Global Washington Welcomes USAID Administrator Dr. Rajiv Shah Back to Washington State for a Forum on Technology and Global Development

SEATTLE, Aug. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- Global Washington today hosts Dr. Rajiv Shah, administrator of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), and a distinguished panel of experts from across Washington state for a discussion on the catalytic role of science, innovation and new technology on the old problems of global development.

After eight months at USAID, Dr. Shah returns to Seattle to share the agency's perspective on innovation's critical role in global development and how technology can be used to bring positive change to the communities where it is needed most. Following his remarks, he will join a panel including Representatives Adam Smith (D -Wash.) and Jim McDermott (D - Wash.) to assess technology's impact on food security, foreign aid effectiveness, global health and social entrepreneurship.

Global Washington, with the support of event sponsors Microsoft and Washington State University, has organized the event to draw on the unique strength of Washington's global development sector.  Held at Seattle's historic Saint Mark's Cathedral, the program will begin at 8:15 a.m. PT with Dr. Shah's opening remarks and will be followed immediately by the panel's discussion. Joining Reps. McDermott and Smith on the panel will be:

• Dr. Prema Arasu, Associate Vice President, International Programs, Washington State University
• Dr. Akhtar Badshah, Senior Director, Global Community Affairs, Microsoft
• Sylvia Mathews Burwell, President, Global Development Program, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
• Dr. Christopher Elias, President and CEO, PATH

"To make the most of our country's investments in foreign assistance, USAID is working to improve performance across the board, often with help from the private sector and development entrepreneurs worldwide," Shah said. "Washington state has long been at the center of global innovation. Global Washington and its members are continuing this tradition. USAID looks to thought leaders such as the ones gathered for this event to contribute some of the ideas that will help us become even more effective."

"Drawing on the unprecedented depth and breadth of expertise among hundreds of private, public and academic organizations, Washington state is a leading center for global development," said Bookda Gheisar, Executive Director of Global Washington. "We're thrilled to host Dr. Shah -- himself a former member of our vibrant development community – and to bring together experts from across the state who are harnessing Washington's spirit of technological innovation to tackle the most daunting challenges of our time."

For more information on Global Washington, please visit www.globalwa.org.

About Global Washington

Global Washington is a broad-based membership association that promotes Washington state as a leader in global development. Its members from across the state include some of the world's most respected companies and organizations engaged in this field. Global Washington offers programs and services that enhance the global impact of our member organizations and advocates on global development issues.

SOURCE Global Washington