ONE’s Policy Manager Josh Lozman reports from the White House Summit on International Development:

President Bush just finished his address to attendees at the White House Summit on International Development. He sounded as much like an advocate for international development as he did a president.

Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf offered a spirited introduction for the President, saying that “on my continent, this President will be remembered for his generosity.” President Sirleaf’s energy is tangible. Both her words and her presence at this summit are testament to the progress that Liberia has made and proof of Liberia’s “shared history and shared destiny.”

President Bush highlighted the successes of U.S. programs like PEPFAR, the President’s Malaria Initiative, the Millennium Challenge Corporation and the African Growth and Opportunity Act (legislation which makes it easier for African products to come into the U.S.). The President also discussed the need for the United States to remain committed to foreign assistance during these economically-challenging times. He described development as a critical part of our foreign policy that fits into our long-term security, financial and moral interests.

Many of the Administration’s new initiatives are designed around measurable results that operate on a core belief that each action requires accountability. This has been central to the discussions here today.

Stay tuned here for more from the summit.