The Quadrennial Diplomacy and Development Review (QDDR) has moved into its second phase, but the interim report, which was at one point expected to be released in January, is now unlikely to be released at all.  As the Administration is also working on a National Security Strategy and the Presidential Study Directive on Development, an inter-agency review process is underway to better coordinate all of the various reviews currently underway inside the Administration.

While the QDDR report is delayed, the work continues.  Some new details of the process and expected outcomes have started to emerge.  Most notably, the original five working groups announced at the QDDR launch have evolved into thirteen task-forces each focusing on a different aspect of State Department and USAID operations:

1. Embassy 2.0
2. Acting Regionally
3. Multilateral Engagement
4. Non-State Partnerships
5. State/USAID Collaboration
6. Foreign Assistance Effectiveness
7. Innovation in Development and Diplomacy
8. Prevention and Response to Conflict and Instability
9. Human Resource Policies and Practices
10. Contracting and Procurement Reform
11. Platforms to Perform Efficiently with 21st Century Tools
12. Strategic Planning and Budgeting Capacity with Increased Accountability for Results
13. Gender Integration

While the release of the interim report has been delayed, the QDDR still expects to release its findings in September 2010, likely following the releases of the National Security Strategy and PSD. The September date could coincide with the discussion on the progress of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) to be held at the UN General Assembly meeting that same month.

Photo Credit: Tom Arthur