicators:
   • Growth rates of small and medium enterprises.
   • Employment rates and job creation statistics.
   • Trade and investment flows.
4. Infrastructure Indicators:
   • Completion and functionality of infrastructure projects (e.g., water systems, clinics, schools).
   • Energy access and diversification metrics.
5. Governance Indicators:
   • Measures of democratic institution strength, such as free and fair elections, party strengthening, and women’s participation in government.
   • Access to justice and rule of law metrics.
6. Environmental Indicators:
   • Levels of industrial, air, and water pollution.
   • Status of coastal fisheries, wildlife, and mineral resources.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: afsa.org