Millenium Challenge Account

The Millenium Challenge Account is an ambitious effort on the part of the U.S. Government to increase development assistance to the world's poorest countries. For a quick and concise reference sheet on the goals and specifics of the Millenium Challenge Account from a Catholic Social Justice perspective, check out Catholic Relief Services' "Backgrounder" publication. The big question, though, is will the Millenium Challenge Account be different than other previous US foreign development aid programs? Not much, according to Steve Radelet's in depth assessment in his Spring 2003 article in The Washington Quarterly. The Millenium Challenge Account (MCA) is a goal well-worth pursuing and promoting, but it's got to be done right and with committed follow-through. We must be vigilant and hold our leaders to the commitment they made to the goals enshrined in this program.