ExecutiveOrdersEO
EO 13600Executive OrderObama · D

Executive Order 13600

Establishing the President's Global Development Council

This executive order creates a 12-member advisory council within USAID to advise the President on global development policy, promote public-private partnerships, and elevate development as a pillar of U.S. foreign policy alongside diplomacy and defense. The council includes cabinet secretaries as non-voting members and outside experts from academia, philanthropy, civil society, and private industry, with a built-in 2-year sunset clause.

Federal Register Open PDF 77 FR 8713

Impact dates

  1. Council terminates unless renewed by President

Key directives

  • Establish President's Global Development Council within USAID
  • Council subject to Secretary of State's foreign policy and budgetary guidance
  • Council composed of 5 cabinet-level non-voting members and up to 12 presidential appointees from outside government
  • Outside members serve 2-year terms with reappointment eligibility
  • Council to advise President through National Security Staff and National Economic Council staff
  • Council to meet regularly and inform evidence-based development policy
  • USAID to provide funding and administrative support within existing appropriations
  • USAID Administrator to appoint Executive Director as Federal officer/employee
  • USAID Administrator to perform FACA functions except congressional reporting

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

  • Council established within USAID
  • USAID Administrator assumes FACA responsibilities
  • USAID Administrator to appoint Executive Director

Near term (90d)

  • President to designate Chair and Vice Chair
  • President to appoint up to 12 outside members
  • Council to begin regular meetings

Long term

  • Council advises on long-term strategic planning for U.S. development efforts
  • Potential renewal or termination on February 9, 2014

Risks & tensions

  • Council advisory role only—no operational authority over agencies
  • Funding constrained to 'existing appropriations' may limit effectiveness
  • Dual reporting through National Security Staff and National Economic Council could create coordination friction
  • 2-year sunset creates institutional uncertainty; renewal depends solely on presidential discretion
  • Vague: 'meet regularly' undefined; no minimum meeting frequency specified
  • Tension: Council housed in USAID but subject to State Department policy guidance
Executive Order 13600: Establishing the President's Global Development Council · Executive Orders