It is in the U.S. national interest to project U.S. values and beliefs abroad. Such values include a belief in a democratic system of government and protection of human rights. Foreign aid has promoted the emergence of new democracies in the former Soviet bloc and elsewhere and has helped defend workers' rights and the rule of law. Foreign assistance can and should be used to meet humanitarian needs around the globe. There was unanimous agreement among NPA participants that aid is vital to the relief of refugees and other disaster victims throughout the world.
Humanitarian aid is a reflection of core American values.
Development assistance programs aimed at the poor are an important means of meeting many U.S. foreign policy objectives. Development assistance aimed at meeting the basic human needs of the poorest has helped produce numerous impressive achievements, including the eradication of smallpox, increased access to clean water, and significant growth in food production and consumption. Such achievements have positive benefits for the United States through savings in U.S. health care costs, in generating new markets for U.S. goods, and through the establishment of greater global political stability. These programs can be made more efficient and effective if they encompass grassroots participatory practices. Foreign assistance programs must be administered effectively and efficiently.