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With the U.S. Agency for International Development officially dismantled and its remnants folded into the State Department, the landscape of global aid is at a turning point. We delve into expert perspectives on what the future of foreign assistance might entail, exploring proposed transformations from widening the donor base beyond traditional Western nations to building new institutions and streamlining existing ones, such as the United Nations. This reimagining of aid aims to create a more effective and equitable system for a world grappling with evolving challenges and shifting geopolitical dynamics. With France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and the United States all cutting their aid budgets at the same time for the first time in decades, many low- and middle-income countries are facing steep declines in support. While African leaders have called the cuts “brutal,” they have also maintained that the slashing of foreign aid may act as the wake-up call needed to break their dependency on traditional donors. We also analyze President Trump's "big, beautiful bill" and its potential implications for the global development sector. To dig into these stories and others, Devex Business Editor David Ainsworth sits down with Managing Editor Anna Gawel and global development expert Nasra Ismail for the latest episode of This Week in Global Development. Sign up to the Devex Newswire and our other newsletters: https://www.devex.com/account/newsletters

As the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development wraps up, Devex reporters Jesse Chase-Lubitz and Elissa Miolene join Associate Editor Thomas Cserép for a podcast episode reflecting on what transpired this week in Sevilla — beyond the sweltering 115 degrees Celsius heat. The big takeaway from FfD4 is the Compromiso de Sevilla, a document that participants view as both a commitment and a compromise. "Multilateralism lives" became the conference's unofficial motto as countries adapted to the United States' absence. “It's more of a pickup moment after six months of global upheaval, and now moving forward and seeing what's next, and perhaps there'll be other actors that fill that gap, and maybe that might come from the global south itself,” Miolene said. Key outcomes include establishing a borrowers' group to amplify the voices of low- and middle-income countries, and creating a global debt registry aimed at promoting transparency. While climate language was significantly watered down due to the United States' proposed amendments prior to their withdrawal, tax reform gained momentum, with renewed calls for a U.N. convention on international tax cooperation. However, civil society groups expressed frustration over access restrictions at the conference, while journalists faced rigorous checkpoints entering areas where negotiations were actually taking place. At the conference's side events, private sector engagement was notably high, suggesting that despite falling aid budgets, there's a genuine appetite for partnerships — with the overall mood remaining cautiously optimistic about what comes next.

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Special episode: Reimagining a more just and equitable global system by Devex

Development leaders have converged on Sevilla, Spain, for the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development, or FfD4 — the first such gathering in a decade — as shrinking aid budgets and a U.S. retreat from multilateral commitments reshape the sector. At the 2015 conference in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, official development assistance was at record levels amid ambitious “billions to trillions” rhetoric — the idea that limited public funds could catalyze massive private investment to tackle global challenges such as climate change. Today's backdrop includes the pandemic fallout, inflation, the war in Ukraine, and sweeping aid cuts. The U.S. participated in outcome document negotiations until the final stages, reportedly proposing 400 amendments to soften the language on climate and gender before withdrawing entirely, citing too many “red lines.” In this special live podcast episode recorded at Casa Devex, Devex's events hub for the next few days, reporters Elissa Miolene and Jesse Chase-Lubitz sit down with Executive Editor Kate Warren to discuss what's at stake and why this “once-in-a-decade” forum has taken on heightened significance.

Special episode: Can health survive the development finance revolution? by Devex

This week, we have been closely following the Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance's high-level replenishment event in Brussels. Gavi, the leading international organization that provides vaccines to lower-income countries, finalized its five-year investment round event with more than $9 billion in pledges — falling short of its total budget request of $11.9 billion. The United States decided to cut its support for the organization, with U.S. health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. stating that the country will not fund Gavi until it works to “re-earn the public trust.” On the topic of the U.S., our discussion also covers the Trump administration's decision to withdraw support for various U.N. Sustainable Development Goal commitments, alongside its absence from the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development. To discuss these stories and others, Business Editor David Ainsworth sits down with Sara Jerving and Colum Lynch for the latest episode of our podcast series. Sign up to the Devex Newswire and our other newsletters: https://www.devex.com/account/newsletters

This week, we are at the Bonn Climate Change Conference. From climate financing to the absence of the United States, we take a look at the major talking points at the summit and contemplate whether the talks will translate into actionable policies. We also look at how the Trump administration's plans to cut foreign aid funding could create unexpected domestic repercussions for American agricultural producers. This policy shift carries severe consequences, potentially undermining the economic stability of U.S. farmers involved in aid supply chains and degrading crucial international mechanisms for disease and pest surveillance that transcend national borders. In order to dig into these stories, and others, Senior Editor Rumbi Chakamba sits down with Global Development Reporters Ayenat Mersie and Jesse Chase-Lubitz for the latest episode of our weekly podcast series. Sign up to the Devex Newswire and our other newsletters: https://www.devex.com/account/newsletters

In celebration of our 100th podcast episode, we're revisiting the most impactful global development stories from the past two years, covering the period since our very first recording. From the evolving aid landscape to the critical discussions around localization, we explore some of the key themes in global development that we have been covering. We examine the growing burden of debt in low-income countries and the urgent need for climate finance. During this episode, we also look back at the key takeaways from the Hamburg Sustainability Conference, where Devex was a media partner. For this week's edition, Business Editor David Ainsworth sits down with Devex President and Editor-in-Chief Raj Kumar and Global Development Reporter Elissa Miolene to mark this special occasion. Sign up to the Devex Newswire and our other newsletters: https://www.devex.com/account/newsletters

On this week's podcast episode, we unpack U.S. President Donald Trump's 2026 budget request, which proposes sweeping cuts to foreign aid and includes the elimination of funding for major global health initiatives such as Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance and The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. The administration has also submitted a $9.4 billion rescission proposal to the U.S. Congress, seeking to formally cancel previously approved funds, much of it earmarked for foreign assistance. If approved, the move would codify into law cuts already made by the Department of Government Efficiency. The upcoming congressional response will be a critical test of foreign aid advocacy. We also discuss what happened at last week's African Development Bank meetings in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, where delegates discussed the need to diversify funding sources in the wake of U.S. aid cuts and focus on more reliable partnerships. The meetings also marked a leadership transition, with Mauritania's Sidi Ould Tah appointed as the AfDB's new president, vowing to mobilize private sector investment and deepen partnerships with the Gulf states. To discuss these stories, Devex Senior Editor Rumbi Chakamba is joined by reporters Michael Igoe and Ayenat Mersie for this episode of This Week in Global Development.

On this week's podcast episode, we unpack U.S. President Donald Trump's 2026 budget request, which proposes sweeping cuts to foreign aid and includes the elimination of funding for major global health initiatives such as Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance and The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. The administration has also submitted a $9.4 billion rescission proposal to the U.S. Congress, seeking to formally cancel previously approved funds, much of it earmarked for foreign assistance. If approved, the move would codify into law cuts already made by the Department of Government Efficiency. The upcoming congressional response will be a critical test of foreign aid advocacy. We also discuss what happened at last week's African Development Bank meetings in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, where delegates discussed the need to diversify funding sources in the wake of U.S. aid cuts and focus on more reliable partnerships. The meetings also marked a leadership transition, with Mauritania's Sidi Ould Tah appointed as the AfDB's new president, vowing to mobilize private sector investment and deepen partnerships with the Gulf states. To discuss these stories, Devex Senior Editor Rumbi Chakamba is joined by reporters Michael Igoe and Ayenat Mersie for this episode of This Week in Global Development.

This week we reflect on the 78th World Health Assembly, which Devex covered on the ground in Geneva. From the historic agreement of the Pandemic Treaty to the World Health Organization's strategies for addressing its persistent funding gap, we analyze the key takeaways from the conference. We also discuss the U.S.- and Israeli-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation's aid delivery mechanism, which is facing internal collapse and accusations of violating humanitarian norms. The organization's now-former executive director, Jake Wood, resigned on Sunday, just one day before the private humanitarian organization's food aid distribution plan for Gaza launched, saying that it was “not possible” to implement the initiative “while also strictly adhering to humanitarian principles.” This week's episode also looks ahead to the topics we will be following at the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development starting next month in Seville, Spain. Digging into these stories and others, Devex Business Editor David Ainsworth sits down with Senior Editor Rumbi Chakamba and Global Development Reporter Jesse Chase-Lubitz to bring you This Week in Global Development. Sign up to the Devex Newswire and our other newsletters: https://www.devex.com/account/newsletters

Explosive growth in the middle class, rapid urbanization, digitization and automation, the energy transition, and evolving geopolitics — these all present unique challenges for today's businesses, said Jonathan Fantini-Porter, senior vice president of social impact in the Americas at Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth. It's against this backdrop that public and private sector leaders are grappling with questions of longevity, opportunity, and continued growth. With this in mind, Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth and Devex convened over 400 practitioners from the fields of tech, policy, and finance last month in Washington, D.C., for the Global Inclusive Growth Summit. The sessions and conversation centered on what it takes to create and lead economic growth, how to future-proof an organization's mission, and the role of innovative leadership in shaping a better future. “The key is the shared urgency around how we future-proof inclusive growth … and the importance of cross-sector collaboration at scale,” said Fantini-Porter. “Siloed solutions just aren't enough in this context that we're living through at this point.” Taking that conversation beyond the summit, Fantini-Porter talks to Raj Kumar, Devex's president and editor-in-chief, in a special podcast episode about how businesses — especially small businesses in rural areas — can create resilience in their communities and support economic opportunities for all. This special episode of This week in Global Development was sponsored by the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth.

With the 78th World Health Assembly in full swing, we dig into the main talking point of the conference: the Pandemic Agreement. The landmark treaty was adopted during this year's edition of the annual summit. The agreement is designed to create a world better prepared for pandemics, ensuring a more equitable distribution of lifesaving medical interventions — a key challenge highlighted by the COVID-19 response. We delve into what this means for pandemic preparedness and chart the essential next steps. During the conversation, we also discuss the funding challenges faced by the World Health Organization and possible solutions that are being explored to ensure its sustainable future. For this special episode of our podcast series recorded live on the sidelines of the World Health Assembly, Devex Senior Editor Rumbi Chakamba sits down with Helen Clark, the former Prime Minister of New Zealand, and Dr. Ngashi Ngongo, the principal adviser to the director-general on program management and the continental incident manager for mpox at the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. Sign up to the Devex Newswire and our other newsletters: https://www.devex.com/account/newsletters

Next week, the global health community will convene in Geneva for the World Health Organization's annual decision-making summit, the World Health Assembly. We preview the pivotal discussions expected to shape the coming year, including the implications of recent leadership changes and cost-saving initiatives at WHO, as well as the evolving role of philanthropic organizations in funding global health. We also discuss U.S. President Donald Trump's self-described “big, beautiful bill,” which made its way through a key congressional tax-writing committee on Wednesday. The 389-page plan would increase taxes on private foundations, place a 5% tax on remittances for non-U.S. citizens, and allow the government to revoke the tax-exempt status of organizations it says support terrorists. To analyze these stories, and others, Devex Senior Reporter Adva Saldinger sits down with Managing Editor Anna Gawel and senior global health reporter Jenny Lei Ravelo for the latest episode of our podcast series. Join our global health reporting team in person or online in Geneva from May 19 to 22 as we host a series of events and roundtables on the sidelines of the 78th World Health Assembly. This journalist-led summit will bring sector leaders to discuss and explore solutions to some of the most pressing issues in global health. Check out the lineup of programs and register here: https://pages.devex.com/devex-checkup-at-wha-78.html

For this special episode of our weekly podcast series, we sit down with outgoing UNDP Administrator Achim Steiner. He reflects on his two terms, navigating the agency through transitions and current disruptions. Steiner candidly discusses the significant impact of Trump administration program cuts, detailing how they disrupted vital partnerships and supply chains in crisis-hit countries. Hear his take on these impactful cancellations within the larger context of UNDP's work. Steiner also addresses the concerning trend of declining development finance for much of the developing world, despite overall ODA figures. He confronts the growing skepticism around multilateral institutions and the critical need for internal reflection. Looking ahead, Steiner highlights UNDP's adaptation through new partnerships and financing, urging a global shift towards innovative funding solutions, especially for the most vulnerable nations. Tune in for this crucial discussion on the changing face of development.

This week, we learned that billionaire philanthropist Bill Gates will commit most of his fortune to the Gates Foundation, which will close in 2045. Before this date, the foundation will double its philanthropy, spending $200 billion over the next two decades. The announcement comes as the organization, which has given away $100 billion since 2000, marks its 25th anniversary. Meanwhile, at the end of last week, U.S. President Donald Trump's budget proposed an unprecedented slashing of U.S. foreign assistance, making huge cuts to global health, humanitarian aid, and core economic and development work. We discuss the details of Trump's budget proposal for fiscal year 2026, and its potential impact on the global development sector. As the future of foreign aid remains in limbo, 400,000 boxes of food for malnourished children remain stuck in the United States. To explore these stories and others, Senior Editor Rumbi Chakamba sits down with reporters Sara Jerving and Elissa Miolene for the latest episode of our weekly podcast series. Sign up to the Devex Newswire and our other newsletters: https://www.devex.com/account/newsletters

This week marked the first 100 days of the second Trump presidency. From the cutting of foreign aid programs to the laying off of government staff, we reflect on the second Trump administration's impact on the global development sector. On the topic of the U.S. government, the Department of Government Efficiency is also planning to shut down the Millennium Challenge Corporation. However, efforts are underway to try and save the agency, which has enjoyed bipartisan support and is seen as a key tool to countering China's geopolitical influence. We also look back at the key takeaways from the Global Inclusive Growth Summit hosted by the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth, where Devex was a media partner. To dig into these stories, and others, Devex Editor Rumbi Chakamba sits down with Devex President and Editor-in-Chief Raj Kumar and Senior Reporter Adva Saldinger for the latest episode of our weekly podcast series. Sign up to the Devex Newswire and our other newsletters: https://www.devex.com/account/newsletters

Special episode: What's at stake in the race for critical raw materials? by Devex

Summary Award-winning journalist Roger Thurow reveals how conventional farming practices are simultaneously depleting resources and failing millions of farmers worldwide. His investigation finds that many receiving food aid are actually food producers, highlighting a fundamental flaw in global agricultural systems. Drawing from field research across multiple continents, Thurow highlights promising indigenous and regenerative farming approaches that could transform global food systems while addressing climate challenges. Chapters 00:00 The Collision of Nourishment and Planetary Health 02:30 The Journey into Agriculture and Food Security 05:42 Unintended Consequences of Agricultural Practices 10:25 Lessons from Farmers: Regret and Resilience 14:26 The Debate: Regenerative vs. Modern Agriculture 20:08 Indigenous Knowledge and Innovation in Agriculture 25:15 The Role of Farmers in Global Agriculture 27:54 The Importance of Listening to Farmers Want to stay updated on the latest news in global development? Subscribe to Devex's Newswire: https://www.devex.com/newsletters/newswire

With the World Bank and International Monetary Fund Spring Meetings in full swing, we are recording live from the conference. From the United States' approach to the institutions to how to create more jobs in the global workforce, we take a look at the key discussion points at the summit. On the topic of the U.S., we chew over the possibility that the uncertainty surrounding potential tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump's administration may be more damaging than the tariffs themselves, drying up liquidity and forcing painful choices on indebted nations. During the conversation, we also get into our scoop on the Department of Government Efficiency's targeting of the Millennium Challenge Corporation. In the coming weeks, the agency is expected to face a reduction in both staff and programming. To explore these stories, Business Editor David Ainsworth sits down with reporters Adva Saldinger and Jesse Chase-Lubitz, who are covering the Spring Meetings this week, for the latest episode of our weekly podcast series. Sign up to the Devex Newswire and our other newsletters: https://www.devex.com/account/newsletters

This week we published a story in which we spoke with 14 former and current World Central Kitchen staff members and contractors to find out what lay behind the deaths of seven of the nonprofit's staff members in Gaza. The interviewees described a workplace plagued by risk, inadequate training, and a “build-the-plane-while-flying-it” mentality. With the Spring Meetings of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund coming up next week, we discuss what the gathering will mean for the global development sector. It's the first World Bank meeting since U.S. President Donald Trump's election in January, and all eyes will be on how the United States will approach the talks and its relationship with the institution. We also take a look at the key takeaways from our event with U.S. Rep. French Hill, a Republican from Arkansas and chair of the House Financial Services Committee, who argued that the World Bank is disproportionately focused on climate change and it needs to be pushed “back on course.” To unpack what happened to the World Central Kitchen staffers in Gaza and to look ahead to the World Bank-IMF Spring Meetings, Senior Editor Rumbi Chakamba sits down with reporters Adva Saldinger and Elissa Miolene, as well as Clemence Landers, vice president and senior policy fellow at the Center For Global Development. Sign up to the Devex Newswire and our other newsletters: https://www.devex.com/account/newsletters

5 billion people lack access to surgery. Here's what needs to change by Devex

Summary Garance Wattez-Richard, CEO of AXA EssentiALL, discusses the transformative potential of inclusive insurance in addressing vulnerabilities, particularly in low and middle-income countries. She sits down with Raj Kumar to share her journey into the insurance industry, the evolution of microinsurance, and the importance of regulatory frameworks. The discussion highlights the profitability of inclusive insurance and its critical role in achieving sustainable development goals, especially in the context of climate change. Chapters 00:00 The Risk of Vulnerability 00:47 Revolutionizing Insurance for All 01:37 A Journey into Development and Insurance 06:45 The Evolution of Microinsurance 11:41 Profitability in Inclusive Insurance 14:50 The Risks of Insurance Solutions 19:15 Regulatory Challenges in Emerging Markets 23:07 Insurance as a Core Development Activity 28:13 The Future of Insurance and Development Want to stay updated on the latest news in global development? Subscribe to Devex's Newswire: https://www.devex.com/newsletters/newswire 

Confusion surrounding U.S. foreign assistance deepened this week as USAID reversed several program terminations—including life-saving food aid—just days after announcing them. The World Food Programme called the initial cuts a “death sentence for millions,” and organizations are now raising questions about data accuracy and decision-making inside the administration. We also look at how European governments are quietly debating whether to fill the gaps left by U.S. cuts, and what U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio's recent podcast appearance reveals about the administration's shifting aid priorities.  To unpack these developments, Senior Reporter Adva Saldinger is joined by Global Development Reporter Elissa Miolene and Business Editor David Ainsworth for the latest episode of our weekly podcast series.  Sign up to the Devex Newswire and our other newsletters: https://www.devex.com/account/newsletters  Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Global Development Headlines 00:58 USAID Program Terminations and Confusion 09:06 Congressional Role and Future of Foreign Aid 12:24 PEPFAR and Bipartisan Support  16:57 European Foreign Aid Dynamics 25:20 Marco Rubio's Perspective on Foreign Aid

The Trump administration formally informed Congress of its proposal to abolish USAID, merging key aspects of its operations into the State Department. This plan involves the complete shutdown of the agency and subsequent staff layoffs. Despite this, the U.S. government intends to preserve vital programs concerning humanitarian assistance, food security, and global health, potentially leading to the rehiring of some former USAID employees under the State Department. This week we are also in Oxford, United Kingdom, at Skoll World Forum — the annual gathering for social entrepreneurs. We take a look at the key takeaways from the conference, where leaders from some of the world's biggest foundations are calling philanthropists to step up and do more to help the nonprofit sector. To explore these stories, Senior Editor Rumbi Chakamba sits down with Managing Editor Anna Gawel and Business Editor David Ainsworth for the latest episode of our weekly podcast series. Sign up to the Devex Newswire and our other newsletters: https://www.devex.com/account/newsletters

Summary Discover why "business as usual" fails in the world's toughest places. Viva Ona Bartkus sits down with Raj Kumar to reveal the counterintuitive tactics that unlock massive opportunities where others fear to tread. Learn why: The most successful security strategy isn't higher walls – it's community ownership How to turn "middlemen with guns" into business partners Why Chinese companies are winning while Western firms hesitate Plus: The radical partnership model that's transforming dangerous markets from Uganda to Colombia. Bartkus shares explosive insights from 15+ years working with multinationals, Special Forces, and local communities in conflict zones. – Chapters 00:00 Embedding Business in Local Communities 01:53 The Journey to Frontline Markets 07:02 Understanding Market Dynamics 11:18 The Role of Middlemen in Local Economies 12:45 Security Through Community Engagement 16:14 The Next Round of Globalization 20:02 The Competitive Landscape of Global Investment 23:42 Collaboration Between Security and Development 25:28 Bridging the Gap Between Business and Humanitarian Efforts 28:41 The Role of ESG in Business Strategies 31:17 Adapting Business Models for Extractive Industries 36:43 The Future of Development Finance – Want to stay updated on the latest news in global development? Subscribe to Devex's Newswire: https://www.devex.com/newsletters/newswire

This week, the Trump administration released a detailed inventory of 5,341 discontinued USAID programs, alongside the 898 projects that are still active. We dig into the ins and outs of the data to assess the true scope of the government's policy changes, as well as reveal which programs have been most affected. During the conversation, we also discussed how the Trump administration's foreign policy is affecting U.N. agencies and their funding. On the topic of the United Nations, the U.N. Arab Group, which represents the U.N.'s 22 Arab countries, has formally nominated Palestinian diplomat Riyad Mansour for the U.N. General Assembly presidency, setting the stage for a clash with the U.S. and Israel. For the latest podcast episode, Business Editor David Ainsworth sits down with Senior Reporter Adva Saldinger and Senior Global Reporter Colum Lynch to discuss these stories and others. NOTE ON THIS EPISODE: This podcast was recorded before the White House withdrew Rep. Elise Stefanik's nomination to be the U.S. ambassador to the U.N. U.S. President Donald Trump posted on the social media platform Truth Social Thursday that he has asked her to step aside so Republicans could keep the majority in the House of Representatives and not risk giving up her seat. Sign up to the Devex Newswire and our other newsletters: https://www.devex.com/account/newsletters

In this special episode of This Week in Global Development, Devex dives deeper into how climate change is driving increased gender-based violence and harassment in the world of work and the cutting-edge research that's not only mapping its impacts but also improving our understanding of potential solutions. Hear directly from Kathy Baughman McLeod, the founder and CEO of Climate Resilience for All, a global NGO dedicated to strengthening women's health and livelihoods in the face of climate-driven extreme heat, and Shikha Silliman Bhattacharjee, the head of research, policy, and innovation at human and labor rights organization Equidem, as they discuss how their research is helping to fill an increasingly urgent gap. In conversation with Devex President and Editor-in-Chief Raj Kumar, they also discuss how research can help document climate-driven GBVH in the world of work in a way that centers the lived experience of women workers. This episode is sponsored by Funders Organized for Right in the Global Economy (FORGE). Visit Women Rising — a new narrative series spotlighting the intersection of gender-based violence and harassment and climate change in the world of work.

This week we dig into the different proposals on how the Trump administration could reform foreign assistance. According to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio's post on the social media platform X, 1,000 programs will be retained, with plans to potentially fold USAID into the State Department. We also learned that Peter Marocco, who acted as deputy administrator of USAID for 6 weeks, has officially left USAID but remains at the State Department. However, given that the two government bodies may be interlinked in the not-so-distant future, he may still play a role in the shaping of U.S. foreign aid. With programs being canceled, reinstated, and canceled again, a great deal of uncertainty remains on what programs will be kept at the end of the process. The Department of Government Efficiency has also taken over the U.S. Institute of Peace, which appears to be the first nonprofit Elon Musk's agency attempted to breach. What will become of USAID? Which foreign aid programs will be kept? To unpack these stories, Senior Reporter Adva Saldinger sits down with President and Editor-in-Chief Raj Kumar and Global Development Reporter Elissa Miolene for the latest episode of our weekly podcast series. Sign up to the Devex Newswire and our other newsletters: https://www.devex.com/account/newsletters

This week a federal judge ordered the Trump administration to pay USAID partners for billions of dollars in foreign aid work completed before Feb. 13. The ruling also stated that the president does not have “unbounded power” in the realm of foreign affairs. This means that the U.S. government must spend the money that's already been appropriated by Congress. We discuss whether this ruling will hold and what it will mean for U.S. foreign assistance. We also analyze the potential effects of evolving U.S. foreign aid policies on the World Food Programme's fight against global hunger and contemplate whether philanthropy will fill the gap left by governments. To dig into these stories, and others, Devex's David Ainsworth sits down with Anna Gawel and Ayenat Mersie for the latest episode of our weekly podcast series. Sign up to the Devex Newswire and our other newsletters: https://www.devex.com/account/newsletters

This week the U.S. Supreme Court has rejected the Trump administration's attempt to not pay billions of dollars in foreign aid to USAID and State Department partners — lifting a temporary reprieve granted by Chief Justice John Roberts. On the topic of USAID, the U.S. African Development Foundation mounted a direct challenge to the Trump administration. Wednesday saw USADF staff physically prevent Department of Government Efficiency officials from entering their offices. Across the pond, U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced the shifting of billions in aid spending to fund a larger military. This means that the U.K.'s aid budget will be cut to just 0.3% of gross national income by 2027, despite a manifesto promise to increase this figure from 0.5% back to 0.7%. To explore these stories and others, Senior Reporter Adva Saldinger sits down with Deputy Managing Editor Fiona Zublin and Global Development Reporter Elissa Miolene for the latest episode of our weekly podcast series. Sign up to the Devex Newswire and our other newsletters: https://www.devex.com/account/newsletters

This week we closely followed the latest developments on the U.S. government's attempt at dismantling USAID. We learned that the Trump administration has decided to cut 1,600 USAID personnel based in the United States, while also placing nearly all direct hires worldwide on administrative leave by midnight Sunday. Simultaneously, the Trump administration terminated nearly 10,000 foreign aid awards under USAID and the U.S. State Department, including those delivering critical humanitarian aid. And following a contentious legal battle in the lower courts, the U.S. Supreme Court paused a judge's order forcing the government to pay $2 billion in frozen foreign aid, giving the Trump administration a temporary reprieve from the directive issued by a U.S. District Court. What's next for USAID and U.S. foreign assistance? To take a look at the situation, Devex Senior Editor Rumbi Chakamba sits down with Senior Reporter Sara Jerving and Global Development Reporter Elissa Miolene for the latest episode of our weekly podcast series. Sign up to the Devex Newswire and our other newsletters: https://www.devex.com/account/newsletters

From refugee camps to Oxfam's helm, Danny Sriskandarajah has witnessed firsthand how real change can happen—not in boardrooms, but on streets and in communities. Drawing from his book "Power to the People," he challenges the development sector's top-down mindset by showcasing how citizen action, from anti-corruption movements to neighborhood repair cafes, creates lasting social transformation. In an era where just 3% of humanity lives in truly open societies, Sriskandarajah presents a compelling case for what he calls "the undergrowth": the vital networks of civic engagement that bypass traditional institutions to build solutions from the ground up. His message is both urgent and optimistic: in a world of climate crisis and democratic decline, our most powerful lever for change isn't waiting for permission—it's citizens reclaiming their power.

This week we were closely following the lawsuits filed against the Trump administration for freezing U.S. foreign assistance. One of the lawsuits targets Elon Musk, stating that the billionaire has decimated the U.S. Agency for International Development without the authority to do so. However, the government appears to be determined to fight back against those who are ready to challenge its decisions. We also look back at the Munich Security Conference, where we were media partners. From conversations on food security to the attendance of U.S. Vice President JD Vance, we discuss the key takeaways from the event. For the latest episode of our podcast series, Devex Business Editor David Ainsworth sits down with Devex President and Editor-in-Chief Raj Kumar, and Devex Managing Editor Anna Gawel, to dig into these stories and more. Sign up to the Devex Newswire and our other newsletters: https://www.devex.com/account/newsletters

This week we were closely tracking the legal battles surrounding USAID's closure, with lawsuits filed by both former contractors and NGO partners as the fallout from the agency's shutdown continues to reverberate across the global development community. USAID is not the only institution in the sector being affected by the new U.S. administration. We also reported that the U.N.'s International Organization for Migration has edited out any references to sexual reproductive rights and diversity, equity, and inclusion in an apparent effort to prevent the Trump administration from making severe budget cuts to their programs. What will be the outcome of the lawsuits? How will other U.N. agencies react to Trump's presidency? For the latest episode of our podcast series, Rumbi Chakamba sits down with Anna Gawel and Colum Lynch to break down these stories, and others. Sign up to the Devex Newswire and our other newsletters: https://www.devex.com/account/newsletters

This week our entire newsroom has been on the story of how the Trump administration has dismantled the U.S. Agency for International Development. The administrative leave of much of USAID's workforce, including senior executives and almost all international staff, coupled with the layoff of thousands of contractors, has cast a long shadow over the future of U.S. foreign aid as we know it and raised concerns across the development sector about the continuity of critical programs. On Feb. 5, our team was on the ground as thousands rallied outside the U.S. Capitol, protesting the gutting of USAID. What will happen next? To make sense of the situation, Devex Senior Reporter Adva Saldinger sits down with Devex Reporters Sara Jerving and Elissa Miolene for the latest edition of our weekly podcast series. Sign up to the Devex Newswire and our other newsletters: https://www.devex.com/account/newsletters

Ville Tavio, Finland's minister for foreign trade and development and a member of the right-wing Finns Party, which he described as "somewhat like a Finland First party,” addressed misconceptions about conservative hostility toward international development during a special episode of This Week in Global Development from Davos, Switzerland.

Widespread confusion and uncertainty continue to ripple through the development sector following the U.S. government's stop-work order on foreign aid programs. The directive has already resulted in mass layoffs this week, particularly among contractors and implementing partners reliant on USAID funding, while nearly 60 senior USAID officials have been placed on administrative leave. The U.S. State Department issued a waiver Wednesday for “life-saving humanitarian assistance,” but ambiguity remains over which programs qualify. It is still unclear what this specifically applies to and whether it includes initiatives such as PEPFAR, which provides lifesaving antiretrovirals for millions of people living with HIV/AIDS. In this episode of the This week in global development podcast, Devex Business Editor David Ainsworth is joined by Devex Senior Reporters Adva Saldinger and Sara Jerving for the latest updates on this rapidly evolving situation and to discuss what the long-term implications for U.S. foreign aid infrastructure could be.

Sania Nishtar, the CEO of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, sees the organization's new five-year strategy, dubbed “Gavi 6.0,” as an opportunity for a reset. She provided Devex with an exclusive preview. Sign up to the Devex Newswire and our other newsletters: https://www.devex.com/account/newsletters

This Week in Global Dev: #81: What does Trump's first week in office mean for global development? by Devex

On a special special episode of This Week in Global Development, Winnie Byanyima, executive director of UNAIDS, warned of major consequences for people with HIV if U.S. under President Trump cuts funding to programs such as PEPFAR and the Global Fund. Sign up to the Devex Newswire and our other newsletters: https://www.devex.com/account/newsletters

Migration is surging worldwide — as is the backlash to it. Perhaps nowhere is this backlash more evident at the moment than in the United States, where newly minted President Donald Trump has said he will deport all of the estimated 11 million undocumented immigrants living in the country. Amy Pope doesn't think that is practical, or productive. Pope, director-general of the International Organization for Migration, which falls under the United Nations, told Devex that such a mass deportation would have a range of repercussions, assuming it's even feasible. “In the United States where you're talking over 11 million people who've been living and working there, frankly — and I know this because I worked at a time when more than 400,000 people were removed in a year under President Obama — the system cannot bear removing 11 million people. The logistical capacity does not exist,” she told Devex Editor-in-Chief Raj Kumar during a special episode of the This Week in Global Development podcast from the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. While the logistical capacity may not exist, the economic toll certainly does, Pope said. “It is clear that American industry has been relying on migrants — high-skilled, low-skilled, irregular, regular — across the board. So if you start to pull out that workforce, if you do not have another workforce ready to go in, you're going to see the impact across the board,” she said, citing industries such as agriculture, construction, manufacturing, and food processing. Moreover, irregular migration strengthens smugglers and traffickers while weakening trust in governments. “It undermines confidence in government. Because if the government cannot manage its border and if there's a perception that everybody can come to the border and cross and you don't have to wait in a line … it undermines public confidence,” she said. Rather, governments need to set up a system where migration is legal and orderly. “If you've been living in a country, if you have been holding a job, paying your taxes, not committing crimes, kids are in school, whatever … you offer people a way to regularize their status,” she said. “Let's give them status — make sure they're paid fairly, make sure that their entry into the workforce is being done in a regular way.” To hear more of Pope's thoughts — including why people migrate and what aid agencies can do in a time of ever-tightening budgets — check out the podcast. Sign up to the Devex Newswire and our other newsletters: https://www.devex.com/account/newsletters

Special Olympics' Chief of Global Youth & Education, Jackie Jodl, joins Raj Kumar for a podcast episode looking at how sports and education can drive societal change, the state of social inclusion for people with intellectual and learning disabilities, and the opportunities and risks presented by AI. This episode is sponsored by Special Olympics.

As we kickstart 2025, we speak to Devex President and Editor-in-Chief Raj Kumar about the trends he believes will shape global development this coming year. We examine how significant shifts, including reduced government funding in traditionally generous countries and the evolving role of philanthropy, will impact the sector. We also revisit our exclusive interview with USAID chief Samantha Power and highlight key takeaways from the agency's latest report on localization. What does the incoming Trump administration mean for The World Bank? What can we expect from Davos? To dig into these topics and others Senior Reporter Adva Saldinger sits down with Devex President and Editor-in-Chief Raj Kumar and Global Development Reporter Elissa Miolene to dissect for the latest episode of our weekly podcast series, with a look ahead to the World Economic Forum. Sign up to the Devex Newswire and our other newsletters: https://www.devex.com/account/newsletters

In one of her last interviews before leaving office, Samantha Power spoke with Devex for a special edition of its This Week in Global Development podcast about navigating that push-and-pull, and how she expects the Trump administration's USAID to face similar challenges. Sign up to the Devex Newswire and our other newsletters: https://www.devex.com/account/newsletters

As the world gets ready for a second Trump presidency, significant uncertainty surrounds the United Nations as the organization prepares to implement substantial funding cuts. With the new administration predicted to prioritize national security over humanitarian and human rights principles, China may seek to fill the void left by the United States. Faced with domestic economic pressures and competing priorities, European countries across the continent continued to make cuts to their aid budgets in 2024, including the European Commission. The trend is raising questions regarding the continent's commitment to addressing global challenges. How will Trump's approach to the U.N. be different to that of Biden's? Will European countries continue to cut their foreign aid funding in 2025? To discuss these questions, Devex Business Editor David Ainsworth sits down with Tom Hart, the president and CEO of InterAction, as well as Devex Global Development Reporter Colum Lynch, for the latest episode of our weekly podcast series. Sign up to the Devex Newswire and our other newsletters: https://www.devex.com/account/newsletters

This week's podcast kicks off with a look at the legacy of former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, who passed away at the age of 100 on Sunday. Following his four-year presidency, Carter devoted four decades to humanitarian efforts, founding The Carter Center in 1982 to promote peace and improve global health. One of his most significant contributions was his campaign to eradicate Guinea worm disease, which has now been eliminated in 17 countries. The team also delves into a new plan to establish an African-led response to the HIV epidemic, as well as a report from Publish What You Fund, which highlights gaps in donor nations' localization targets. Sign up to the Devex Newswire and our other newsletters.

What does it take to transform an idea from one that serves hundreds to millions, if not billions? Sanjay Purohit has spent his career aiming to crack this code. As the CEO and Chief Curator of Centre for Exponential Change, Purohit knows firsthand that scaling social impact requires more than just good intentions—it demands a complete reimagining of how we approach societal change. Since 2016, he's been pioneering "Societal Thinking," an approach that's reached over 500 change leaders across 20 countries, tackling everything from climate action to gender equity. Think scale: A curation of ideas to help you—the first in his groundbreaking trilogy on social transformation—captures these battle-tested insights.

This week we delve into the key trends that have shaped the global development landscape. From the impact of declining aid budgets in high-income countries to Donald Trump's reelection, we examine how these forces are influencing the sector and consider their implications for the year ahead. We also explore the potential of cash transfers to revolutionize the aid sector and challenge the traditional global financial architecture. In the United States, a landmark bill is poised to significantly expand the reach of the Millennium Challenge Corporation, potentially enabling the agency to operate in middle-income countries for the first time. To look back at 2024 and to dig into these stories, Devex President and Editor-in-Chief Raj Kumar sits down with Yolande Wright, vice president of partnerships at GiveDirectly, and Devex Senior Business Editor David Ainsworth for the latest episode of our weekly podcast series. Sign up to the Devex Newswire and our other newsletters.

This week, we take a look at the Civil Society and Social Innovation Alliance, known as CIVIC, a new, forthcoming World Bank Group initiative designed to support civil society organizations and social economy players. This venture seeks to foster more collaboration in line with the bank's localization agenda, enabling civil society to play a crucial role in addressing global challenges. On the topic of the World Bank, the financial institution announced $23.7 billion in contributions to the International Development Association, or IDA, the bank's fund for providing grants and low-interest loans to 78 low-income countries. This is a 0.8% increase from the last replenishment of $23.5 billion in 2022 but falls short of the $27 billion that some advocates had hoped for. We also discuss the Lobito corridor, which will connect Angola, Zambia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo via a rail that runs to the Lobito port in Angola. With many seeing it as a key initiative in the U.S.' efforts to counter China's growing influence, we discuss the chances of it continuing under the Trump administration. To dig into these stories, Devex's Michael Igoe sits down with Aly Rahim, program manager of the Global Partnership for Social Accountability at the World Bank, and Senior Reporter Adva Saldinger for the latest episode of our weekly podcast series. Sign up to the Devex Newswire and our other newsletters: https://www.devex.com/account/newsletters