Letter from President Joe Biden on US strategy to prevent conflict and promote stability
March 24, 2023
In our interconnected world, instability can have global repercussions anywhere. The security and prosperity of Americans here at home is directly linked to the security and economic health of people everywhere. Disputes spill over borders. Violence and deprivation are driving a record number of people from their homes. The horrors of war 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 through the COVID-19 pandemic and the accelerating impact of the climate crisis, no nation can isolate itself from the common challenges that shape our world.
Unfortunately, and all too often, the nations that are hardest hit are also those that have the least resources to recover. American leadership and engagement are critical to getting the world to respond in times of crisis and to mitigating the impact 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 both must continue to address the urgent demands of today while looking at the investments we can make now to bring a more peaceful tomorrow to people everywhere, including in the United States.
That 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 countries and an updated vision to implement the US strategy to prevent conflict and promote stability, consistent with the goals of the Global Fragility Act. And today I present to Congress the 10-year plans for the implementation of our strategy in collaboration with our priority partners: Haiti, Libya, Mozambique, Papua New Guinea and the West African Coast, including Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Guinea , and Togo.
These plans represent a meaningful, long-term commitment by the United States to building the political and economic resilience of partner societies through strategic investments in prevention to mitigate the underlying vulnerabilities that can lead to conflict and violence, and for achievement are crucial to a lasting peace. A declaration of our values, deeply rooted in America’s commitment to upholding human rights and strengthening democracy and good governance, the plans reinforce the unsung work of prevention and capacity-building that often eclipses the commitment of decades of dialogue and diplomacy reflects. And, crucially, they build on local partnerships and raise diverse voices, including those of women and young people, in recognition that those closest to the challenges know best what it takes to make a difference to create 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 utilizes the full breadth of our diplomatic, development, and defense toolkit while also addressing each country’s unique challenges and opportunities is tailored and region. These investments in peace and prosperity will not only bring returns to our priority partner countries in the coming decades – they will contribute to greater stability, prosperity and security around the world and help make progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals. As my administration works to translate these roadmap plans into results, I look forward to continuing to work closely with Congress and civil society stakeholders who are advancing this effort at all levels.
We are at a turning 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.
