A global commitment

As a nation that is committed to playing a leadership role and in fostering peace in the world, our future is predicated on making a strong investment in the development and well-being of girl children and women.

We must reignite our moral commitment to eliminating disparities and the violating practices and policies that are disempowering to women who make up half of the world’s population. As educators, we must inspire a generation of graduates who are prepared to become citizens of the world.

President Obama should inspire — and invest financially — in a global commitment to women’s health and safety. He should also focus on providing future generations with a more global education. As a product of a multinational education that has shaped his values and experiences, he understands the need for this investment.

Last month, the Institute of Medicine on Monday released The U.S. Commitment to Global Health: Recommendations for the New Administration, a report for the Obama administration that highlighted health as a pillar of U.S. foreign policy and provides specific recommendations as to how the incoming leadership can demonstrate its commitment to global health.

Having served on the IOM Committee on the U.S. Commitment to Global Health, I believe strongly that in this new era of global health, our leadership is a demonstration of American values and moral responsibility. Global health should be an essential component of U.S. foreign policy.

As Senator Clinton said during her Senate Confirmation hearing, "of particular concern to me is the plight of women and girls, who comprise the majority of the world's unhealthy, unschooled, unfed, and unpaid. If half the world's population remains vulnerable to economic, political, legal and social marginalization, our hope of advancing democracy and prosperity is in serious jeopardy. The United States must be an unequivocal and unwavering voice in support of women's rights in every country on every continent."