The President today declared a major disaster exists in the State of Iowa and ordered Federal aid to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the area affected by severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding during the period of May 19…

Yesterday, nineteen firefighters were killed in the line of duty while fighting a wildfire outside Yarnell, Arizona. They were heroes — highly-skilled professionals who, like so many across our country do every day, selflessly put themselves in harm’s way to…

Today the President will announce the launch of Trade Africa, a new partnership between the United States and sub-Saharan Africa that seeks to increase internal and regional trade within Africa, and expand trade and economic ties between Africa, the United…

Wildlife trafficking is a multi-billion dollar illicit business that is decimating Africa’s iconic animal populations.  Many species — most notably elephants and rhinoceroses — now face the risk of significant decline or even extinction.  Like other forms of illicit trade,…

Earlier today from Air Force One, the President called Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and former Prime Minister Julia Gillard of Australia. In his call with Prime Minister Rudd, the President congratulated the Prime Minister on his return to office.  The President…

Today, President Obama called Governor Jan Brewer to receive an update on the Yarnell Hill fire and express his condolences to the families of the 19 brave firefighters and all whose lives have been impacted by this tragedy.  He also…

Today the President announced Power Africa, a new initiative to double access to power in sub-Saharan Africa.  More than two-thirds of the population of sub-Saharan Africa is without electricity, and more than 85 percent of those living in rural areas…

The United States is the world’s leading donor in global health.  We are strongly committed to working with partner nations to reach our goal of an AIDS-free generation, to ending preventable child and maternal deaths, and to supporting countries as…

Today in front of an audience of more than 600 dynamic young leaders from South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria, and Uganda, President Obama announced the Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders, the new flagship program of the President’s Young African Leaders…

President Obama launched the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) in 2010 as a signature initiative that supports young African leaders as they work to spur growth and prosperity, strengthen democratic governance, and enhance peace and security across the continent.  Investing…