WASHINGTON, DC - USAID Administrator Dr. Rajiv Shah will deliver a major address today at 2pm at an event hosted by the Center for Global Development on The Modern Development Enterprise, addressing the current state of development and formally announcing the Agency's 50th anniversary.

"We have worked tirelessly to build a better path to the world we seek. Now we must have the courage to follow it," said Dr. Shah. "The vision for the modern development enterprise is to create conditions where our assistance is no longer needed, replaced over time by efficient local governments, thriving civil societies and vibrant private sectors."

USAID will observe a major milestone in 2011 with November 3 marking 50 years since the agency was established by President John F. Kennedy, and to commemorate the occasion, Dr. Shah announced the launch of an anniversary microsite - http://50.usaid.gov - dedicated to celebrating USAID's 50 years of progress, and the visionaries whose spirit of innovation has improved millions of lives in the developing world.

"USAID was born out of a spirit of progress, innovation and a reflection of America's values, character and a fundamental belief in doing the right thing," said Dr. Shah. "We invite the public to read and share stories of progress made in preventing disease and disasters, stabilizing societies and expanding economic opportunity around the world."

Americans and members of the public are invited to participate in the 50th anniversary program both in-person, through forthcoming symposiums and events, and also online, through a new social exhibit on the 50th anniversary microsite that will introduce the agency's "development entrepreneurs" who are transforming lives and bringing a new spirit of innovation and results-based progress to help countries build a path out of poverty. Across the globe, USAID's 110 missions will be celebrating USAID's 50th anniversary throughout the year with in-country activities. The 50th anniversary website will be updated on a regular basis as events are formalized and details become available.

The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is an independent agency that provides economic, development and humanitarian assistance around the world in support of the foreign policy goals of the United States. For more information, please visit www.usaid.gov.