CDC Development Solutions and the U.S. Center for Citizen Diplomacy (USCCD) are pleased to announce the merger of the two U.S.-based organizations. Given their parallel missions, the two organizations focused on global engagement are joining efforts to multiply their impact, with the USCCD officially becoming an operating division of CDC Development Solutions.

This merger will significantly expand the reach and capabilities of both entities within the U.S. and abroad. 

Millions of everyday citizens in the U.S. build global understanding and cross cultural ties by participating in cross-border programs – either by hosting international visitors or by traveling themselves. Increasingly, companies recognize the benefits of providing opportunities for their employees to engage in similar programs. This merger will enable more synergies between global citizen engagement and global corporate engagement.

Working with major corporations such as IBM, Pfizer, SAP, and John Deere, among many others, CDC Development Solutions leverages private sector resources to advance development in emerging markets. Complementing this mission, the USCCD’s citizen diplomacy work engages individual Americans in programs and activities that increase cross-cultural understanding.

“By uniting these two organizations, we can now draw from extensive expertise in global corporate engagement and global citizen engagement to further global citizenship best practices and thought leadership,” says Deirdre White, CEO and President of CDC Development Solutions.

This merger will allow CDC Development Solutions to expand the geographic reach, scope, and impact of its programs. Through access to USCCD’s network of U.S.-based nonprofit partnerships, CDC Development Solutions can now introduce and replicate its highly successful International Corporate Volunteer (ICV) program within the U.S. Currently, companies such as IBM, Pfizer, Dow Corning, and others are implementing ICV programs through CDC Development Solutions. The organization has already been asked by several major multinational corporations to initiate cross-border, skills-based volunteer programs which would serve communities in the United States.

“We are excited as this merger represents an important step forward in the growth and expansion of USCCD, its mission, and its programming,” says Founder and President, Ann Olsen Schodde. “This merger strengthens the USCCD’s position for the future – making it more sustainable; its resources more robust; its network more broad.”

The five-year old nonprofit has amassed an online resource database of over 1700 U.S.-based citizen diplomacy organizations, possesses nation-wide credibility to act as a convener of successful national summits, awards ceremonies, and strategy sessions and launches pilot programs to address emerging needs. With a quickly expanding international network including the British Council, Global Dialogue Foundation, EVAC, and the U.N. Alliance of Civilizations, the USCCD is taking the lead in supporting a global forum of civil society organizations. It serves as a national hub of opportunities for citizen diplomacy organizations and individuals, allowing both to connect and engage with one another.

Moving forward, CDC Development Solutions is dedicated to continuing the USCCD’s mission to promote citizen diplomacy. The U.S. Center for Citizen Diplomacy will maintain existing programs, website, name, staff and offices in Des Moines, Iowa. The two Boards of Directors have been combined, and Deirdre White, CEO and President of CDC Development Solutions, will continue as CEO of the combined organization.  Ms. Schodde will remain President of the USCCD during a transition period and subsequently serve CDC Development Solutions in a consultant capacity.

This merger was made possible in part through the support of MidAmerican Energy Holdings Company and the legal counsel of DLA Piper.

About CDC Development Solutions
CDC Development Solutions is an international NGO based in Washington, D.C. that leverages private sector resources to advance development in emerging markets across the world. Through its International Corporate Volunteer programs, MBAs Without Borders, Local Content / Supply Chain Development initiatives and Enterprise and Economic Development programs, CDC Development Solutions seeks to build the capacity of local businesses and NGOs and the infrastructure that supports their growth and success.   CDC Development Solutions designs and manages programs for corporations that include IBM, Dow Corning, SAP, John Deere, and Pfizer among others.

About U.S. Center for Citizen Diplomacy
The USCCD is a five-year-old national non-profit organization established to promote citizen engagement in international affairs and honor and expand the important work of over 1700 U.S. based non-profits dedicated to conducting citizen diplomacy programs in the United States and abroad.

PYXERA Global

PYXERA Global

CDC is a nonprofit organization that supports private sector development and economic growth in emerging markets worldwide by delivering practical strategies and solutions and the expertise of business professionals.

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