U.S. Mission in Kinshasa PAS Annual Program Statement 2020

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PAS Kinshasa invites proposals for programs that strengthen ties between the U.S. and the Democratic Republic of the Congo through programming that reflects the U.S.-DRC Privileged Partnership for Peace and Prosperity, which focuses on improving governance, promoting peace and security, combating corruption, advancing human rights, and creating conditions for greater U.S. investment and economic growth. Programs should create opportunities for bilateral cooperation in areas of mutual interest and highlight shared values. All programs must include a U.S. element, such as an American expert, organization, cultural element, or institution, that will promote increased understanding of U.S. policy and perspectives. Priority Program Areas: PAS seeks to engage the public, decision-makers, civil society leaders, and opinion-shapers at all levels of Congolese society on information, security, economic, cultural, and educational issues through public diplomacy resources and expertise, with the goal of broadening support for, and understanding of U.S. policies, culture, history, society, and values. Priority programmatic themes for the U.S. Mission in Kinshasa include: Health: Activities the promote health and hygiene practices and/or respond to the significant health challenges resulting from the Ebola epidemic and COVID pandemic. Prosperity, Trade, and Investment: Activities that support the expansion of U.S. exports and investments, improve the connections between U.S. and Congolese businesses, and/or expand economic opportunities, entrepreneurship, and financial independence among women, youth, and underserved populations. Shared Democratic Values: Non-partisan activities that promote an understanding of U.S. democracy (such as around the 2020 U.S. elections) and how the United States and the Democratic Republic of the Congo share democratic values, especially among audiences with little first-hand knowledge of the United States. Technology and Innovation: Activities that support cooperation in such areas as agricultural technology, cybersecurity, and entrepreneurship. Shared Values and Interests: Activities that promote the U.S.-DRC relationship and build people-to-people ties, including but not limited to commemorations of key historic events and commemorative programs. University Partnerships: Activities that create sustainable partnerships between Congolese educational institutions and U.S. partners and increase opportunities for educational and professional exchanges. Cultural Diplomacy: Activities promoting U.S. culture, building on shared U.S.-DRC appreciation for cultural excellence through art, film, sports, fashion, literature, and other cultural forms.

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