April 3, 2008

DAI to Expand GDA Training to Implementing Partners

On April 18, DAI staff on the GDA Support Services Project will share with other implementing partners their knowledge of developing and managing public-private partnerships, in a training program developed by DAI and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Office of Global Development Alliances (GDA).

An innovative public-private alliance model for improving social and economic conditions in developing countries, the GDA combines the assets and experience of strategic partners— private companies, philanthropies, and multilateral donors—and leverages their capital and investments, creativity, and market access to solve complex problems facing governments, businesses, and communities.

DAI has a long history of developing public-private partnerships. Since the GDA’s inception in 2001, DAI has led the industry in creating mutually beneficial alliances with multinational corporations such as Gap, Timberland, Cargill, Mars Corporation, and Microsoft. DAI has built on this experience to offer training to USAID staff and missions through the Support Services project. 

Now, the GDA is entering the “next generation” of alliance building, developing more strategic and innovative approaches to solving complex development problems. DAI and the GDA will increase their support to USAID missions through direct, customized technical assistance. And DAI has helped design a new training program that goes beyond Agency staff to include implementers and the private sector.

The April 18 workshop for implementing partners—jointly delivered by DAI and USAID staff—will cover the basics of alliance building, explain models and mechanisms for developing alliances, share tools and guidance on how to manage alliances, and explore their strategic importance. This workshop will follow a two-day intensive training program for USAID staff in Washington.