FR 2025-01105

The document in question is a notice from the United States Institute of Peace (USIP), announcing an upcoming meeting of its Board of Directors. Scheduled to be held on January 24, 2025, at 9 a.m., with another meeting slated for April 25, 2025, it takes place at USIP's headquarters in Washington, D.C. The announcement serves as an official communication of the Board's gatherings and provides essential details such as location and contact information for further inquiries.

General Summary

The notice primarily serves an administrative purpose, informing interested parties of the upcoming meeting dates for the USIP Board of Directors. Such notices are standard procedural requirements to ensure transparency and public awareness of the operations of government-related entities. The notice provides essential contact details and addresses where these meetings will take place.

Significant Issues or Concerns

Several issues arise upon reviewing the document. Firstly, the document lacks details concerning the meeting's agenda, particularly on financial decisions or budgeting discussions. This absence of information makes it challenging to assess how efficiently resources are being utilized, and whether there might be instances of wasteful spending or favoritism.

Additionally, it is noted that portions of the meeting might be closed to the public according to specific legal provisions. While this is a common practice to protect sensitive information, the lack of specificity on which topics will be discussed in open versus closed sessions can lead to questions regarding transparency and what information the public is allowed to access.

Finally, the reference to legal authorities such as "22 U.S.C. 4605(h)(3)" is provided without an explanation. For those not familiar with legal references, a brief description could aid in understanding the foundational laws guiding the Board's operations.

Impact on the Public

For the general public, the main impact of this document is its role in maintaining transparency. Public announcements of government meetings serve as a check on the exercise of authority by ensuring that decisions do not occur entirely behind closed doors. The opportunity to obtain further information offers a pathway for increased public engagement and oversight.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

Specific stakeholders, such as individuals involved in peace-building efforts, governmental watchdog organizations, and funded project leads, might find these meetings critical. The document's announcement could affect their planning and engagement strategies with USIP. These meetings are occasions where policies and projects can be influenced or assessed, and the outcomes may directly impact the stakeholders' missions.

The omission of detailed agendas and session outlines may limit interested stakeholders' ability to prepare or engage with the board fully, especially if they have vested interests in the topics under discussion. Consequently, it could hinder the effectiveness of their advocacy or collaboration efforts with USIP.

Overall, while the document fulfills its basic function of announcing a meeting, enhanced transparency and detailed information could improve public trust and stakeholder engagement with the USIP Board of Directors.