On December 8, 2011, Volunteers for Economic Growth Alliance (VEGA) hosted its Annual Assembly meeting at the Institute of International Education (IIE) – one of the 17 member organizations that comprise VEGA. 

The assembly's guest speaker was Wendy Abt, USAID’s Deputy Assistant Administrator for the Bureau of Economic Growth, Agriculture and Trade. In her remarks, Ms. Abt addressed USAID’s reform agenda and its areas of focus, with an emphasis on “Sustainable Economic Growth.” She encouraged NGOs to focus on creating Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) in order to achieve sustainable economic growth in communities across the world. Four VEGA members provided comments on Ms. Abt's remarks, drawing on their experience supporting PPAs in various countries.  VEGA’s Annual Assembly meeting concluded by celebrating the International Volunteer Day (IVD) and the 10th Anniversary of the International Year of the Volunteer (IVY+10). In recognition of these events, the Volunteers for Economic Growth Alliance (VEGA) was pleased to honor three exceptional volunteers for their work in helping improve the lives of those living in developing economies.  For more information about the Awardees please click here.