The 2015 National Security Strategy, released today by President Obama, demonstrates that global development is a key pillar of our national security and prosperity. As the Strategy says, “the United States is safer and stronger when fewer people face destitution, when our trading partners are flourishing, and when societies are freer.”

From strengthening global health security to advancing gender equality, the National Security Strategy underscores the importance of USAID’s mission to end extreme poverty and promote resilient, democratic societies. It also emphasizes the need to build partnerships, especially in emerging markets and fledgling democracies. The Strategy states that we must “use our leadership to promote a model of financing that leverages billions in investment from the private sector and draws on America’s scientific, technological, and entrepreneurial strengths to take to scale proven solutions in partnership with governments, business, and civil society.”

Across the globe, USAID is doing just that by harnessing a new model of development—one grounded in science, technology, innovation, and partnership, with a relentless focus on delivering real and measurable results. From Feed the Future to the U.S. Global Development Lab, we are building a global community of innovators and entrepreneurs who forging new pathways to prosperity for the world’s most vulnerable people.

Heading into this critical year, we recognize the President’s call for the United States to play “a leading role in defining the international community’s post-2015 agenda for eliminating extreme poverty and promoting sustainable development.” Guided by this Strategy, USAID will continue to serve as the vanguard of our economic strength, moral leadership, and national security.