Letter from President Joe Biden on US Strategy to Prevent Conflict and Promote Stability

March 24, 2023

In our interconnected world, instability anywhere can have global repercussions. The security and prosperity of Americans here at home is directly tied to the security and economic health of people everywhere. Conflicts cross borders. Violence and deprivation are driving record numbers of people from their homes. The horrors of war unfolding in Ukraine, where Russian forces are committing war crimes and crimes against humanity, as well as in Yemen and Syria, remind us every day of the terrible human cost of conflict. And, as we have all experienced in recent years experiencing the COVID-19 pandemic and the accelerating impacts of the climate crisis, no nation can isolate itself from the common challenges that shape our world.

Unfortunately, and all too often, the nations hardest hit are also those with the fewest resources to recover. American leadership and American commitment are essential to rally the world to respond in times of crisis and to mitigate the impacts on communities around the world. At the same time, we recognize that the best strategy to save lives, build lasting stability and break the cycle of violence is to prevent conflict before it occurs. We must both continue to meet the urgent demands of today, while considering the investments we can make now that will provide a more peaceful future for people around the world, including the United States.

This is the goal of the Global Fragility Act, which Congress passed in 2019 with strong bipartisan support. Last year, my administration announced our priority partner nations and an updated vision for implementing the U.S. strategy to prevent conflict and promote stability in accordance with the objectives of the Global Fragility Act. And today, I am submitting to Congress the ten-year plans for implementing our strategy in collaboration with our priority partners: Haiti, Libya, Mozambique, Papua New Guinea and coastal West Africa, including Benin, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Guinea and Aller.

These plans represent a meaningful, long-term commitment by the United States to build the political and economic resilience of partner societies by making strategic investments in prevention to mitigate underlying vulnerabilities that can lead to conflict. and violence and which are essential to achieving lasting peace. The plans are a statement of our values, deeply rooted in the Americas’ commitment to defending human rights and strengthening democracy and good governance, and amplify the little-known prevention and capacity-building work that reflects often the dedication of decades of dialogue and diplomacy. And, most importantly, they are built around local partnerships, raising diverse voices, including the voices of women and youth, in recognition that those closest to the challenges know best what is needed to bring peace and progress.

Each plan emphasizes collaboration and coordination within the U.S. government and between the U.S. government and local and international partners, and leverages the full range of our diplomatic, development, and defense toolkit, while while also being adapted to the unique challenges and opportunities of each country and region. These investments in peace and prosperity will not only bring returns to our priority partner countries in the decades to come, but they will foster greater stability, success and security for nations around the world and help advance the goals of sustainable development. As my administration works to translate these roadmap plans into results, I look forward to continuing to work closely with Congress and with civil society actors leading this effort at all levels.

We stand at an inflection point in history where the choices we make today will determine the shape of the world for generations to come. By bringing together long-term planning, local solutions, and vital American leadership now, I believe we will create a more peaceful and prosperous future for all.

Joseph R. Biden, Jr.

By US Mission Italy | March 24, 2023 | Topics: News | Tags: The United States and the world