Microsoft Corp. and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the U.S President�s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), and the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) today announced a unique public-private collaboration that intends to promote international development in the areas of economic growth, health, governance, education and humanitarian assistance around the world. The five-year public-private partnership aims to catalyze the global community to address the diverse social and business challenges faced by those who currently receive few or no benefits from technology.

Building on decades of business experience, research and development, and corporate citizenship efforts, Microsoft will strengthen its ongoing commitment, known as Unlimited Potential, to helping those underserved by technology overcome the barriers to social and economic empowerment.

By seeking to share respective strengths, experience and resources (including human, in-kind and financial support) Microsoft, USAID, PEPFAR and MCC will support achievement of the following core development objectives: