USAID Administrator Samantha Power’s Visit to Tallinn Highlights Importance of International Cooperation on Improving Government Accountability
September 8, 2023
United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Administrator Samantha Power visited Estonia on September 6 and 7 to participate in the Open Government Partnership (OGP) Global Summit, engage with civil society, and participate in U.S.-Estonia bilateral dialogues.
“Estonia has long been the model for how technology can be harnessed for civic progress – one of the ideas upon which the Open Government Partnership was founded more than a decade ago. No country, it’s safe to say, has all the answers, but Estonia really offers powerful inspiration, showing not only how technology can improve the performance of government, but also how it can dramatically expand the involvement of citizens in governance. That is what has been so radical about what Estonia has shown. And let us not also forget what Estonia has shown – in a slightly different way – they have shown, you have shown, how smaller countries can successfully reject bullying by larger countries – all the while, building stronger institutions and stronger economies” said Administrator Power at the closing remarks of the OGP Global Summit on September 7.
Administrator Power also met with Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas. She thanked the Government of Estonia for hosting the OGP summit and underscored the value of U.S.-Estonia bilateral cooperation on supporting Ukraine, countering Russia, and promoting digital solutions to global challenges. She also visited the Freedom School (Vabaduse Kool) in Tallinn to hear from Ukrainian students.
U.S. Ambassador to Estonia George P. Kent warmly welcomed Administrator Power to Estonia. “The cooperation between our two countries demonstrates that as NATO allies, stalwart supporters of Ukraine, and partners for democracy and rule of law, the United States and Estonia truly are stronger together.”
Administrator Power is part of a delegation of 40 U.S. officials visiting Estonia this week to participate in OGP and TDS. Her visit demonstrates the U.S. commitment to continued cooperation with Estonia and other partners as we work towards ensuring more open, transparent, and accountable governance.
President John F Kennedy created USAID in 1961 to provide and administer vital humanitarian assistance around the world in order to save lives, reduce poverty, strengthen democracy and help people progress beyond assistance. USAID currently works in over 100 countries worldwide.
Read Administrator Power’s remarks at OGP here:
