President Obama's Bilateral Meeting with President Jonathan of Nigeria

September 23, 2013 | 11:47 | Public Domain

President Obama and President Goodluck Jonathan of Nigeria speak to the press before a bilateral meeting.

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Remarks by President Obama Before Bilateral Meeting with President Goodluck Jonathan of Nigeria

Waldorf Astoria Hotel
New York, New York

1:51 P.M. EDT

PRESIDENT OBAMA:  Well, I appreciate very much the opportunity to meet once again with President Jonathan and his delegation.  Obviously, Nigeria is one of the most powerful and fastest-growing countries in the world.  I think that's testified by the fact that President Jonathan is going to have the opportunity to ring the bell at the New York Stock Exchange.  (Laughter.)  I think it signifies how important Nigeria is becoming in the global economy.

We have a very strong relationship between the United States and Nigeria.  It’s not just based on government-to-government relations, but also people-to-people relations.  And we have an outstanding Nigerian-American community here in the United States that is making incredible contributions in every field every single day.

 President Jonathan has committed to building on the democratic process that we've seen in Nigeria in the past.  The last election that brought President Jonathan to power was a hallmark on the continent and in Nigeria in terms of free and fair elections.  And I know that he is committed to making sure that the elections in 2015 move in that same fashion.

We're going to be able to have an opportunity to talk about the issues of energy and power.  Nigeria is a major energy producer, but it’s also an important energy consumer.  And as many of you know who were on the trip that I took to Africa just recently, we are really focused on how we can help to bring electricity and power generation throughout Africa -- not just in the big cities but also in the rural areas, and Nigeria is a potential partner in that process.

 We want to develop the human capital throughout the continent and in Nigeria.  And that's why I'm excited about the Young African Leaders Initiative that is going to allow us to have young African leaders from across the continent, including

Nigeria, here in the United States where they can interact with top leaders here in our universities, our businesses, and that will further strengthen the ties between our two countries.

And we're going to have an opportunity to discuss some significant challenges on the security front in Nigeria.  In the northern regions of Nigeria we've seen the emergence of one of the most vicious terrorist organizations in the world -- the Boko Haram.  It presents an extraordinary security challenge for the people of Nigeria, and we want to be cooperative in that process of building capacity inside Nigeria to deal with that terrorist threat, but doing so in a way that is consistent with human rights.  Because we strongly believe that the best way to undermine the agenda of those who would do violence is to make sure that governments are responsive to the needs of people and following rule of law.

On that topic let me just make one last point.  I've had the opportunity to speak with President Kenyatta directly about the terrible tragedy that's happened in Nairobi, and we are providing all the cooperation that we can as we deal with a situation that has captivated the world.

I want to express personally my condolences to not only President Kenyatta, who lost some family members in the attack, but to the Kenyan people.  We stand with them against this terrible outrage that's occurred.  We will provide them with whatever law enforcement support that is necessary.  And we are confident that Kenya, which has been a pillar of stability in Eastern Africa, will rebuild.

But this I think underscores the degree to which all of us as an international community have to stand against the kind of senseless violence that these kinds of groups represent.  And the United States will continue to work with the entire continent of Africa and around the world to make sure that we are dismantling these networks of destruction.

END
1:58 P.M. EDT

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The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
September 23, 2013

Remarks by President Obama at Civil Society Roundtable

New York Hilton Hotel Midtown
New York, New York

3:02 P.M. EDT

PRESIDENT OBAMA:  Thank you very much, everybody, for joining us here today.  And I want to offer a few brief remarks in terms of the purpose of this meeting.  We’ve got a wonderful panel here and some extraordinary representatives -- both heads of states, members of civil society, people who have been working on these issues for a very long time.

The focus today is on civil society, because it’s my strong belief that the strength and success of all countries and all regions depends in part on protecting and supporting civil society.

I want to thank Deputy Secretary General Eliasson.  I want to thank my good friend President Elbegdorj of Mongolia, representing the Community of Democracies.  I want to thank Alejandro Gonzalez Arreola of Mexico, representing civil society members of the Open Government Partnership.  And I want to thank all of you for joining us here today.

The human progress has always been propelled at some level by what happens in civil society -- citizens coming together to insist that a better life is possible, pushing their leaders to protect the rights and the dignities of all people.  And that’s why the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states that “everyone has the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and association.”  This is not a Western value; this is a universal right.

And civil society led the fight to end apartheid in South Africa.  It led the fight to bring freedom to Eastern Europe.  It helped to heal places divided by conflict, whether in Cambodia or Colombia.  Here, in the United States, civil society has been the catalyst for virtually every major advance that we’ve made -- from the abolition of slavery to women’s rights, civil rights, the protections of workers and the protections of the environment.

And yet, still today, in every region, we see that the fight goes on.  We have citizens who are leading the charge to expand opportunity, to correct injustices, to shape their countries’ futures.  And it’s my belief that strong nations recognize the values of active citizens.  They support and empower their citizens rather than stand in their way, even when it’s inconvenient -- or perhaps especially when it’s inconvenient -- for government leaders.

Strong civil societies help uphold universal human rights.  They promote good governance by making governments more effective and holding leaders like me to account.  And they’re critical to economic development, because in our global economy, trade and investment flows to countries that give citizens the freedom to create and develop new ideas and that are protected by rule of law.

So, many countries, including those in this room, are working in partnership with civil societies.  From Mongolia to Mexico, Tunisia, Tanzania, governments and citizens are working together to improve the rule of law, reduce wasteful spending, organize public campaigns to strengthen health and education.

Unfortunately, though, what we’re also seeing is a growing number of countries that are passing laws designed specifically to stifle civil society.  They’re forcing groups to register with governments, eroding human rights protections, restricting NGOs from accessing foreign funding, cracking down on communications technologies that connect civil society groups around the globe.  In more extreme cases, activists and journalists have been arrested on false charges, and some have been killed.  We're also seeing new and fragile democracies cracking down on civil society, which I believe sets them back and sends a dangerous signal to other countries.

So, in recent years, the international community has stepped up our support.  Two years ago, some of you recall, we came together to launch the Open Government Partnership to promote transparent, effective and accountable institutions in partnership with civil society.  Sixty countries and a broad coalition of civil society and private sector partners have joined.  The Community of Democracies is working to take aim at restrictive laws.  The Human Rights Council established the first Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Peaceful Assembly and Association.  And several governments and foundations, including many in this room, contribute to a “Lifeline” fund for emergency aid to civil society groups under threat.

So I've made a point to meet with civil society worldwide.  Virtually, every foreign trip that I take I carve out time to meet with citizens who are active on a whole range of issues.  And, in part, it's to lift up the good work they're doing and affirm that the United States stands behind their efforts.  Nevertheless, we have to recognize that the crackdown continues and we urgently need to do more to increase global attention and spur global action.  So that's why we're here.

I'm challenging all of us to use the next 12 months to make progress in three key areas.  First, we have to identify specific steps that countries, including the United States, can take to make it easier for civil society to do its job and to encourage governments to embrace civil society groups as partners.

Number two, we need to do more to stand against restrictions on civil society and better coordinate our diplomacy when the government tries to stifle civil society.  I think it's critical that the international community should be working together to ensure that there are actual consequences.

And number three, we have to find new and better ways to support civil society in difficult circumstances.  Governments that restrict civil society are sharing their worst practices.  We've got to make sure that we're sharing our best practices and doing all we can to help civil society succeed.

Many of you know that I didn't begin my career in elective politics.  I began working in low-income communities in Chicago.  I was elected as President through the active participation of citizens.  And so I know what active citizens can do.  And the United States, as one of I think our most precious gifts, has been trying to set an example of how active citizens can make a country stronger, that makes us deeply committed to protecting the rights of all people who are contributing to our nation's progress or their nation's progress.

And as other countries crack down, I believe we've got to step up together -- those of us in this room, but a whole lot of people outside this room as well.

So I'm going to be looking for specific actions, specific follow-up steps.  And with that, what I'd like to do is turn it over to the Deputy Secretary General for his remarks, and then we’ll make sure that this outstanding panel all has an opportunity to make their contributions.

* * * * *

PRESIDENT OBAMA:  Let me just comment on a couple of points that you just made.

Number one, it is true that many countries that are trying to restrict civil society may pass laws and then they'll argue that they're observing the law and civil society groups are not observing the law.  But this is why I think developing institutional structures that constrain what government can do is so important.

And you mentioned the trip that I took to Africa.  I specifically met with the chief justices from a number of countries, because an independent judiciary that is properly functioning and properly financed can serve as an important protector of civil society.  Unfortunately, what we see in a lot of countries is that the resources for a judiciary, for the proper application of the laws are often significantly compromised.

And one of the things that I think all of us as heads of state can do in supporting these efforts is make sure that when we look at our aid programs, when we look at our diplomatic efforts, that we are not ignoring some of those institutional bodies that offer some measures of relief or potential protection for the civil society organizations that are taking place.  It also means, though, civil society activists have to think strategically about what is it that they're promoting.  And if you have an environmental organization, a human rights organization, an economic cooperative -- on the surface, their issues may be different, but they'll all have an interest potentially in fighting a registration law in the country that makes it more difficult for them to operate.

And I think creating coalitions inside those countries that focus on laws that across the board impact civil society rather than focusing on just a few sets of narrow issues I think can make a difference as well.  But I very much appreciate your comments.

Now, one of the biggest challenges that we're seeing when it comes to civil society is the issue of financial support.  Historically, we've seen support, including from institutions based here in the United States.  That then becomes an excuse for governments who say, well, civil society is being funded by outsiders and is in some fashion undermining our sovereignty.  And this is where I think philanthropic organizations can make an enormous impact.

And so I would be interested in hearing, Darren, the kinds of steps that you at Ford and some of the other philanthropies not just here in the United States, but around the world, may be looking at.

* * * * *

PRESIDENT OBAMA:  Well, first of all, I want to thank all who spoke for their outstanding contributions.  Let me just make a few closing remarks.

Number one, the fact that I’m here I think indicates the degree to which the United States takes this very seriously.  The work is hard, and sometimes you take a step back for every two steps forward.  Certainly, that was the history here in the United States; Dr. King has been mentioned several times.

The restrictive laws that were put in place, the challenges to funding from outside groups, the threats and the intimidation and the violence and the jailings -- these were all things that the early Civil Rights Movement here in the United States went through.  And yet, because justice was on their side, they ultimately prevailed.

And I have confidence that, in the words of Dr. King, “The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends towards justice.”  And it’s a matter of us staying with it.  And the United States, as a matter of government policy, stands behind civil society organizations.

Now, those of us who head up governments in this room, I think we have to recognize that we’re interacting with our colleagues from other countries that may not have as much respect for civil society as we do, that we have a lot of business to transact -- and there are security issues and there are trade issues and there are energy issues.  And I recently spoke with some civil society groups in Russia, and I was very honest with them.  I said, as President of the United States, I’ve got to take all those issues into account.  I can’t only talk about civil society and human rights issues in a bilateral meeting; I’m going to have to talk about a whole range of things.

But what is also true is, me making a statement that this is important, bringing it up in a bilateral meeting makes a difference.  It gives other countries pause.  It makes them reflect on whether or not they are doing what they should be doing.  And so I would just urge those of us who have that capacity to make sure that this is on our agenda.  It’s not the only agenda, but it is an important aspect of the agenda, and us bringing it up does make a difference.

I would also say that it’s important, as has already been noted, that we don’t just issue strong pronouncements, but we also have action behind it.  And a number of specific things have already been mentioned:  Making sure that we’re sharing best practices effectively.  What Doug talked about in terms of gathering model laws, essentially, that then could empower Otto and others who are in the field to say, this is what would help us in terms of providing protections.  That’s something very specific that we can do.

Making sure that we find ways to adequately fund civil society groups in ways that are less easily characterized as being tools of the United States or Western powers -- I think that’s an area where philanthropy can make a big difference.  And I’ve talked to my team about are there ways in which we could internationalize funding for these efforts so that they’re less easily caricatured.

I also think it’s going to be important for us to continue to shine the spotlight on the issue and publicize these issues in more effective ways, particularly at a time when much of the efforts that we’ve heard about have to do with restricting access to the Internet -- are there ways that we can use the Internet more effectively to open up space rather than to see that space closed.

So the instructions to my team and my government are that we are going to put our full support behind these efforts.  What we want to see is concrete outcomes, not just window-dressing.  We will continue to try to mobilize as many countries as possible to get involved in this process.  And we do so because, ultimately, we believe that governments that are representative and accountable to their people are going to be more peaceful, they’re going to be more prosperous, they’re going to be better partners for us.  It is not just charity; it is something that we believe is in our national interests and our security interests.

We’ve all observed, I think, some of the convulsions that have been taking place in the Arab Spring, and I think it’s a reminder that things are not always a smooth path.  But I want to affirm that over the long run we will all be better off if that small shopkeeper or that small farmer, or that young student or that disabled person, or that gay or lesbian person, or that ethnic minority or that religious minority, if they have a voice and their dignity is respected, that’s what will preserve our dignity and that’s what will ensure our security over the long term.

That’s why we’re invested in this.  That’s why I’m very excited about all the work that we’re doing.  And that’s why I want to say thank you to all of you who participated.  (Applause.)

END
4:03 P.M. EDT

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
September 23, 2013

FACT SHEET: The Equal Futures Partnership to Expand Women’s Political and Economic Participation

THE PROMISE OF EQUAL FUTURES

In response to President Obama’s challenge to other heads of state to break down barriers to women’s political and economic participation, former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and Valerie Jarrett launched the Equal Futures Partnership on behalf of the United States in September 2012.

The Equal Futures Partnership is an innovative U.S.-led multilateral initiative designed to encourage member countries to empower women economically and politically.  Equal Futures partner countries commit to taking actions including legal, regulatory, and policy reforms to ensure women fully participate in public life at the local, regional, and national levels, and that they lead and benefit from inclusive economic growth.

Equal Futures partners include Australia, Bangladesh, Belgium, Benin, Croatia, Denmark, EU, Finland, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Latvia, Mexico, Morocco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Peru, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Thailand, Timor Leste, Tunisia, and the USA.  Multilateral stakeholders including UN Women and the World Bank and leading businesses and non-profit institutions also support the Partnership.

Commitments to Action

Each country participating in the Equal Futures Partnership works closely with civil society and other stakeholders to identify areas for action.  They then set achievable goals as commitments within the Partnership.  Many establish coordinating bodies to develop and oversee the implementation of Equal Futures commitments.  Moving forward, Equal Futures countries will report on progress within the Partnership and exchange best practices and lessons learned through technical working groups.

INTERNATIONAL COMMITMENTS

This year, Italy, Japan, and Mexico have joined the Partnership, and Switzerland has delivered a letter of intent to join.  Highlights from new member commitments include: Japan will work to dramatically raise the percentage of female workers’ participation in the labor market by providing an incentive to private companies to empower women and help employees maintain balance between work and child-rearing.  They will also work to increase the percentage of women in government leadership positions to at least 30% by 2020.  Italy will implement new programs to improve women’s ability to access scientific, technological, research, and corporate careers; and will implement its National Action Plan against Gender-Based Violence and Stalking.  Mexico will target the economic empowerment of indigenous and rural women entrepreneurs through specially designed qualitative diagnostic needs based assessments; promote a significant increase of women in decision-making and leadership positions; and address the cycle of violence against women including prevention, services and access to justice.

To learn more about the progress other partnership countries have made on their commitments, click here.

U.S. COMMITMENTS

This year on the margins of the United Nations General Assembly, the United States announced a number of new commitments, including:

White House Summit on Working Families:  The financial security of hardworking American families is the foundation of a strong and growing economy.  That’s why next spring President Obama will convene a White House Summit on Working Families, in partnership with the Center for American Progress and U.S. Department of Labor.  The summit builds on the President’s plan to ensure a better bargain for hardworking Americans by elevating the ongoing national conversation about making today’s workplace work for everyone – from working parents struggling to balance the demands of their jobs with the needs of their families, to businesses seeking to attract and retain skilled workers and improve their bottom lines.  In preparation for the Summit, the White House Council on Women and Girls will hold discussions with working families, employers, business and labor leaders, economists, and advocates to seek out new ideas for ensuring fair pay, encouraging more family-friendly workplaces, and improving and strengthening our businesses and our economy as a whole.  Find out more about the U.S. commitments here.

Support from Multilateral and Private Sector Partners

To advance the goals of the Equal Futures Partnership, we are collaborating with multilateral stakeholders and the private sector to help countries strengthen and implement their efforts.  The World Bank Group, host of From Promise to Progress: The Equal Futures Partnership in April 2013, will continue to work with partners to identify opportunities to support implementation of country commitments through analysis and advice, policy dialogue and financing.  The new WBG strategy outlines new frontiers for joint collaboration and learning around gender-based violence, discrimination, and inequality at work.  A major new report on women's voice, agency, and participation will be released in Spring 2014, outlining major challenges and an agenda for action.  UN Women will work with the Equal Futures Partnership in the areas of economic and political empowerment and ending violence against women through technical advice, knowledge and capacity development, facilitating and sharing of best practices, and supporting implementation of commitments at the country level.  UN Women will use its Knowledge Gateway to disseminate experience coming from the Partnership.

In-Depth STEM Education for Girls:  Girls Inc. and Discovery Education will collaborate to provide girls with access to Discovery Education’s STEM Camp – a dynamic series of standards-aligned STEM curricula built around the National Academy of Engineering's grand engineering challenges.  This partnership will further Girls Inc.’s efforts to encourage girls’ participation and achievement in STEM fields.  This partnership will create opportunities for educators and mentors to participate in a series of Discovery Education professional development opportunities and receive training on best practices for implementing innovative STEM curricula.  

Innovative Business Education for Women Entrepreneurs:  Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold, Thunderbird School of Global Management, and BlueDrop Performance Learning commit to advancing women’s entrepreneurship through DreamBuilder, an innovative business training tool.  Now launched in Peru, the partners together with the Peruvian government commit to rolling out the program to all Peruvian women.  To support women in the U.S., Dreambuilder will be piloted with select Small Business Administration Women’s Business Centers, with an eye towards reaching the network of 100 centers nationwide serving almost 140,000 women.

Promoting Media Literacy:  Miss Representation, an award-winning documentary, exposes mainstream media’s underrepresentation of women in positions of power and influence in America. MissRepresentation.org, a non-profit social action campaign and media organization, commits to partnering with community organizations such as Big Brothers Big Sisters, businesses and educators to bring its curriculum to high-risk communities.  Miss Representation has already reached an estimated 500,000 students, and commits to reach at least one million more youth across the U.S. by 2016.  Their goals are to educate students about the harmful effects of gender stereotypes and strengthen the emotional health and well-being of at-risk girls and boys.

Training Women Veterans to Run for Public Office:  The George Washington University’s Center for Second Service will design a Veterans Campaign training workshop for female veterans.  The program will train them to continue their commitment to public service by running for office, seeking political appointments, and getting involved in campaigns and advocacy programs.  They will work with veterans’ organizations and organizations focused on encouraging more women to serve in government to recruit and train a diverse group of female veterans.

Empowering Women and Advancing Food Security:  Walmart and USAID are working together through a Global Memorandum of Understanding in Bangladesh to reach 40,000 women farmers. The International Fertilizer Development Center will teach these farmers to use a simple, productivity-enhancing and environmentally friendly technology called fertilizer deep placement to boost vegetable and fruit yields, thereby increasing incomes and dietary diversity. 

Expanding Networks:  WEConnect International commits to host business events that convene and assist women entrepreneurs and relevant stakeholders to connect and expand market opportunities and awareness. WEConnect will also partner with private sector leaders to provide training, skills and capacity building on how to access larger markets, including the supply chains of multinational corporations, in the following Equal Futures Partnership countries: Australia, Peru, and the United States.

Mentorship:  The Cherie Blair Foundation for Women commits to providing business support through online mentoring and networking to advance women's economic participation in select Equal Futures partner countries.  The foundation will match women in developing and emerging countries with mentors around the world.  Using an online platform developed in partnership with Google, mentors and mentees spend 12 months working one-on-one to achieve business goals.  Participants build business skills and digital literacy, and become part of a global community of entrepreneurs. 

Building Digital Literacy:  Intel has committed to implement digital literacy training programs that advance women’s economic participation in select Equal Futures partner countries. This will provide women with skills on how to use technologies meaningfully in their lives and the basics of entrepreneurship.  Participants will learn the basics of computer use as well as how ICT skills can be applied to a small business. 

Private sector partners with ongoing commitments include: Ashoka, Causecast, Chegg, China Women’s University, Creative Commons, Discovery Communications, Discovery Education, Dove, Earthquake Engineering Research Institute, The Global Earthquake Model Foundation, Goldman Sachs 10,000 Women, Harvey Mudd, William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, HTC Corporation, Hyatt Hotels, Intel Corporation, Mary Kay, Open CourseWare Consortium, Piazza, Rutgers Center for American Women and Politics, Teachers without Borders, Techbridge, the University of Chicago, and WeConnect International.

JOINING THE PARTNERSHIP

We welcome additional countries who would be interested in joining the Equal Futures Partnership.  Government representatives and other interested stakeholders may email EqualFutures@state.gov for more information.

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
September 23, 2013

Joint Statement on the Promotion and Protection of Civil Society

We, the governments of the United States, Australia, Canada, Chile, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Georgia, Ireland, Japan, Libya, Lithuania, Mexico, Mongolia, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Slovakia, South Korea, Sweden, Switzerland, Tunisia, and the United Kingdom, taking note of the important work of the Community of Democracies, the Open Government Partnership, and the Lifeline Fund, met on September 23 along with representatives of civil society, the philanthropic community, the private sector, and the United Nations on the margins of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.  Our purpose was to reinforce the central role of civil society in working with governments to address common challenges and to coordinate action to promote and protect civil society in the face of ongoing assault around the world.  We affirmed that the strength and vibrancy of nations depend on an active civil society and robust engagement between governments and civil society to advance shared goals of peace, prosperity, and the well-being of all people.  We noted our deep concern that many governments are restricting civil society and the rights of freedom of association and expression, both online and offline. 

To combat this alarming trend, our governments committed to work together to respond to growing restrictions on civil society that undermine its ability to perform its crucial role.  We will ensure effective coordination of the multiple efforts already underway toward this end, including through the U.N. system, the Community of Democracies, the Open Government Partnership, and Lifeline, and commit to strengthen our support for these existing mechanisms.  We will enhance our support for the work of the U.N. Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association.  We will lead by example to promote laws, policy decisions, and practices that foster a positive space for civil society in accordance with international law, and oppose legislation and administrative measures that impede efforts of civil society.  We will undertake joint diplomatic action whenever necessary to support civil society in countries where it is under threat, and to defend the fundamental freedoms of association and peaceful assembly. 

We will also work to develop new and innovative ways of providing technical, financial, and logistical support to promote and protect the right of citizens and civil society to freely associate, meaningfully engage with government, and constructively participate in processes to improve the well-being of their countries.  Throughout all of these efforts, our nations will continue to engage with representatives of civil society to help us understand and respond to the challenges they confront. 

We commit to gather again at the opening of the 69th United Nations General Assembly to review our progress toward these objectives.  We will work in concert over the coming year to ensure a robust, effective international response to the proliferation of restrictions being placed on civil society. We call on representatives of civil society, the philanthropic community, the private sector, and other governments to partner with us in supporting and defending civil society.

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
September 23, 2013

FACT SHEET: U.S. Support for Civil Society

Today, President Obama met with heads of state and leaders of civil society, multilateral organizations, and the philanthropic community to discuss growing restrictions being placed on civil society organizations (CSOs) worldwide.  The event marks the beginning of a year-long effort to further intensify our work to support and defend civil society from a rising tide of restrictions.

Working through existing initiatives and partnerships including the Open Government Partnership (OGP), the Community of Democracies, Lifeline: Embattled CSO Assistance Fund, and Making All Voices Count: A Grand Challenge for Development, participants will collaborate to: (1) promote laws, policies, and practices that foster a supportive environment for civil society in accordance with international norms; (2) coordinate multilateral, diplomatic pressure to roll back restrictions being imposed on civil society; and (3) identify new and innovative ways of providing technical, financial, and logistical support to civil society.   

Improving the Policy Environment and Promoting Best Practices for Citizen Engagement

In 2010, President Obama challenged the members of the United Nations General Assembly to work together to make all governments more open and accountable to their people, and in September 2011 the United States and Brazil, joined by 6 other Heads of State, announced the creation of the OGP.  In two years, OGP has grown to include 60 countries and a broad network of civil society and private sector partners who are committed to meeting global challenges through collaboration across all levels of society.  Fifty five OGP countries now have national action plans that comprise over 1,000 individual commitments to open up their governments.  In addition to being a founding member with its own National Action Plan, the United States has helped to establish an independent reporting mechanism that enables civil society to hold governments accountable for implementing commitments in their national action plans and provided $500,000 to the OGP Support Unit to help manage the partnership.

The U.S. has also made outreach to civil society a cornerstone of its foreign policy.  The State Department’s Strategic Dialogue with Civil Society has established civil society working groups at more than 40 U.S. diplomatic posts around the world.  Over a dozen major recommendations developed through this process have been adopted as policy by the Secretary of State.

To preserve the space for civil society to operate, the U.S. funds programs that track and monitor legislation that restricts the work of civil society in more than 40 countries, and is making a new commitment of $3.5 million to expand and sustain this work.  The U.S. also engages proactively, working through international and local partners to identify opportunities for legal reforms that can benefit CSOs.  These efforts contributed to over 20 positive changes to legislation that have enhanced the ability of civil society organizations to carry out their work.

Improving the Multilateral Response and Coordinating Diplomatic Pressure

As a member of the Governing Council and Executive Committee, the United States and its partners have transformed the Community of Democracies into a crucial platform for providing multilateral support to civil society and emerging democracies worldwide.  The U.S. has helped coordinate diplomatic action within the Community’s Working Group on Enabling and Protecting Civil Society to prevent the passage of laws that would have restricted the activity of civil society.  Working with Estonia and 20 other countries, the Administration also established the Community’s Leaders Engaged in New Democracies (LEND) Network to provide on-demand support to government and civil society leaders in countries undergoing democratic transitions.  To augment these efforts, the U.S. is launching CD-UNITED, the first-ever mechanism within the Community to co-fund initiatives with other governments and CSOs.

The United States is working with 20 other governments and foundations through Lifeline: Embattled CSOs Assistance Fund to offer emergency financial assistance when civic groups are threatened.  Since its founding in 2011, Lifeline has assisted 218 civil society organizations in 64 countries.  The United States will provide $5 million over the next 5 years to augment this initiative.  The United States was also instrumental in facilitating the establishment by the UN Human Rights Council of the first-ever Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association. 

Fostering Innovation, Building Partnerships, and Supporting the Activities of Civil Society

In 2013, the U.S. Government invested $500 million to strengthen the work of CSOs across development sectors and defend CSOs under threat through initiatives ranging from the MENA Partnership – an innovative multilateral effort to enhance the capacity of civic groups in the Middle East and North Africa by providing access to web designers, polling, and other professional services – to the Justice Defenders program, which provides litigation advice to lawyers who defend human rights activists.  The United States will provide $3 million over the next 3 years to expand the Justice Defenders initiative.  

Under the Obama Administration, the United States has made defending internet freedom a central component of support for civil society.  For example, the United States supports the Digital Defenders Partnership, which provides emergency assistance for activists, bloggers, citizen journalists, and ordinary citizens who have been harassed, threatened, or arrested for discussing democracy and human rights issues online, and has invested over $14 million to strengthen civil society’s capacity to advocate for laws and policies that facilitate unfettered internet access.

In partnership with the United Kingdom, Sweden, the Omidyar Network, and the Open Society Foundations, the United States launched Making All Voices Count: A Grand Challenge for Development to support innovation and research that will enable citizens to engage with their governments and improve governments’ ability to respond.  As of today, the first request for proposals for this $55 million initiative is open; innovators everywhere are encouraged to apply by accessing the website: www.makingallvoicescount.org.

President Obama and President Clinton Talk Health Care at the Clinton Global Initiative

Megan Slack
Megan Slack
September 23, 2013
03:05 PM EDT

On Tuesday, September 24, President Obama will join former President Bill Clinton at the Clinton Global Initiative Annual Meeting for a conversation about the benefits and future of health care reform in America, and access to health care around the globe. 

Update: This event has concluded. You can watch the full video below.

For more information:

Related Topics: Health Care

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
September 23, 2013

Presidential Nominations Sent to the Senate

NOMINATIONS SENT TO THE SENATE:

Bruce Heyman, of Illinois, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to Canada.

Charles Norman Wiltse Keckler, of Virginia, to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the Legal Services Corporation for a term expiring July 13, 2016.  (Reappointment)

Kathryn B. Thompson, of Virginia, to be General Counsel of the Department of Transportation, vice Robert S. Rivkin, resigned.
 

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
September 23, 2013

Gaggle Aboard Air Force One en route NY

PRESS GAGGLE BY PRESS SECRETARY JAY CARNEY
AND DEPUTY NATIONAL SECURITY ADVISOR FOR STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS BEN RHODES

En Route New York, New York
 
12:10 P.M. EDT
 
 MR. CARNEY:  Welcome aboard Air Force One as we make our annual trip to New York for the United Nations General Assembly. As you know, the President will be speaking tomorrow.  He will also, very importantly, be attending the Clinton Global Initiative, where he and former President Bill Clinton will be discussing the importance of health care reform and health insurance. 
 
I have no other announcements to make.  I have Ben with me  -- Ben Rhodes, Deputy National Security Advisor for Strategic Communications -- to help provide you more information about the events in New York, the UNGA events.  And I'm here, obviously, to take questions on other subjects.
 
Ben, do you have a topper?
 
MR. RHODES:  Just quickly, as you know, the schedule today when we get to New York, the President will meet with President Goodluck Jonathan of Nigeria to discuss our cooperation on security issues, democratic governance, economic development, Power Africa.  And then he will attend and host a high-level meeting on international civil society with other governments, civil society organizations, U.N. representatives, to discuss how we can better support civil society around the world.  Then he will be hosting his annual reception tonight.  So that's just his schedule for today.
 
MR. CARNEY:  Questions.
 
Q    Any more on a Rouhani meeting?
 
MR. RHODES:  We do not have a meeting scheduled with President Rouhani.  As you heard us say repeatedly, we are open to engagement with the Iranian government at a variety of levels provided that they will follow through on their commitments to address the international community’s concerns over their nuclear program. 
 
I would note that in addition, Secretary Kerry will be meeting with his P5-plus-1 counterparts as well as the Iranian foreign minister, so that's an opportunity for us to reaffirm, together with our P5-plus-1 partners, the importance of Iran coming in line with international obligations.  We welcome Iran engaging seriously through that process given that it represents the international community’s commitment to holding Iran accountable, but also being open to a diplomatic resolution.
 
But we have no meeting scheduled with President Rouhani, though, as you’ve heard us say repeatedly, we don't rule out that type of engagement.
 
MR. CARNEY:  I think it’s important if I could just note, and I know Ben would agree with me that from the beginning from this President’s time in office, our position on Iran has been consistent, and that is a willingness to meet with the Iranians, a willingness to have bilateral conversations and obviously to pursue negotiations through the P5-plus-1, commensurate with a willingness by Iran to be serious about dealing with its nuclear weapons program. 
 
And the approach we've taken has obviously united the international community in a way that it was not united in dealing with this issue prior to President Obama taking office.
 
Q    So if there’s a handshake it will be purely by happenstance?
 
MR. RHODES:  I don’t think that anything would happen by happenstance on a relationship and an issue that is this important.  So I think, clearly, this is an issue that we devoted as much time to as any other issue on our national security agenda for the last five years.  We have had a very carefully structured policy both in terms of the sanctions that we put in place on Iran and in terms of how we engage with the Iranian government and the international community on this issue.
 
So this is something that we will, of course, continue to pay very careful attention to.
 
Q    The mall attack in Kenya, has the U.S. figured out yet whether there are any Americans who were involved in that attack?
 
MR. RHODES:  We’re working with our embassy to determine the safety of our citizens.  We have accounted for the personnel from our mission, but now we are working to address concerns about American citizens who may have been wounded in that attack.  The State Department is in the best position to speak to that specifically.
 
I’d just add that President Obama spoke to President Kenyatta and reaffirmed that the Kenyan people are in our thoughts and prayers and that we stand ready to assist them in any way, both with the current investigation and our shared efforts against al-Shabaab in the region.
 
Q    There’s no evidence that we know of as to whether Americans were involved in perpetrating the attack?
 
MR. RHODES:  All we’ve seen are the same reports coming out of al-Shabaab that indicate information along those lines.  But we have to run those to ground, of course.  We do monitor very carefully and have for some time been concerned about efforts by al-Shabaab to recruit Americans or U.S. persons to come to Somalia.  So this is an issue that has been tracked very closely by the U.S. government, and it’s one that we’ll be looking into in the days ahead.
 
Q    Do you expect the President to discuss this or mention this in his speech tomorrow?
 
MR. RHODES:  I think it will be an issue that comes up not just in his speech but in some of his discussions here in New York.  The fact of the matter is al-Shabaab is precisely the type of issue that we are increasingly confronted with.  As al Qaeda core is degraded in Afghanistan and Pakistan, we see affiliates take root in different parts of the world. 
 
The fact of the matter is we’ve actually had a very aggressive effort to go after al-Shabaab in Somalia, both through direct U.S. counterterrorism efforts, but also through support for AMISOM, the international force, including Kenya, that has pushed al-Shabaab out of a number of its strongholds in Somalia. And, frankly, I think it was that pressure on al-Shabaab that, in terms of their own professed motivation, led them to pursue an attack against Kenya. 
 
But the clear message that we need to send in response is the resolve of Kenya, the international community and the United States will not be shaken at all, and, in fact, our determination will only be increased to keep the pressure on al-Shabaab and to make sure that they cannot have a safe haven in Somalia to launch these types of attacks.
 
Q    In terms of Iran and Syria being neighboring countries, how much are the situations intertwined in what’s got to happen and what the dealings will be with Iran based on how things have gone so far in Syria?
 
MR. RHODES:  Well, I think there are two separate issues.  The issue of Iran’s nuclear program is a distinct issue that we’ve been dealing with since the President came into office and the international community has been dealing with for well over a decade.  And this is an issue that is not just a bilateral one between the United States and Iran; it's an issue between Iran and the international community in the fact that Iran has consistently failed to meet its obligations with respect to its nuclear program.  That's why we have a P5-plus-1 process.  That's why we have a unified international community that has sanctioned the Iranian government.
 
With respect to Syria, they are clearly -- Iran is clearly Syria's closest ally in the region.  And with respect to the political resolution that we seek in Syria, we have called upon nations like Russia and Iran to acknowledge the fact that Assad cannot regain legitimacy after slaughtering his people and that part of a political process inside of Syria will involve, necessarily, Assad stepping down from power.  That is an issue that we have been pursuing through the Geneva process and it’s an issue that we are going to redouble our efforts onto, not just here at the U.N., but going forward.
 
I think as a general matter what you see here is diplomatic openings to resolve the Syrian chemical weapons issues by destroying those weapons under international control, diplomatic efforts to resolve the issue of Iran's nuclear program and to assure that they do not pursue or development a nuclear weapon, and also diplomatic efforts to address regional tensions -- most urgently, a long-term resolution to the Syrian civil war. 
 
So there's a lot of diplomatic activity taking place as we head into the U.N. General Assembly, and we want to take advantage of those opportunities. 
 
Q    Do you think that the Iranians are going to -- is there a concern that the Iranians may look for a deal with the negotiations into inspections of their nuclear facilities to be similar to the kind of deals that are being worked out with Syria? 
 
MR. RHODES:  Well, the bottom line is if those deals succeed in destroying Syrian chemical weapon stockpiles and addressing the international community's concerns over Iran's nuclear program that would be an extraordinary success for the stability of the region, the interests of the United States, and for international nonproliferation norms. 
 
We don't link the two.  I think it's very important to understand that this process with Iran has been ongoing for many, many years.  It long predates the Syrian situation.  But the fact of the matter is in both instances we would insist that actions are verified, that commitments are kept whether it's the Syrian regime's commitment to destroy its chemical weapon stockpiles under international control or whether it's the Iranian government's commitment to follow through on meeting the international community's concerns with respect to its nuclear program.
 
Q    Can you just clarify -- I think you used the words “willingness to meet Rouhani” and I apologize if you’ve spoken to this before -- is that just an invitation -- so, in other words, the ball is in their court?  Are you pursuing this?  Or are you saying if they want to take the initiative, you're there?
 
MR. RHODES:  I'm not saying anything different than what we've said, which is the President is open to engagement.  He’s exchanged letters with Rouhani.  We simply have not had a meeting scheduled.  I was just indicating that this is not something that we object to in principle.  The President has said since 2007 that he’s willing to engage the leaders of Iran in pursuit of an agreement.  We will do so if we believe it’s in our interests and if we believe it can advance our objectives. 
 
Clearly, this is going to take time.  You’re not going to solve all the issues with Iran in any one meeting or encounter. But what we’re signaling is that we’re open to engagement generally towards resolving this issue.  We don't have anything scheduled between the President and President Rouhani.  We do now have Secretary Kerry meeting with his Iranian counterpart as part of the P5-plus-1 process.
 
Q    But there’s been no invitation per se to meet or shake hands?
 
MR. RHODES:  We have nothing scheduled with the Iranians at this point.
 
Q    An update on the budget talks?  Are there any talks?  Is the President going to meet with congressional --
 
MR. CARNEY:  Sure.  Sorry, Steve.  We read out a conversation the President had with the Speaker of the House in which the President made clear again his very firm views about the need to ensure that we don't inflict wounds on the economy unnecessarily by allowing the government to shut down, that Congress needs to fulfill its responsibility to ensure that Congress keeps the operation of the government funded; secondly, that Congress must, in keeping with the entirety of our history, ensure that we do not default, that we pay our bills, the bills that we’ve already racked up, that Congress has already racked up; and that he will not under any circumstances negotiate over Congress’s responsibility to prevent us from defaulting.
 
We have always said that within the context of a broader budget agreement, the President is willing to make tough decisions.  And tough decisions are embedded within his budget proposal.  His budget proposal has been on the table for a long time now.  It includes entitlement reforms, additional spending cuts and other measures that would achieve $4 trillion in deficit reduction -- significant deficit reduction -- while allowing us to invest in key areas of our economy so we can grow.  And that proposal remains on the table.
 
In keeping with House Republican demands and Republican demands, the Senate passed a budget -- a strong budget -- and the House passed a budget.  Once the Senate did what the House demanded, what Republicans demanded, the House abandoned its plan to have regular order and appoint conferees.  They have still not done that after six months. 
 
So we expect, as we said before, that conversations will continue.  But Congress needs to act to ensure that we do not do harm to the recovery, which continues to produce jobs and continues to have the economy grow.
 
Q    So there’s no session with the congressional leaders scheduled as of yet?
 
MR. CARNEY:  I think it’s likely that the President will meet with leaders.  I don't have a time for that or a day for that.  But here’s the bottom line.  Congress needs to act responsibly in order to ensure that the government does not shut down.
 
Unfortunately, the House acted irresponsibly as an opening salvo in this engagement by passing a continuing resolution that has no chance of becoming law.  And now we’ll have to see how this plays out. 
 
But the President has made clear his willingness to accept a short-term CR so that we can continue to have broader discussions about our fiscal challenges.  But he’s made it abundantly clear that fiddling around with the prospect of default is utterly irresponsible and we cannot do it.  And the fact of the matter is until 2011, it has not been done.  Despite all the efforts by Speaker Boehner to suggest that this is common practice, history proves otherwise.  Something like 40 times since Ronald Reagan took office, Congress has raised the debt ceiling, often alone, without any attachments at all, sometimes folded into other budget agreements, but never with the threat of default we see today.
 
Q    Can I ask a quick question?  Netanyahu is comparing Iran to North Korea.  Where do you guys see that?  Do you think that's a fair comparison? 
 
MR. RHODES:  What’s that?
 
Q    Netanyahu comparing North Korea and Iran.
 
MR. RHODES:  Well, look, the comparison is simply that they are two nations that have not abided by international nonproliferation norms.  But the fact of the matter is North Korea already has a nuclear weapon.  They acquired one, tested one in the beginning of 2006.  And Iran does not yet have a nuclear weapon.  And that's all the more reason why we need to take steps to prevent Iran from getting a nuclear weapon so that we’re not presented with the type of situation that we have in North Korea where you’re seeking to denuclearize a country that has already crossed that threshold. 
 
So I think the comparison is that the international community is dealing with this issue on the front end before Iran acquires that capability.  That's why we’ve put in place a sanctions regime.  That's why we’ve also held open the door to a diplomatic resolution so that we can achieve a resolution to this issue that prevents Iran from getting a nuclear weapon while allowing them access to peaceful nuclear power consistent with the nonproliferation obligations.
 
Q    So apples to oranges?
 
MR. RHODES:  Well, they are in the sense that North Korea is in a different stage of its nuclear development.  They’ve already tested a nuclear weapon.  But I think what they both reinforce is the need for the international community to clearly enforce nonproliferation norms so that countries do not destabilize global security through the pursuit of these weapons.
 
Q    Did the President telephone Chancellor Merkel to congratulate her?
 
MR. RHODES:  I meant to do that.  The President this morning called Chancellor Merkel to congratulate her on her showing and her party’s showing in the recent German election.  He indicated that he very much has appreciated her friendship and partnership over the last several years.  They’ve worked very closely together, as close as any other leader in the international community.  And he indicated that he’s looking forward to working with her going forward.
 
Q    Jay, on the budget, you’ve said repeatedly that the Republican leadership knows that politically it would be bad for there to be a shutdown.  Does that mean that at this point you guys in the White House believe it would be good for you politically for there to be a shutdown?
 
MR. CARNEY:  No.  Because we're not looking at it that way. We're looking at what’s good for the economy and what’s good for the American people.  Shutdowns are bad because it would create inflicted wounds on the economy.  They have numerous impacts that are negative to the American people and it would be a terrible thing.  And default is just the same, but exponentially.  Default would invariably lead to a global financial and economic crisis. And just toying with the prospect of it, as some Republicans continue to do, is harmful.
 
And I think you’ve seen leaders from across the board, including Republican Party leaders, including important people within the broader Republican Party, including business community leaders say, cut this out; this is bad for everybody.  And most importantly, it’s bad for the middle class because they get left holding the bag when Congress messes around with the economy and delivers a setback, which shutdown or default would be.
 
Q    But you’ve said that it would be bad politics for the Republicans, so it would be bad politics for the Republican --
 
MR. CARNEY:  This is not a zero-sum game.  This is not a zero-sum game.  Everybody gets hurt when Washington does something stupid like inflict a wound on the economy unnecessarily, in which, in this case, Republicans would be doing it. 
 
And this is not about -- as far as we're concerned, it’s not about politics.  We're pressing comprehensive immigration reform. We're begging John Boehner to put that bill on the floor right now; it would get a majority, it would pass, and that would do a lot of good for the Republican Party politically.  And you know what, that would be great.  We would sign it tomorrow.
 
So we're not looking at this in terms of politics.  We're looking at it in terms of what’s best for the economy and what’s best for the American people.
 
Thanks.  Hold on tight.
 
END
12:27 P.M. EDT

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
September 23, 2013

Readout of the President’s Call with Chancellor Merkel of Germany

The President called Chancellor Merkel today to congratulate her on the Christian Democratic Union’s success in the German federal election on September 22.  The President noted his deep appreciation for Chancellor Merkel’s friendship, leadership, and steadfast support of the transatlantic relationship.  The President and Chancellor Merkel agreed to continue their close cooperation on key issues of regional and global concern.

President Obama at the Memorial Service for Victims of the Navy Yard Shooting: “We Can’t Accept This”

Megan Slack
Megan Slack
September 23, 2013
11:23 AM EDT

Watch on YouTube

On Sunday, President Obama spoke at a memorial service to honor the victims of the Navy Yard shooting, and to thank first responders for their work.

“We know that no words we offer today are equal to the magnitude, to the depths of that loss,” the President told the families of the victims. “But we come together as a grateful nation to honor your loved ones, to grieve with you, and to offer, as best we can, some solace and comfort.”

President Obama explained that this is the fifth time since taking office that he’s grieved with communities ripped apart by gun violence:

And so, once again, we remember our fellow Americans who were just going about their day doing their jobs, doing what they loved -- in this case, the unheralded work that keeps our country strong and our Navy the finest fleet in the world. These patriots doing their work that they were so proud of, and who have now been taken away from us by unspeakable violence.

Once more we come together to mourn the lives of beauty and to comfort the wonderful families who cherished them. Once more we pay tribute to all who rushed towards the danger, who risked their lives so others might live, and who are in our prayers today, including Officer Scott Williams. Once more our hearts are broken. Once more we ask why. Once more we seek strength and wisdom through God's grace.

Related Topics: Violence Prevention