From 66412a12216e4000702e2c3e8bc1504b2868bab3 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: "github-actions[bot]" Date: Sat, 14 Dec 2024 16:34:59 +0000 Subject: [PATCH] Update at Sat Dec 14 16:34:59 UTC 2024 --- rss.xml | 70 +- ...fter-the-2022-u-s-africa-leaders-summit.md | 849 ++++++++++++++++++ ...e-sandy-hook-elementary-school-shooting.md | 62 ++ 3 files changed, 946 insertions(+), 35 deletions(-) create mode 100644 statements-releases/2024-12/2024-12-14-fact-sheet-celebrating-u-s-africa-partnership-two-years-after-the-2022-u-s-africa-leaders-summit.md create mode 100644 statements-releases/2024-12/2024-12-14-statement-from-president-joe-biden-marking-twelve-years-since-the-sandy-hook-elementary-school-shooting.md diff --git a/rss.xml b/rss.xml index 17f3b87e..2e873551 100644 --- a/rss.xml +++ b/rss.xml @@ -8,11 +8,45 @@ The White House Briefing Room - Fri, 13 Dec 2024 12:14:53 -0500 + Sat, 14 Dec 2024 11:11:32 -0500 https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/ + + + FACT SHEET: Celebrating U.S.-Africa Partnership Two Years After the 2022 U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit + + + https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/12/14/fact-sheet-celebrating-u-s-africa-partnership-two-years-after-the-2022-u-s-africa-leaders-summit/ + + + Sat, 14 Dec 2024 11:11:32 -0500 + + + https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/12/14/fact-sheet-celebrating-u-s-africa-partnership-two-years-after-the-2022-u-s-africa-leaders-summit/ + + + statements-releases + + + + + Statement from President Joe Biden Marking Twelve Years Since the Sandy Hook Elementary School Shooting + + + https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/12/14/statement-from-president-joe-biden-marking-twelve-years-since-the-sandy-hook-elementary-school-shooting/ + + + Sat, 14 Dec 2024 10:00:00 -0500 + + + https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/12/14/statement-from-president-joe-biden-marking-twelve-years-since-the-sandy-hook-elementary-school-shooting/ + + + statements-releases + + Remarks as Prepared for Delivery by First Lady Jill Biden at a Toys for Tots Event with Military Families @@ -489,39 +523,5 @@ statements-releases </category> </item> - <item> - <title> - On-the-Record Press Gaggle by White House National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby - - - https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/press-briefings/2024/12/10/on-the-record-press-gaggle-by-white-house-national-security-communications-advisor-john-kirby-36/ - - - Tue, 10 Dec 2024 22:00:00 -0500 - - - https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/press-briefings/2024/12/10/on-the-record-press-gaggle-by-white-house-national-security-communications-advisor-john-kirby-36/ - - - press-briefings - - - - - Remarks by President Biden on His Middle-Out, Bottom-Up Economic Playbook - - - https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/speeches-remarks/2024/12/10/remarks-by-president-biden-on-his-middle-out-bottom-up-economic-playbook/ - - - Tue, 10 Dec 2024 21:00:00 -0500 - - - https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/speeches-remarks/2024/12/10/remarks-by-president-biden-on-his-middle-out-bottom-up-economic-playbook/ - - - speeches-remarks - - diff --git a/statements-releases/2024-12/2024-12-14-fact-sheet-celebrating-u-s-africa-partnership-two-years-after-the-2022-u-s-africa-leaders-summit.md b/statements-releases/2024-12/2024-12-14-fact-sheet-celebrating-u-s-africa-partnership-two-years-after-the-2022-u-s-africa-leaders-summit.md new file mode 100644 index 00000000..5881ab54 --- /dev/null +++ b/statements-releases/2024-12/2024-12-14-fact-sheet-celebrating-u-s-africa-partnership-two-years-after-the-2022-u-s-africa-leaders-summit.md @@ -0,0 +1,849 @@ +--- +date: '2024-12-14' +modified_time: 2024-12-14 11:11:33-05:00 +published_time: 2024-12-14 11:11:32-05:00 +source_url: https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/12/14/fact-sheet-celebrating-u-s-africa-partnership-two-years-after-the-2022-u-s-africa-leaders-summit/ +tags: statements-releases +title: "FACT SHEET: Celebrating U.S.-Africa Partnership Two Years After the 2022 U.S.-Africa\ + \ Leaders\_Summit" +--- + +In the two years since the December 2022 U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit, the +Biden-Harris Administration significantly expanded engagement and +partnership with African nations, driven by the conviction that the +future of Africa and the United States depends on what we can achieve +together.  At the Summit, the United States [pledged to invest $55 +billion](https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2022/12/15/u-s-africa-leaders-summit-strengthening-partnerships-to-meet-shared-priorities/) +in Africa over three years.  We have surpassed that goal – the +Administration has committed and spent over $65 billion in Africa since +the Summit.  These investments have enabled the Administration, together +with African partners, to accelerate development progress, advance +trans-continental infrastructure, expand trade and economic +opportunities, and support African-led efforts on conservation, climate +adaptation, and a just energy transition. +  +But the achievements go beyond numbers, underpinned by our belief that +solving global challenges requires African leadership and African +partnership.  The United States championed—and ultimately helped +secure—the African Union’s permanent membership in the G20 and announced +our support for creating two permanent United Nations (UN) Security +Council seats for African states.  Since the Summit, we have laid out a +[vision](https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/05/23/the-nairobi-washington-vision/) +alongside Kenya to help developing countries facing mounting debt +burdens.  Our partnerships enhanced food security and helped build more +sustainable and resilient food systems, improved governance and +security, and advanced shared public health goals.  We catalyzed +landmark diaspora-driven engagement, fostered an inclusive and resilient +African digital ecosystem, and made strides to promote gender equality +and women’s empowerment.  +  +**High-Level Engagements** +  +Throughout the Biden-Harris administration, President Biden has +prioritized high-level engagement with African countries and partners. +  +Following the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit in 2022, President Biden +directed an unprecedented pace of senior-level U.S. Government visits to +the continent. Twenty Cabinet Members and leaders of U.S. Government +Departments and Agencies have visited the region since the Summit, with +visits centered on deepening partnerships with African countries, +institutions, and people. In March and April 2023, Vice President Harris +visited Ghana, Tanzania, and Zambia, where she announced [more than $8 +billion](https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/05/24/fact-sheet-vice-president-harris-announces-public-and-private-sector-commitments-to-advancing-digital-inclusion-in-africa/) +in public and private sector investment commitments towards climate and +food security, women’s empowerment, and digital inclusion across +Africa.  +  +In May 2024, President Biden then +[hosted](https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/05/23/fact-sheet-kenya-state-visit-to-the-united-states/) +President Ruto of Kenya for a State Visit and Dinner, the first State +Visit of an African head of state since 2008. During that visit, which +highlighted 60 years of official U.S.-Kenyan partnership, President +Biden announced a slew of deliverables to improve economic opportunities +for both our peoples, strengthen democratic resilience and safeguard +human rights, and bolster our work together on a range of pressing +issues, including climate and health. +  +In December 2024, President Biden traveled to the continent, becoming +the first-ever U.S. president to visit Angola and the first sitting +President to visit sub-Saharan Africa since 2015.  During the visit, +President Biden spoke about the [past horrors of +slavery](https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/speeches-remarks/2024/12/03/remarks-by-president-biden-honoring-the-past-and-future-of-the-angolan-u-s-relationship-belas-angola/) +and its legacy, while welcoming a bright future of deepening +collaboration between the United States and the continent.  He announced +more than [$1 +billion](https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/12/02/fact-sheet-president-bidens-trip-to-angola/) +in additional humanitarian funding and co-hosted a [Summit on the Lobito +Trans-Africa +Corridor](https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/12/03/fact-sheet-partnership-for-global-infrastructure-and-investment-in-the-lobito-trans-africa-corridor/), +underscoring the importance of private sector investments, inclusive +economic growth, and sustainable development. One year earlier, +President Biden had +[hosted](https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2023/11/30/readout-of-meeting-between-president-joseph-r-biden-jr-and-president-joao-manuel-goncalves-lourenco-of-angola/) +President Lourenço of Angola for an Oval Office meeting. President +Biden’s historic trip to Angola topped off significant engagement with +the continent throughout the entire Biden-Harris administration.  +  +**Trade and Investment** +  +The Administration harnessed the dynamism of people from across the +African continent and throughout the United States to expand prosperity +on both sides of the Atlantic. In the past two years, the United States +has supported and helped close **1,385 new deals for a total estimated +value of $62.6 billion in new two-way trade and investment** between the +United States and African countries.  **This represents a more than +five-fold increase in the value of closed deals over the two years +preceding the Summit.**  Illustrative highlights of these trade and +investment initiatives include: +  + +1. The U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) has + investments of over $13 billion in more than 300 projects across 36 + countries in Africa.  Since the Summit, DFC has committed over $5.3 + billion to new projects in Africa in key sectors such as energy, + healthcare, infrastructure, mineral resources, and support for small + businesses. +2. Since the Summit, the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) has + funded 24 project preparation activities to advance the + implementation of over $7 billion in digital connectivity, clean + energy, and healthcare infrastructure projects on the continent.  In + 2024, USTDA arranged 10 reverse trade missions and workshops focused + on regulatory convergence for healthcare products, transportation, + green hydrogen development, cybersecurity, methane abatement, and + sustainable energy, connecting African public and private sector + representatives with the latest U.S. technologies, services, and + financing solutions. +3. Since 2022, the Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) has + strengthened partnerships across Africa, approving approximately $4 + billion in authorizations for sub-Saharan Africa.  This includes + transactions across a wide variety of sectors including two of the + largest renewable energy projects in EXIM’s history, aircrafts, + civil works infrastructure, and radio equipment. +4. In fiscal year (FY) 2023, the EXIM Board of Directors approved a + $281 million transaction to support the export of several Boeing 737 + MAX 8 aircraft to Ethiopian Airlines Group.  This transaction + supported 1,600 U.S. jobs across Indiana, North Carolina, and + Washington.  In FY 2024, the EXIM Board of Directors approved an + additional transaction of more than $456 million for Ethiopian + Airlines for the purchase of five Boeing aircraft, supporting an + estimated 2,200 new U.S. jobs in North Carolina, Ohio, and + Washington. +5. Since 2022, the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) has invested + almost $2.4 billion through agreements with African partner + countries who have demonstrated their commitment to good governance, + democratic values, and investing in their people.  Funding is + expanding energy markets, furthering private sector energy + generation, enhancing farmers’ supply chain integration, and + improving education access to increase long-term employment + opportunities. +6. Prosper Africa funded and supported several initiatives to boost + two-way trade and investment for key markets in Kenya, South Africa, + and Morocco, to include the “[Why Kenya, Why + Africa](https://ke.usembassy.gov/why-africa-why-kenya-2/)” Roadshow + in New York, San Francisco, and Chicago, the launch of [Atlanta + Phambili](https://za.usembassy.gov/atlanta-phambili-a-gateway-for-u-s-south-africa-partnership/) + with South African business and government leaders in Atlanta, and + the [U.S.-Morocco Venture Capital + Forum](https://ma.usembassy.gov/u-s-mission-morocco-prosper-africa-host-venture-capital-forum/).  + Prosper Africa also provided technical assistance to Togo-based + Caisse Régionale de Refinancement Hypothécaire, supporting a $275 + million housing deal with Bank of America.  +7. At the Summit, Prosper Africa announced the [Catalytic Investment + Facility](https://www.prosperafrica.gov/blog/four-new-african-asset-funds-announced-under-the-prosper-africa-catalytic-investment-facility/), + which provides first-loss and operational funding support to 10 + African asset managers to mobilize $600 million from private + investors, to deploy into African tech startups.  To date, $93 + million has been raised by the 10 African asset managers, and $44 + million has been deployed into 61 startups throughout the + continent. +8. In September 2024, Prosper Africa announced a [catalytic pooled + fund](https://www.prosperafrica.gov/news/the-african-venture-philanthropy-alliance-avpa-announces-the-catalytic-pooled-fund-to-expand-social-financing-in-africa/) + to drive social investment.  In partnership with the Children’s + Investment Fund Foundation, and in support of the Africa Venture + Philanthropy Alliance, the fund aims to pool $200 million of + catalytic capital over the next five years from African and global + philanthropies and government donors.  This capital is expected to + leverage up to $2 billion in private capital. +9. Prosper Africa provided a $1.275 million grant to the Liquidity and + Sustainability Facility (LSF) to cover operational costs of LSF’s + work enhancing trading liquidity for African countries and lowering + the cost of financing.  LSF builds free and transparent capital + markets in Africa and provides investors with an investible + benchmark for evaluating the performance of African sovereign debt + instruments such as the IBoxx LSF USD African Sovereign index, in + conjunction with Standard & Poor’s.  +10. The Small Business Administration (SBA) provided 34 small businesses + with export financing that supported approximately $185.7 million in + export sales involving the African continent from December 2023 to + October 2024.  Building on the SBA Administrator’s visit to Cote + d’Ivoire and Togo in 2023, SBA also undertook new activities in 2024 + to connect members of the African diaspora in the United States with + businesses in both continents.  +11. In [November + 2023](https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2023/11/01/statement-from-president-joe-biden-on-the-african-growth-and-opportunity-act-agoa-reauthorization/) + and [July + 2024](https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/07/23/statement-from-president-joe-biden-on-the-african-growth-and-opportunity-act-agoa-forum-in-washington-dc/), + President Biden reiterated his strong support for the + reauthorization and modernization of the African Growth and + Opportunity Act (AGOA) to deepen trade relations between the U.S. + and Africa, strengthen regional integration, and realize Africa’s + immense economic potential.  In 2023, AGOA imports totaled $9.7 + billion and supported tens of thousands of jobs in the United States + and Africa.  + +**Infrastructure** + +President Biden’s flagship G7+ initiative, the Partnership for Global +Infrastructure and Investment (PGI), advances strategic, values-driven, +and high-standard infrastructure, investment, and sustainable +development in low- and middle-income countries—with Africa as a key +continent of focus.  At the G7 Summit in June, leaders [celebrated +progress](https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/06/13/fact-sheet-partnership-for-global-infrastructure-and-investment-at-the-g7-summit-2/) +toward PGI’s ambitious goal of mobilizing $600 billion by 2027 in global +infrastructure investments that will make a difference in people’s lives +around the world, strengthen and diversify our supply chains, and +advance shared national security interests.  During his historic trip to +Angola December 2-4, President Biden co-hosted a [Summit on the Lobito +Trans-Africa +Corridor](https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/12/03/fact-sheet-partnership-for-global-infrastructure-and-investment-in-the-lobito-trans-africa-corridor/), +bringing together leaders from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, +Tanzania, and Zambia, as well as the Africa Finance Corporation.  +Leaders affirmed their commitment to investing in infrastructure that +will one day connect the Atlantic and Indian Oceans to expand economic +growth and sustainable development across the region.  More information +on PGI/Lobito Trans-Africa Corridor can be found +[here](https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/12/03/fact-sheet-partnership-for-global-infrastructure-and-investment-in-the-lobito-trans-africa-corridor/). + +**Conservation, Climate Adaptation, and a Just Energy Transition** + +Many of the countries that are most vulnerable to climate change are in +Africa.  The Biden-Harris Administration has marshalled unprecedented +resources to bolster climate resilience and protect development +progress.  During her 2023 trip to the African continent, Vice President +Harris worked with African partners to galvanize more than [$7 +billion](https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2023/03/31/fact-sheet-vice-president-harris-announces-over-7-billion-in-private-sector-and-u-s-government-commitments-to-promote-climate-resilience-adaptation-and-mitigation-across-africa/) +in public and private sector climate adaptation, resilience, and +mitigation commitments.  Some of the U.S.  initiatives to support +African-led efforts on climate change mitigation, adaptation, and a just +energy transition include: + +1. Since the Summit, DFC has committed over $1.8 billion to new climate + focused projects in Africa and also committed over $520 million + across 12 new projects in Africa focused on expanding access to + power.  Notably, DFC provided $500 million in political risk + insurance to support marine conversation in Gabon through the Gabon + Blue Bonds project, the first DFC-supported debt conversion for + impact project in Africa.  In Sierra Leone, DFC provided $412 + million in financing and political risk insurance to support the + Nant Energy project, a 105-megawatt thermal power plant that is + Sierra Leone’s first gas-to-power plant and will double the + country’s energy capacity and address a critical need for the Sierra + Leonean people’s access to reliable energy infrastructure.  In + Mozambique, DFC committed $179 million in debt and political risk + insurance to support the development of Central Eléctrica da + Namaacha’s 120 megawatt wind power project, the country’s first + utility-scale wind power project. +2. In November 2023, Prosper Africa, the United States Agency for + International Development (USAID), and the State Department provided + $10 million to seed a $100 million balance sheet under the Green + Guarantee Company (GGC), the first-ever privately run guarantee + company devoted to catalyzing green bonds and loans focusing on + Africa.  GGC is expected to unlock an estimated $1 billion in new + private capital for climate finance. +3. In September 2024, Prosper Africa announced a $5 million catalytic + capital award to ImpactA Global, aimed at mobilizing $300 million in + private investment for sustainable infrastructure in emerging + markets.  The award serves as first-loss capital designed to reduce + investment risk and attract new institutional investors who might + otherwise be hesitant to engage in Africa-focused investments. +4. Bolstering Power Africa, USTDA has invested $5 million to support a + just energy transition across several African countries.  These + investments are supporting solar energy generation in Zambia, wind + energy generation in Malawi, strengthening the power grid in Cote + d’Ivoire, promoting clean energy in South Africa, and supporting + climate innovation through reverse trade missions. +5. At the Summit, the Department of Energy (DOE) announced its intent + to develop a case study in partnership with the Ghanaian Ministry of + Energy on integrating nuclear and renewable energy systems.  Under + the Clean Energy Ministerial, DOE is leading a $300,000 initiative + to evaluate the potential roles for nuclear and renewable energy to + support Ghanaian energy needs for both electric and non-electric + applications.  DOE and Ghana also launched Africa’s first regional + Clean Energy Training Center in Accra, Ghana, providing courses on + large and small modular reactors, financing, contract structures, + risk management, and legal issues. +6. DOE is working with Mozambique on methane mitigation from the gas + sector and clean hydrogen development, with Kenya on a $250,000 + project to examine opportunities for direct air capture combined + with geothermal energy, with Nigeria on a $250,000 study supporting + their regulatory framework for carbon management, and with Morocco + on solar energy.  DOE and the Moroccan Research Institute in Solar + Energy and New Energies hosted a Solar Decathlon Design Challenge + for collegiate teams from across Africa and around the world to + design buildings powered by renewable energy.    +7. Under its [Climate Change and Health + Initiative](https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclimateandhealth.nih.gov%2F&data=05%7C02%7Cadaugo.mbagwu-mahlik%40hhs.gov%7C7d6ed495c6fe45ac65b208dcfdc39cab%7Cd58addea50534a808499ba4d944910df%7C0%7C0%7C638664265539782511%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=PP2zUOKkDGJYoLkSRYtxwHE6HWA%2BKnskyfAZw2h2bS0%3D&reserved=0), + the National Institutes of Health (NIH) established Exploratory + Research Centers that bring together scientists to work with + affected communities to build resilience and adapt to climate driven + stressors.  Three of the centers have focus areas in Kenya, + Madagascar, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zimbabwe.  These + centers are conducting research on early warning models for vector + borne diseases, the effects of extreme weather events on mental + health and interpersonal violence, and pilot solutions for climate + risks to human health. +8. At the Summit, the Department of State announced the Accelerating + Women’s Empowerment in Energy (AWEE) project to help secure women’s + economic futures through green jobs.  Since then, the State + Department launched AWEE with an initial investment of $1 million.  + The project has funded 11 small grants to local organizations in + South Africa and Kenya to address barriers to the entry, promotion, + and retention of women in each country’s clean energy sector. + +**Promoting Food Security and Resilient Food Systems** + +At the Summit, President Biden launched the [U.S.-African Union (AU) +Strategic +Partnership](https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2022/12/15/fact-sheet-u-s-africa-partnership-to-promote-food-security-and-resilient-food-systems/) +to accelerate progress in tackling food insecurity, build stronger and +more diversified food systems and supply chains, scale Africa’s +agricultural production capacity, and expand African countries’ access +to agricultural markets.  Since the launch of the partnership, we have +aligned our food security assistance and programming and leveraged our +convening power and partnerships, including through PGI, to build +sustainable food systems, expand investments in agricultural +infrastructure, and tackle trade policy reforms.  + +1. Since FY 2022, the United States provided nearly $20 billion in + life-saving humanitarian assistance and early recovery, risk + reduction, and resilience programming in Africa.  Humanitarian + assistance addresses acute food insecurity caused by conflicts, + including Russia’s war in Ukraine and natural disasters, including + climate shocks impacting millions of people across the African + continent.  +2. Since 2023, MCC has committed over $1.6 billion toward food security + initiatives through newly signed or launched programs.  These + projects are boosting farm productivity and increasing rural incomes + by investing in better irrigation methods, increasing production of + high-value crops, and improving road conditions. +3. During his historic trip to Angola, President Biden announced + additional humanitarian funding, including more than $200 million to + purchase, ship, and distribute surplus agricultural commodities from + American farmers to provide life-saving food assistance for refugees + and other food-insecure populations in Africa. +4. Since December 2022, DFC has provided over $180 million to 15 food + security focused projects in Africa.  These include a $20 million + DFC loan to Victory Farms in Kenya to support expansion of + sustainable tilapia production on Lake Victoria; a $75 million loan + to Indorama Eleme Fertilizer & Chemicals Limited to finance the + development, design, construction, operation, and maintenance of a + urea-ammonia fertilizer facility in Port Harcourt, Nigeria; and + project development technical assistance and loans to Ifria, a + developer of cold chain warehouses in Morocco and Senegal. +5. As part of the U.S. Government’s [Feed the + Future](https://www.feedthefuture.gov/) initiative, the global + Vision for Adapted Crops and Soils (VACS) program helps build + resilient food systems in partner countries using diverse, + nutritious, and climate resilient crops grown in healthy, fertile + soils.  Since 2023, the United States has donated $150 million and + mobilized another $60 million from international partners for VACS + programming.  Implementing partner organizations include the + International Fund for Agricultural Development, the UN Food and + Agriculture Organization, and the Consultative Group on + International Agricultural Research.  +6. USAID and the AU launched the “Feed the Future Accelerator” in + September 2024 with a new commitment, working with Congress, of more + than $80 million to deepen food security partnerships in Malawi, + Tanzania, and Zambia.  U.S. investments will harness the region’s + combination of fertile land, diverse farming systems, and + highly-motivated governments to support a regional breadbasket.  + These funds complement a diverse Feed the Future portfolio including + over $497 million of ongoing U.S. investments in these three + countries, plus more than $150 million in private sector + investments. +7. As part of the larger U.S. Government response to the global food + crisis through Feed the Future, USAID and the African Development + Bank (AfDB) completed an agreement in January 2024 to fund a $9.5 + million project—Technologies for African Agricultural + Transformation—to help Kenya, Nigeria, Uganda, and Zambia increase + food production and introduce climate-smart technologies. +8. Building on the U.S.-AU Strategic Partnership on Food Security, the + United States supported the AU process to refresh the Comprehensive + African Agricultural Development Program (CAADP) 10-year strategic + plan focused on food security and increased agricultural trade.  + USAID provided analytical work that fed into CAADP Technical Working + Groups and submitted an independent memorandum to the AU Commission + with recommendations on how to achieve agricultural transformation, + wealth creation, food security and nutrition, and economic growth. + +**Promoting Peace, Security, and Democratic Governance** + +The United States supported peace as the largest single humanitarian +donor for refugee and migration-related needs in Sub-Saharan Africa, +working with international organization and NGO partners to support over +eight million refugees and asylum seekers and over 30 million internally +displaced persons.  President Biden also launched the 21st Century +Partnership for African Security (21PAS), to expand support to African +partners with a focus on promoting effective, responsible, and +accountable defense institutions able to meet the emerging threats of +our time.  At the Summit, the United States reaffirmed its commitment to +support complex political transitions in Africa through launching the +African Democratic and Political Transitions (ADAPT) initiative.  + +1. In FY 2024, the United States, through the State Department’s Bureau + of Population, Refugees, and Migration, provided more than $1.37 + billion in Africa to support urgent and lifesaving needs for + refugees, asylum seekers, conflict victims, stateless persons, and + vulnerable migrants, including those affected by climate change.  + Since December 2022, the United States has resettled over 56,000 + refugees from Sub-Saharan Africa, welcoming them as they build new + lives in communities across the United States.  The majority of + refugees resettled were from the Democratic Republic of Congo, + Eritrea, the Republic of South Sudan, Somalia, and Sudan. +2. The United States, Gabon, Ghana, and Mozambique worked together to + successfully authorize UN Security Council Resolution 2719, which + outlines a process for the AU to receive UN funding for Peace + Support Operations (PSOs).  UN Security Council Resolution 2719 is a + testament to the U.S. and AU commitment to addressing conflict in + the region through African-led solutions.  The United States is + supportive of the UN and the AU utilizing the Resolution to support + PSOs on the continent while working together to ensure that human + rights, transparency, and accountability mechanisms are + successful.  +3. Through 21PAS, the Department of Defense is focusing on improving + the capacity of African partners to plan, resource, and sustain + their defense and security forces.  21PAS values partnerships rooted + in transparency, accountability, and respect for human rights, + recognizing that these values are foundational to lasting security.  + Using these criteria, the Department of Defense identified a broad + array of security cooperation programming totaling $73 million for + Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, and countries along the Gulf of Guinea and + Western Indian Ocean. +4. The United States continues to bolster democratic governance through + the ADAPT initiative.  For example, in Gabon, U.S. technical + assistance to government entities, civic groups, media outlets, and + women- and youth-focused organizations supports inclusive + constitutional and electoral legal reforms and free, fair, and + peaceful transitional elections. +5. Since 2022, USAID, through the Elections and Political Processes + Fund, has provided $48.9 million for critical election support in 28 + countries in Africa for unanticipated needs such as snap elections + or other unforeseen political developments.  USAID provided an + additional $17.4 million through the Defending Democratic Elections + Fund to 10 countries to tackle deeply rooted electoral integrity + issues, especially during inter-election periods.  Through the + Women’s Political Participation and Leadership fund, USAID provided + $8.36 million in FY 2022 and 2023 to four countries to build and + sustain the pipeline of women leaders and facilitate their safe and + meaningful participation in political, peacebuilding, and transition + processes. +6. Since 2022, the U.S. Government has dedicated over $181 million + through the Prevention and Stabilization Fund to enhance + partnerships with Mozambique, Libya, Benin, Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, + Guinea, and Togo.  Efforts focus on 10-year objectives to include + promoting reconciliation and unification; accelerating inclusive and + sustainable economic development; improving responsive governance + and security institutions; promoting respect for human rights; + strengthening justice systems; building capacity and resilience in + historically marginalized, at-risk, and conflict-affected areas; and + advancing meaningful participation of women and youth. + +**Deepening Health Cooperation** + +The United States works in partnership with African nations and regional +and global partners, including the World Health Organization (WHO) and +its Africa Regional Office (AFRO), the AU, the Africa Centres for +Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), and the private sector, to +save lives and build more resilient health systems that are better able +to prevent and respond to current and future health threats.  + +1. The Administration has built on the United States’ longstanding + leadership in the fight to end HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria + as public health threats, including by investing more than $15.55 + billion through the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief + (PEPFAR), the President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI), the Global Fund + to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria (Global Fund), and Gavi, + the Vaccine Alliance.  These investments have reduced the burden of + HIV, malaria, tuberculosis, and vaccine-preventable diseases and + have strengthened health systems in more than 30 countries on the + African continent. +2. Over the past two years, the United States provided more than $3 + billion in global health funding to support health workers, + including funding through PEPFAR to support more than 346,000 health + professionals to deliver HIV and tuberculosis services in the past + year.  PEPFAR is also providing $8 million to support nurses, who + are the backbone of patient care, in Botswana, Côte d’Ivoire, + Eswatini, Malawi, Nigeria, South Africa, and Zambia.  In FY 2024, + USAID provided $10 million to support the [Global Health Worker + Initiative](https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/05/15/fact-sheet-global-health-worker-initiative-ghwi-year-two-fact-sheet/) + to build on the Primary Impact Initiative in countries including + Ghana. +3. PEPFAR has been central to reversing the HIV/AIDS pandemic’s + trajectory—in Sub-Saharan Africa, there were 56 percent fewer new + HIV infections in 2023 than in 2010.  Nine African countries are + nearing or achieving the [UNAIDS 2025 global + goal](https://aidstargets2025.unaids.org/) that 95 percent of people + living with HIV will know their status and benefit from treatment + that keeps them healthy and helps prevent further spread, with + several more countries on track to reach these goals by the end of + 2025.  +4. Since FY 2021, PMI has invested more than $100 million to support + 100,000 community health workers across its partner countries to + rapidly detect and treat malaria in their communities.  These + investments in integrated platforms also enable treatment of other + common childhood illnesses such as diarrhea and pneumonia, improve + the quality and reach of primary health care, and strengthen + countries’ ability to prevent, detect, and respond to disease + outbreaks.  +5. PMI has supported African manufacturing to promote more resilient + and sustainable commodity supply chains.  In FY 2023, PMI sourced + approximately 10% of its commodity procurements from Africa, more + than double what was procured from the continent in FY 2021.  From + FY 2019 to FY 2023, PMI transitioned from primary reliance on air + freight to using sea and land freight to transport malaria + commodities, reducing transportation-related greenhouse gas + emissions by 85% and generating $66 million in cost savings, which + PMI used to expand other malaria-related programs. +6. In April 2024, the Administration launched the [U.S. Global Health + Security + Strategy](https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/04/16/fact-sheet-biden-%E2%81%A0harris-administration-releases-strategy-to-strengthen-global-health-security/) + to strengthen pandemic preparedness and response and welcomed [six + new Global Health Security Partners in + Africa](https://www.state.gov/united-states-global-health-security-partnerships/where-we-work/). +  The United States continues working in partnership with African + nations to support outbreak responses, including on + [Marburg](https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/10/07/statement-from-nsc-spokesperson-sean-savett-on-marburg-virus-disease-outbreak/), + [mpox](https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/09/24/fact-sheet-the-united-states-commitment-to-address-the-global-mpox-outbreak/), + Ebola, and cholera.  +7. The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, part of + NIH, has been partnering with research agencies and institutions in + Africa for decades.  Longstanding research programs have enabled + collaboration on research responses to emerging and re-emerging + infectious diseases.  +8. From 2022 to 2023, the U.S. Government provided more than $22 + million to support the Government of Uganda’s Ebola response and an + additional $7 million to help neighboring countries prepare for + potential outbreaks.  In 2023, the United States worked with the + Governments of Tanzania and Equatorial Guinea and other + international partners to address simultaneous but unrelated Marburg + virus disease outbreaks, providing over $5.8 million to support key + response and prevention efforts.  In response to the Marburg virus + disease outbreak in Rwanda starting in September 2024, the United + States has provided technical support, vaccines, diagnostics, + therapeutics, and personal protective equipment and plans to + allocate over $11 million regionally to address urgent health + needs. +9. The United States partners with biological laboratories in the + public, private, and academic sectors in 20 African countries to + provide trainings and assist partner institutions with performing + laboratory risk assessments.  These partnerships improve biosafety, + biosecurity, and cybersecurity.  The United States also provides + training to technical staff and biomedical engineers responsible for + upkeep of laboratory equipment for high containment laboratories. +10. DFC continues to catalyze investments to strengthen regional + manufacturing capacity in Africa, including by providing input into + the design of Gavi’s African Vaccine Manufacturing Accelerator to + ensure long-term sustainability of African vaccine manufacturers.  + Following DFC’s loan of €100 million to Aspen Pharmacare in 2021, in + 2024 DFC committed a direct loan of up to €110 million to expand + Aspen’s capacity to manufacture pediatric vaccines, insulin, and + other essential medicines in South Africa. DFC collaborated with the + International Finance Corporation, the German Development Finance + Institution, and Proparco to [co-finance expansion of + Aspen](https://www.dfc.gov/media/press-releases/dfc-ifc-proparco-and-deg-support-aspen-strengthen-africas-pharmaceutical). +11. DFC also invests in health services, and technology to improve + access to affordable, high-quality health care and products.  For + example, in 2023 DFC committed a $10 million loan to Hewatele, a + medical oxygen manufacturer in Kenya to expand production and + distribution of medical oxygen.  DFC also provided a $10 million + loan guaranty to KCB Bank in Kenya to increase financing available + to small and medium enterprises in the health sector.  +12. In December 2022, USTDA launched the Coalition for Healthcare + Infrastructure in Africa, a collaboration between USTDA and U.S. + industry to help meet the healthcare needs of African partners and + to increase access to quality healthcare products and services for + millions of individuals across the continent.  From November 2023 to + July 2024, USTDA hosted three healthcare workshops that convened + U.S. and African public and private sector representatives with the + aim of strengthening regulatory systems and facilitating broader + market access for healthcare products across the continent. +13. Since 2022, the United States has donated over $50 million to + projects in support of the International Atomic Energy Agency’s Rays + of Hope initiative, which provides assistance in nuclear and + radiation medicine to advance cancer diagnosis and treatment in low- + and middle-income countries.  In 2024, the United States provided an + additional $6 million to Rays of Hope projects in Benin, Chad, the + Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Malawi, Niger, and + Senegal.  +14. At the Summit, First Lady Jill Biden highlighted the U.S. + Government’s unwavering commitment [to improving cancer outcomes in + countries in + Africa](https://www.whitehouse.gov/ostp/news-updates/2022/12/14/fact-sheet-cancer-moonshot-announces-new-actions-aimed-to-reduce-the-cancer-burden-in-africa-as-part-of-the-u-s-africa-leaders-summit/).  + In July 2024, the Biden Cancer Moonshot hosted the White House + Africa Cancer Care Forum, which convened health leaders from Benin, + DRC, Lesotho, Mozambique, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, + and Zambia committed to expanding national capacity for cancer + diagnosis and treatment.  During the forum, the United States + announced [over $100 + million](https://www.whitehouse.gov/ostp/news-updates/2024/07/15/fact-sheet-the-biden-cancer-moonshot-announces-over-100-million-in-new-actions-to-decrease-the-burden-of-cancer-in-africa/) + in commitments to reduce the burden of cancer, bringing the + collective total to over $400 million.  +15. The U.S.-South Africa Cancer Care and Research Alliance + (U.S.-SACCRA) was established in December 2023 to deliver improved + health outcomes in Africa, including by reducing the burden of + cancer.  U.S.-SACCRA partners with several South African academic + and research institutions; government departments, and leading U.S. + cancer institutes to design, share, and fast-track scientific + exchanges and capacity development for cancer care and research in + both countries. + +**Elevating African Diaspora Engagement** + +Since the Summit, the Administration has aimed to harness the dynamism +of the African Diaspora to enrich lives on both sides of the Atlantic.  +The Administration has strengthened educational, cultural, social, +political, and economic ties among African communities, the global +African Diaspora, and the United States.  As Vice President Harris said +during her 2023 trip to the African continent, “The fates of America and +the continent of Africa are interconnected and interdependent.”  + +1. In December 2022, President Biden established the [President’s + Advisory Council on African Diaspora Engagement in the United States + (PAC-ADE)](https://www.state.gov/african-diaspora/) to provide + advice on strengthening connections between the U.S. Government and + the African Diaspora in the United States.  The Council members held + their inaugural meeting in October 2023 with Vice President Harris + and Secretary Blinken presiding.  +2. Since the Summit, PAC-ADE conducted its first plenary session + meeting at Spelman College, and [developed the EdTech initiative + announced during Kenyan President Ruto’s visit to Spelman + College](https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/05/23/fact-sheet-kenya-state-visit-to-the-united-states/). + The Council also conducted its [inaugural + visit](https://ng.usembassy.gov/u-s-presidents-advisory-council-on-african-diaspora-engagement-concludes-landmark-visit-to-nigeria/) + to the continent in July 2024 to Lagos and Abuja, Nigeria, where + they met with government, civil society, and private-sector partners + to discuss diaspora-led investments in education, entrepreneurship, + health, technology, youth and women empowerment, and the creative + industries.  The Council held its final meeting of the year in + October 2024, with remarks by Assistant to the President, Senior + Advisor to the President, and Director of the White House Office of + Public Engagement Mayor Steve Benjamin. Several members of the + Council joined President Biden on his trip to Angola in December + 2024. +3. In concert with PAC-ADE’s keen focus on increasing business ties + with the continent, Prosper Africa has prioritized the support of + Diaspora firms and investors, resulting in a portfolio of notable + transactions with Diaspora-owned and led firms.  These include + Cybastion’s partnership with Cisco Systems on over $800 million of + cybersecurity and digital upgrade contracts in six countries.  + Prosper Africa also established active partnerships with leading + Diaspora organizations, including joining with USAID to sign a + Memorandum of Understanding with the National Alliance for Black + Business, an organization founded in 2022 by the National Black + Chamber of Commerce, the National Business League, and the World + Conference of Mayors. +4. In addition to PAC-ADE, the U.S. Government is investing in Diaspora + engagement through education.  The Young African Leaders Initiative + (YALI) embodies our investment in our shared future by providing + training opportunities for diverse African youth.  At the Summit, + Vice President Harris announced plans to expand YALI.  As part of + this expansion, in September 2023, USAID launched the YALI Legacy + Localization award to expand the work of the four Regional + Leadership Centers on the continent that provide transformative + leadership training.  In November 2024, the USAID-led YALI Alumni + Expo and Trade Show took place in Cape Town, South Africa, where + over 500 YALI alumni showcased their innovations and fostered + connection with experts and officials from the private sector, civil + society, government, and the diaspora community. + +**Digital Transformation with Africa** + +Launched at the Summit, the [Digital Transformation with Africa +(DTA)](https://www.state.gov/digital-transformation-with-africa/) +initiative aims to expand digital access in Africa, increase commercial +engagement between U.S. and African companies in the digital sector, +support increased digital literacy, and strengthen digital enabling +environments across Africa.  DTA works in alignment with the priorities +outlined in the AU’s [Digital Transformation +Strategy](https://au.int/sites/default/files/documents/38507-doc-dts-english.pdf) +to enable innovative, inclusive and sustainable growth and development.  +DTA’s work is organized across the following three pillars: + +*Digital Economy and Infrastructure* + +1. In May 2024, Vice President Harris launched [two public-private + partnerships](https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/05/24/fact-sheet-vice-president-harris-announces-public-and-private-sector-commitments-to-advancing-digital-inclusion-in-africa/)—the + Mobilizing Access to the Digital Economy (MADE) Alliance:  Africa + and the Partnership for Digital Access in Africa (PDAA). Both focus + on increasing digital inclusion across Africa.  The MADE Alliance + aims to provide digital access to critical services for 100 million + individuals and businesses in Africa over the next 10 years.  PDAA + will support African institutions to double the number of people + connected to the internet in Africa from 40% to 80%, connect one + billion people to the internet by 2030, and increase internet + connectivity for women and girls from 30% to 80%.   +2. Since December 2022, USTDA has funded 20 activities to build the + business case for innovative U.S. technologies that help to advance + inclusive, secure, and sustainable digital infrastructure across + Africa, including priority connectivity, cybersecurity, and smart + cities projects.  USTDA is leveraging its grant-based funding for + project preparation, which mitigates risk and unlocks bankable + infrastructure projects. +3. Prosper Africa leads the Africa Tech for Trade Alliance (AT4T) with + the support of USAID.  AT4T unites leading American and African tech + companies to accelerate e-commerce and digital trade in Africa.  + Alliance members include Visa, Mastercard, Intel, Cisco, Google, AWS + and others. By leveraging U.S. companies’ technology assets, + services, and expertise, the alliance fosters U.S.-Africa trade in + fintech, ag-tech, eHealth and more. +4. In April 2024, the President’s Advisory Council on Doing Business in + Africa (PAC-DBIA), the Department of Commerce, and USTDA led a + mission to the American Chamber of Commerce Business Summit in + Kenya.  In Nairobi, they [announced U.S. private sector commitments + and + collaborations](https://www.commerce.gov/news/press-releases/2024/04/during-presidents-advisory-council-doing-business-africa-mission-kenya), + including initiatives in data protection, artificial intelligence, + digital upskilling, and new investments in digital connectivity, + women’s tech leadership, and a cybersecurity experience center. + +*Human Capital Development* + +1. In May 2024, USAID announced the DTA-YALI Partnership to leverage + YALI Regional Leadership Centers to expand digital skills and + literacy, support digital entrepreneurs and start-ups, and increase + private sector engagement in 49 African countries.  USAID is also + expanding the “Responsible Computer Challenges” to universities and + educators in Kenya, Ghana, and South Africa.  This activity aims to + empower students to account for the social and ethical context and + impact of digital technologies, including frontier technologies such + as artificial intelligence. +2. The Department of State prioritizes biosafety and biosecurity + capacity building in Africa.  Over the past two years, the State + Department has conducted trainings on cyberbiosecurity and secure + data sharing to promote safe and timely coordination during outbreak + responses.  The Department of State has ongoing efforts in practical + cyberbiosecurity literacy for high containment laboratories to + institutionalize cyberhygiene practices and to build both in-country + and regional networks of leaders in cyberbiosecurity. +3. USAID and MCC are supporting the DigiFemmes program as part of MCC’s + $536 million Compact with the Government of Côte d’Ivoire.  + DigiFemmes provides the leadership, innovation, and technical + training women need to grow their businesses through data and + digital tools.  Nearly 9,000 women-owned small and medium + enterprises have benefited from the $5.3 million program.  + DigiFemmes graduates also accessed a total of $525,000 in follow-on + funding distributed as small grants by the U.S. African Development + Foundation to help refine their products and expand their markets + through digital tools and innovations. +4. In March 2024, MCC and the Government of Togo launched Nanatech, a + program designed to equip Togolese women and entrepreneurs with the + digital skills they need to benefit from the growing digital + economy.  To date, nearly 2,000 women and 200 supporting + organizations have benefited.  + +*Digital Enabling Environment* + +1. In September 2024, the United States hosted the landmark [Global + Inclusivity and Artificial Intelligence: + Africa](https://ng.usembassy.gov/united-states-and-african-partners-advance-inclusive-ai-dialogue-at-lagos-conference/) + (GIAA) Conference in Lagos, Nigeria, bringing together over 400 + stakeholders, including government officials, industry leaders, + civil society members, startup founders, and academics, to discuss + the safe, secure, inclusive, and trustworthy deployment of + artificial intelligence on the continent.  The GIAA conference + underscored the growing importance of Africa’s inclusion in + artificial intelligence development and the continent’s key role in + the global emerging technology landscape. +2. In November 2024, representatives from the Department of Commerce, + Department of State, USAID, and USTDA participated in a variety of + engagements during the [Africa Tech + Festival](https://africatechfestival.com/) in Cape Town, South + Africa.  DTA hosted a U.S. Government side event for over 100 + stakeholders from the U.S. and African public and private sectors to + discuss key challenges to expanding digital access, increasing + digital literacy, and strengthening digital enabling environments + across Africa.   Participants discussed innovative U.S. and African + solutions and collaborative strategies to advance Africa’s digital + transformation. +3. USAID is working with Afrobarometer, through the United States + Institute of Peace, to conduct public surveys to assess public + awareness, perception, and understanding of digital threats, online + safety, and cybersecurity in Benin, Kenya, Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire, + Tanzania, Senegal, and Angola. +4. USAID continues to facilitate discussions, build capacity, and + deliver expert advisory services to the African Continental Free + Trade Area Secretariat to develop and implement the Digital Trade + Protocol to help advance international and intra-African digital + economy and regulatory standards. + +**Partnerships in Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment** + +The Administration has elevated gender equity and equality across our +foreign policy in Africa and around the world.  Societies—including the +United States—do better when women participate and have equal +opportunities.  Advancing the status of women and girls reduces poverty +and promotes sustainable economic growth, increases access to education, +improves health outcomes, advances political stability, and fosters +democracy.  During the Summit, Vice President Harris announced new +commitments to advance women’s economic participation in Africa, +including the revitalization of the African Women’s Entrepreneurship +Program (AWEP).  + +1. Vice President Harris launched the [Women in Digital Economy Fund + (WiDEF)](https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2023/03/29/fact-sheet-vice-president-harris-launches-global-initiatives-on-the-economic-empowerment-of-women-totaling-over-1-billion/)  + in 2023 to accelerate efforts to close the gender digital divide.  + WiDEF and the corresponding Women in the Digital Economy Initiative + have together catalyzed over $1 billion in commitments from + governments, the private sector, foundations, and civil society to + accelerate digital gender equality – including $102 million in U.S. + direct and aligned commitments.  In addition, President Biden + secured a historic commitment from G20 leaders to halve the digital + gender gap by 2030.  Vice President Harris also launched the [Women + in the Sustainable Economy + Initiative](https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2023/11/16/fact-sheet-vice-president-harris-launches-women-in-the-sustainable-economy-initiative-totaling-over-900-million-in-commitments/) + (WISE) in 2023 to promote women’s participation in sectors that + address climate change.  Together, WiDEF and WISE represent a + commitment of over $3 billion, including millions to empower African + women and girls.  +2. In July 2024, SBA, Howard University’s Small Business Development + Center, AWEP, the State Department, and the Department of Commerce + cooperated on an event uniting local and African women-owned + businesses on the margins of the 2024 AGOA Forum.  The program and + marketplace facilitated business networking and an exchange of best + practices on inclusive trade and to support for small business + partnerships.  The event built on SBA’s February 2024 virtual event + “Connecting U.S. and West African Small Businesses.” +3. Over the past two years, DFC has deepened its commitment to + advancing economic empowerment across Africa through a range of + impactful investments.  Key investments include a $100 million loan + to First City Monument Bank, Ltd., expanding access to longer-term + loans for women-owned small- and medium-sized enterprises in + Nigeria; the 2X Ignite Africa Warehousing Facility, providing + critical portfolio-building capital to female-led and + gender-balanced fund managers; and a $10 million equity investment + in Janngo Capital Startup Fund to fuel the growth of African + startups, with at least 50% of funding to women-led enterprises.  + Each of these investments reflects DFC’s dedication to empowering + women, driving innovation, and building sustainable pathways for + economic independence. +4. The Department of State, through the Support Her Empowerment-Women’s + Inclusion in New Security (SHE WINS) initiative, has invested more + than $9 million globally and supported seven women-led and + women-serving civil society organizations in Cameroon, the Central + African Republic, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.  In August + 2024, under the SHE WINS Rapid Response Fund, the United States, in + partnership with Norway and Canada, convened a group of Sudanese + women civil society leaders to inform discussions on a ceasefire, + humanitarian access, and monitoring mechanisms. +5. Announced during Vice President Harris’ visit to Ghana in 2023, the + [Imarisha Women’s + Initiative](https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2023/03/29/fact-sheet-vice-president-harris-launches-global-initiatives-on-the-economic-empowerment-of-women-totaling-over-1-billion/) + is helping women advance in their careers, improve their skill sets, + and increase their income, while creating more flexible and + supportive workplaces.  The first cohort of four companies in East + Africa are providing leadership, mentorship, and skill trainings; + menstrual health and hygiene and lactation support; and programs on + the prevention of and response to gender-based violence and + harassment in the workplace. + +\### diff --git a/statements-releases/2024-12/2024-12-14-statement-from-president-joe-biden-marking-twelve-years-since-the-sandy-hook-elementary-school-shooting.md b/statements-releases/2024-12/2024-12-14-statement-from-president-joe-biden-marking-twelve-years-since-the-sandy-hook-elementary-school-shooting.md new file mode 100644 index 00000000..b7ec4fb3 --- /dev/null +++ b/statements-releases/2024-12/2024-12-14-statement-from-president-joe-biden-marking-twelve-years-since-the-sandy-hook-elementary-school-shooting.md @@ -0,0 +1,62 @@ +--- +date: '2024-12-14' +modified_time: 2024-12-14 09:54:44-05:00 +published_time: 2024-12-14 10:00:00-05:00 +source_url: https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/12/14/statement-from-president-joe-biden-marking-twelve-years-since-the-sandy-hook-elementary-school-shooting/ +tags: statements-releases +title: "Statement from President Joe\_Biden Marking Twelve Years Since the Sandy Hook\ + \ Elementary School\_Shooting" +--- + +Twelve years ago today, the community of Newtown, Connecticut, and the +entire nation were forever changed when twenty innocent children and six +brave educators were gunned down at Sandy Hook Elementary School by a +single individual armed with a weapon of war. Jill and I still grieve +this unimaginable loss and continue to pray for the victims’ families +and others traumatized by this senseless violence.  +  +Many individuals impacted by the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary +School have turned their pain into purpose. Some families established +foundations to carry on their loved ones’ memories—others chose to use +their voices to fight for commonsense gun safety reform, hold the gun +industry accountable with groundbreaking litigation, and fight back +against those who spread misinformation and further victimize those +impacted by gun violence. The elementary school children who survived +the shooting are now young adults and many of them have also joined the +effort to reduce gun violence and save lives. +  +The legacy of this tragedy is one of great loss—but also hope. Twelve +years ago, moms sitting at their kitchen counters went online, expressed +their outrage, and organized for commonsense gun safety legislation. +Congresswoman Gabby Giffords decided enough was enough and started her +own effort to combat gun violence. Gun violence prevention organizations +that had been invested in the cause for decades reemerged with renewed +strength. Today’s gun violence prevention movement is stronger than ever +before because of survivors and other Americans who saw the Sandy Hook +shooting and said “enough.” +  +With the strength of this emboldened movement by our side, we have made +historic progress to reduce gun violence over the past four years. I +signed into law the most significant piece of gun safety legislation in +nearly 30 years. I announced dozens of executive actions to keep guns +out of dangerous hands and get especially dangerous weapons off our +streets. I established the first-ever White House Office of Gun Violence +Prevention, overseen by Vice President Harris, to accelerate this work. +After four years under my administration, homicides are down, crime is +falling, and we are seeing fewer mass shootings. This progress is no +accident.  +  +Still, more must be done. Congress has an obligation to ‘do something’ +in order to protect our children and communities from this scourge of +gun violence. We are the only nation experiencing this epidemic and +there are common sense policies that the majority of Americans agree +with and that Congress can easily take action on. We need universal +background checks, red flag laws, safe storage requirements, and a ban +on assault weapons like the one used at Sandy Hook. I remain hopeful +that we will continue to make progress on these priorities. This hope is +rooted in the history of what we have accomplished already and the +strength of all the survivors of gun violence that I have had the +privilege of working with during my career. +  + +\###