For many years, USAID has promoted an inclusive approach to development that benefits and empowers all people, regardless of their differences. This isn't just the right thing to do; it's the smart thing to do. To achieve lasting and transformative progress, economies must deliver for everyone, and governments must take into account the full range of citizen voices. That's when societies thrive, and communities abound with opportunity for all.

In this spirit, USAID is turning practice into policy by instituting a new rule that explicitly prohibits contractors from discriminating against any foreign aid beneficiaries on the basis of any factor - including race, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity. Building on President Obama's commitment to social inclusion around the world, this new nondiscrimination policy marks an important step forward for USAID and our partners, and ensures our inclusive approach to development will continue into the future.

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