WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) held an Iftar dinner in recognition of the holy month of Ramadan. USAID Acting Administrator Alonzo Fulgham was the host of the event which was well attended by a representative cross section of the Washington diplomatic and development community. On hand were USAID employees, private citizens, students, professors, development professionals, as were people of many faiths gathered together in recognition of this holy time.

"I understand Ramadan to be a time of profound reflection - offering the opportunity to both look inward while also enriching family and community ties, remembering the needs of others, and acknowledging, with profound gratitude, the blessings in one's own life," said Acting Administrator Fulgham. "It is also a time to remember the common values that bind us together."

Fulgham focused on the need to involve youth in the developing world. In his speech, entitled "Small Deeds, Big Changes: Celebrating Youth in Global Development," he took time to explain why young people are needed to make development work. Populations have shifted, and in many areas of the world, young people, below the age of 25, make up as much as 50% of the total population.

"And we recognize their role as important leaders, who can help us further our work in developing countries," said Fulgham.

Others speaking at the dinner included Mr. Haroon Moghul, Director of Public Relations, The Islamic Center at New York University; Ms. Dalia Mogahed, Executive Director, Gallup Center for Muslim Studies and member of the White House Advisory Council on Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships; and Mistress of Ceremonies, Ms. Afeefa Syeed , Senior Culture and Development Advisor for USAID.

For more information about USAID, please visit: www.usaid.gov.