DARA Director General at the Clinton Global Initiative 2012 Annual Meeting

September 24, 2012

Ross Mountain, Director General of DARA, was invited by President Clinton to provide the contextual overview during a session at the 2012 Clinton Global Initiative Annual Meeting “Democratic Republic of the Congo: Highlighting Action,” September 23rd, New York.

Mr. Mountain is former Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary General of the United Nations, and Humanitarian Coordinator and Resident Coordinator for the UN system for the Democratic Republic of the Congo. DARA has extensive experience assessing the quality and impact of aid efforts in DRC (2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, and 2007) as part of the Humanitarian Response Index initiative.

Despite the significant challenges that exist, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has been the source of multiple successful and innovative projects that are working to improve the daily lives of people and communities across the country. In 2011, CGI members came together to bring increased attention to the DRC and to highlight opportunities where commitments could bring about positive change. From education to healthcare, members have made commitments that are addressing local needs and working towards meaningful impact.

The 2012 session showcased a diverse set of new DRC commitments, and provided members an opportunity to connect and share their stories of both challenges and successes in the region. It also identified next steps to move the discussion forward after the Annual Meeting and into 2013.

DARA and the Clinton Global Initiative

Mr. Mountain’s participation at the CGI 2012 Annual Meeting builds on the commitment DARA launched to develop and implement the Humanitarian Response Index (HRI) at the CGI 2007.

The Humanitarian Response Index (HRI) initiative was started by DARA in 2007 with the aim of assessing how well the world’s wealthiest countries support the response to disasters, conflicts and emergencies.  Since then, the HRI annually compiled and analyzed extensive aid data and carried out research in different crises to assess the quality and effectiveness of international aid efforts. Through our work with the HRI we ensure that money spent on the response to disasters and conflicts is used efficiently, effectively and accountably, and has the maximum benefit for the millions affected by crises each year.