The New Deal implemented by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt (FDR) during the Great Depression in the 1930s is widely recognized for its success in relief, recovery, and reform programs. This initiative not only helped the United States survive the crisis but also contributed to its emergence as a dominant global power.
The government’s development assistance program focused on three vulnerable groups: the poor, hungry, and homeless (PHH). These demographics represented the target population that benefited from the relief, recovery, and reform measures. The relief effort involved structural changes in the economy and the implementation of programs and financial guidelines to address the root causes of poverty and inequality. It led to an overhaul of the economy and the enhancement of protection for workers and vulnerable communities.
The recovery effort aimed to support the hungry population facing severe poverty and food insecurity. By generating employment opportunities and improving labor conditions, the New Deal sparked economic recovery. Measures were designed to stimulate economic growth and lay the foundation for recovery.
Additionally, the reform component provided immediate assistance to the homeless individuals who suffered the most from the economic crisis. These individuals had lost their homes due to foreclosures or evictions resulting from the downturn. The New Deal extended relief to them through programs that offered employment in public works projects, alleviating unemployment and providing income to needy families.
As we confront the global economic downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, it is important to note that least developed countries have been particularly affected. Unlike the Great Depression, this crisis is a combination of economic and health-related catastrophes. However, a pioneering global paradigm led by the United Nations (UN) in collaboration with international non-governmental organizations (NGOs) holds promise. The UN aims to align its efforts with the Sustainable Development Goals it has outlined previously.
Each country must customize its PHH program according to its specific requirements and challenges. However, categorizing the PHH populations may pose challenges, particularly in the poorest countries where these groups intersect in urban and rural settings. Nevertheless, advancements in technology such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and big data can facilitate more sophisticated methodologies to address this issue.
A simplified and pragmatic classification of target populations will streamline program and project development and management. This involves conducting comprehensive situational analyses, intensive planning, massive implementation, and rigorous monitoring and evaluation. By identifying the distinct needs and rights of each target population, interventions can be tailored to have a sustained positive impact on their lives. Furthermore, complementary actions, such as advocacy on pressing issues like climate change, gender equality, and human rights, can be integrated into development assistance interventions.
Implementing this paradigm shift requires a departure from current practices of the UN, other development bodies, NGOs, and countries. It demands a monumental shift in mindset and approach, including restructuring, strategic rethinking, and skill enhancement. The success of this approach, which propelled the United States to its current global stature, serves as the strongest argument.
To ensure the success of the PHH program, it is essential that adopting countries are not governed by a kakistocracy or led by inept individuals who disregard ethical practices. Servant leadership is key to the effective implementation of this transformative approach. Without it, the approach may deviate from its course and result in failure.
The PHH paradigm directly addresses the global challenges arising from the COVID-19 pandemic-induced economic downturn. By adapting the successful historical model of the New Deal, countries can collaborate on a global scale to uplift the PHH and establish the groundwork for a more equitable and prosperous world.
Denial of responsibility! VigourTimes is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
