CARE International: Evolving to Meet the Challenges of the 21st Century

Abstract

Since 1945, CARE has evolved from an American organization to an international confederation dedicated to humanitarian relief and human development. Working in some 70 countries, CARE partners with local institutions and has increased our involvement in advocacy. Despite 50 years of progress, 1 billion people continue to live in poverty. Poverty and inequality are compounded by complex emergencies, resulting in large-scale population displacements and human rights abuses. At the same time, the international community has retreated from its commitments, and Official Development Assistance (ODA) has declined significantly. Internally, CARE faces the challenges of forging a shared vision, creating a balanced confederation, and maintaining diversified funding. CARE seeks to open its insular culture and transform itself into a global organization, with strong southern representation. CARE believes that the successful organizations of the future will have diverse management and governance and will be plugged into a broad array of global networks, while maintaining strong local roots.