WASHINGTON, D.C. – The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) launched the Higher Education Partnerships to Support the U.S.-Burma Commitment to Democracy, Peace and Prosperity, furthering President Obama’s call to “extend a hand” to Burma in its progress toward democracy.

USAID will build upon its ongoing engagement with the university community and the private sector to mobilize institutional assets, funding, technology, innovations, expertise, training and capacity building. These new relationships will advance democratic rights, transparent governance, economic growth, food security, and the health and livelihoods of the people of Burma.

During his historic visit to Burma on November 19, 2012, President Obama announced the U.S.-Burma Partnership for Democracy, Peace and Prosperity, a joint U.S.-Burma framework to lay the groundwork for a peaceful and prosperous future for Burma. 

“We have been excited to see a growing interest among the U.S. higher education community to support democratic development in Burma. We look forward to collaborating with American universities and businesses in partnership with Burma’s once venerable universities to strengthen their capacity and advance social and economic development in the country," said Nisha Biswal, USAID Assistant Administrator for Asia.

Under the newly announced Higher Education Partnerships, USAID seeks concept papers by January 31, 2013, from a wide range of U.S. organizations with a strong interest in higher education and development in Burma, including (but not limited to) community colleges and universities, private businesses, business and trade associations, foundations, non-governmental organizations, faith-based organizations, U.S.-based international organizations, civic groups, and regional organizations.

Full application details for this funding opportunity, USAID-BURMA-SOL-486-13-000012, are at www.grants.gov (search for keyword “Burma” under “Grant Search”). USAID will host an information session in Washington on December 12, 2012 for prospective applicants. Those interested in the session should contact Mitch Kirby at mkirby@usaid.gov (with a copy to Brian Stout at stoutbc@state.gov and Maria Rosario Arenas at marenas@usaid.gov.)

For more information about USAID's efforts in Burma, please visit www.usaid.gov/burma.