Podcasts about global development

Journalists Peter Hitchens and Oliver Kamm, radio presenter and comedian Ellis James, languages expert Ross Perlin, Diana Sutton director of The Bell Foundation and podcaster and academic Reetika Revathy Subramanian join Matthew Sweet for a conversation about how language unites and divides us.Ross Perlin's book Language City: The Fight to Preserve Endangered Mother Tongues was the winner of the British Academy Book prize and he is in London for the British Academy Summer showcase. Reetika Revathy Subramanian has been chosen as one of six researchers in residence at BBC Radio 4 in the coming year on the New Generation Thinkers scheme run in partnership with the Arts and Humanities Research Council. She is a Senior Research Associate, School of Global Development at the University of East Anglia and hosts the Climate Brides podcast. You can also find a recent episode of Free Thinking exploring peace which features another of the researchers in residence Ashleigh Percival-Borley, a former soldier who is now a military historian based at the University of Durham.Producer: Debbie Kilbride

There's no denying that western money in Global South countries has a profound impact, for better or worse. We might assume that spending money on volunteering and caring for orphans would be a net positive in the majority world. That however is not the case. As we dive back into the conversation around orphan care and volunteering, we're joined by filmmaker Barak Laub whose new documentary Volunteers Needed delves into this very dynamic in Nepal. He talks with Brandon Stiver about the film, his travels and the effort to advocate for government policies in the US that would mitigate harm in global orphan care. Support the Show Through Venmo - @canopyintl Podcast Sponsors The M.A. in Global Development and Justice program at Jessup University prepares students to work across the nexus of justice, community development, and peacebuilding. Learn More About The MAGDJ Online Program Alliance for Children Everywhere is on mission to bring vulnerable children into secure families, schools, and communities. Visit Alliance for Children Everywhere Online Resources and Links from the show Volunteers Needed Film Online The Westerner Abuse and Child Protection Conversation (Think Orphan Podcast) Conversation Notes The connection of volunteering to care for wild animals and canned hunting The importance of bringing and teaching skills when volunteering abroad The country conflict that led to the proliferation of orphanages in Nepal The relationship between corruption, poverty and caste in certain Asian countries The experience of kids that grow up in care in Nepal Misinformation told to volunteers that leads to exploitation Spending money in a way that reflects your values   Theme music Kirk Osamayo. Free Music Archive, CC BY License

In this episode, I have the pleasure of speaking with Maya Forstater, co-founder and CEO of Sex Matters, a human rights charity focused on clarifying the meaning of sex in UK law and policy. We delve into the significant implications of the recent Supreme Court ruling in the For Women Scotland case, which challenges the definition of "woman" in the Equality Act. Maya shares her personal journey, from being an ordinary mum to becoming a pivotal figure in the gender-critical debate after losing her job for expressing her beliefs about sex and gender.We explore the complexities of the Gender Recognition Act and its impact on women's rights, particularly in contexts like public boards and single-sex spaces. Maya emphasizes the importance of basing policies on actual sex rather than "gender identity" in order to protect women's rights. We also discuss the chilling effect of current laws on free speech in the UK, where individuals can face serious repercussions for expressing gender-critical views.Throughout our conversation, we aim to unpack the broader societal implications of these legal definitions and the ongoing struggle for clarity and fairness in the discourse surrounding gender and sex. Join us as we navigate these critical issues and consider what they mean for the future of women's rights and freedom of belief.Maya Forstater is co-founder and CEO of Sex Matters, a human rights charity campaigning for clarity on sex in law and policy in the UK. They were interveners on the winning side in the recent For Women Scotland supreme court case on the meaning of woman in the Equality Act. Maya came into the gender debate as the claimant in an employment-tribunal test case on belief discrimination, when she lost her job at the Center for Global Development after tweeting and writing about sex and gender. Her case established that ordinary beliefs about the two sexes are covered by the protected characteristic of belief in the Equality Act 2010.Before co-founding Sex Matters she had 20 years' experience as a researcher, writer and advisor working on business and sustainable development including on international tax policy, climate change and green finance, and human rights in supply chains.00:00 Start[00:01:01] Gender and belief discrimination.[00:06:00] Women's rights and legal battles.[00:11:11] Definition of sex in law.[00:12:25] Women's spaces and rights conflict.[00:16:45] Women's rights and trans issues.[00:23:24] Gender Recognition Certificate explained.[00:26:27] Gender Recognition Act implications.[00:28:38] Gender recognition and legal exceptions.[00:36:09] Birth certificate changes legality.[00:39:44] Arrests for social media comments.[00:40:59] Abuse of speech laws.[00:45:56] Employment rights and freedom of speech.[00:51:58] Mental health industry's responsibility.[00:55:25] Entitlement in psychological treatment.[00:58:59] Safeguards in Gender Recognition Act.[01:01:24] Bathroom rules and discrimination.[01:07:43] Digital identity and data issues.[01:09:51] Digital identity and privacy.[01:13:32] Gender identity and legal documents.[01:19:12] Birth records and gender identity.[01:21:00] "Non-binary" gender recognition.[01:26:10] Government endorsed identity layer.[01:32:02] Schools and gender recognition issues.[01:33:27] Guidance for schools on equality.ROGD REPAIR Course + Community gives concerned parents instant access to over 120 lessons providing the psychological insights and communication tools you need to get through to your kid. Use code SOMETHERAPIST2025 to take 50% off your first month.PODCOURSES: use code SOMETHERAPIST at LisaMustard.com/PodCoursesTALK TO ME: book a meeting.PRODUCTION: Looking for your own podcast producer? Visit PodsByNick.com and mention my podcast for 20% off your initial services.SUPPORT THE SHOW: subscribe, like, comment, & share or donate.ORGANIFI: Take 20% off Organifi with code SOMETHERAPIST.Watch NO WAY BACK: The Reality of Gender-Affirming Care. Use code SOMETHERAPIST to take 20% off your order.SHOW NOTES & transcript with help from SwellAI.MUSIC: Thanks to Joey Pecoraro for our song, “Half Awake,” used with gratitude & permission. ALL OTHER LINKS HERE. To support this show, please leave a rating & review on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe, like, comment & share via my YouTube channel. Or recommend this to a friend!Learn more about Do No Harm.Take $200 off your EightSleep Pod Pro Cover with code SOMETHERAPIST at EightSleep.com.Take 20% off all superfood beverages with code SOMETHERAPIST at Organifi.Check out my shop for book recommendations + wellness products.Show notes & transcript provided with the help of SwellAI.Special thanks to Joey Pecoraro for our theme song, “Half Awake,” used with gratitude and permission.Watch NO WAY BACK: The Reality of Gender-Affirming Care (our medical ethics documentary, formerly known as Affirmation Generation). Stream the film or purchase a DVD. Use code SOMETHERAPIST to take 20% off your order. Follow us on X @2022affirmation or Instagram at @affirmationgeneration.Have a question for me? Looking to go deeper and discuss these ideas with other listeners? Join my Locals community! 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For years, China has been seen as the pivotal international economic partner across Africa. That was certainly true in terms of steadily rising trade volumes and a fire hose of state backed loans that built roads, railways, and ports across the continent. But when it comes to investment, China's always been a laggard behind the United States and the former European colonial powers. Today, it's the UAE, not China, that is the continent's largest source of foreign direct investment. Charles Kenny, a senior fellow at the Center for Global Development in Washington, D.C., joins Eric to discuss his latest report on Chinese FDI in Africa and why the long-promised wave of manufacturing investment never materialized. JOIN THE DISCUSSION: X: @ChinaGSProject | @eric_olander  Facebook: www.facebook.com/ChinaAfricaProject YouTube: www.youtube.com/@ChinaGlobalSouth Now on Bluesky! Follow CGSP at @chinagsproject.bsky.social FOLLOW CGSP IN FRENCH AND ARABIC: Français: www.projetafriquechine.com | @AfrikChine Arabic: عربي: www.alsin-alsharqalawsat.com | @SinSharqAwsat JOIN US ON PATREON! Become a CGSP Patreon member and get all sorts of cool stuff, including our Week in Review report, an invitation to join monthly Zoom calls with Eric & Cobus, and even an awesome new CGSP Podcast mug! www.patreon.com/chinaglobalsouth

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

Rebecca Davis joins The Afternoon Drive each week to reflect on just how strange the news can be. From the most important to the very strange, John and Rebecca offer their view of what is happening in our world that makes it at times infuriating, at times inspirational but always fascinating. Presenter John Maytham is an actor and author-turned-talk radio veteran and seasoned journalist. His show serves a round-up of local and international news coupled with the latest in business, sport, traffic and weather. The host’s eclectic interests mean the program often surprises the audience with intriguing book reviews and inspiring interviews profiling artists. A daily highlight is Rapid Fire, just after 5:30pm. CapeTalk fans call in, to stump the presenter with their general knowledge questions. Another firm favourite is the humorous Thursday crossing with award-winning journalist Rebecca Davis, called “Plan B”. Thank you for listening to a podcast from Afternoon Drive with John Maytham Listen live on Primedia+ weekdays from 15:00 and 18:00 (SA Time) to Afternoon Drive with John Maytham broadcast on CapeTalk https://buff.ly/NnFM3Nk For more from the show go to https://buff.ly/BSFy4Cn or find all the catch-up podcasts here https://buff.ly/n8nWt4x Subscribe to the CapeTalk Daily and Weekly Newsletters https://buff.ly/sbvVZD5 Follow us on social media: CapeTalk on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@capetalk CapeTalk on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ CapeTalk on X: https://x.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CapeTalk567 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

In this episode of GREAT POWER PODCAST, host Ilan Berman speaks with Joseph Asunka of Afrobarometer regarding political trends in Africa, and how the continent has become a vital arena of Great Power Competition between the U.S. and China. MATERIALS REFERENCED IN THIS EPISODE:-- Afrobarometer's African Insights 2024 flagship report (https://www.afrobarometer.org/publication/african-insights-2024-democracy-at-risk-the-peoples-perspective/)BIO:Joseph Asunka has served as CEO of Afrobarometer since April 2021. He was previously program officer in the Global Development and Population program at the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, where he managed a portfolio of grants that support efforts to increase transparency and accountability in fiscal governance and foster citizen participation to improve public services in developing countries. Before joining Hewlett, Joseph was a lecturer in political science at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where he taught courses on African politics, political economy of development, research methods, and data analysis.

Hope is a bit of a buzzword, but at the same time it is a lifeline for those that are experiencing humanitarian crises. What does it look like to experience hope in the midst of forcible displacement or losing your home in a natural disaster? Is it possible to have hope that is disconnected from the truth of Christ? Heath Adamson joins the show to help us think through these big questions. He talks with Brandon Stiver about his new book Hope Breaks Through and the work that Convoy of Hope is doing throughout the globe. Heath brings a wealth of biblical knowledge and on the ground experience that points to the God of hope and how we can partner with Him in bringing His promises to bear on the earth. Support the Show Through Venmo - @canopyintl Podcast Sponsors The M.A. in Global Development and Justice program at Jessup University prepares students to work across the nexus of justice, community development, and peacebuilding. Learn More About The MAGDJ Online Program Join Camino Quest for a spiritual pilgrimage with other pilgrims on the ancient and amazing Camino de Santiago in Spain. Visit Camino Quest Online Resources and Links from the show Hope Breaks Through by Heath Adamson (Amazon) Convoy of Hope Online To Transform a City by Eric Swanson and Sam Williams Conversation Notes The work of Convoy of Hope and their four pillars of development Having hope in the midst of dire situations throughout the world What is hope and how it relates to the story of Rahab in Joshua 2 The centrality of Christ in having true hope Understanding spiritual poverty and the difference between poverty in the Sermon on the Mount and the letter to the church in Laodicea in Revelation Having hope in the midst of current humanitarian crises right now through tornadoes in Missouri, flooding in Africa and typhoons in Asia The opportunity that we have to "turn aside" and join God's redemptive work     Theme music Kirk Osamayo. Free Music Archive, CC BY License

In this episode of 10x Your Team, Camden and Otis McGregor are joined by General Les Fuller, a distinguished leader with over 40 years of executive experience in both military and civilian sectors. General Fuller shares invaluable insights from his remarkable career, including his time as Commanding General for Special Operations Command Europe and Chief of Staff for NATO Forces Afghanistan. The conversation explores the nuances of leadership in high-stakes environments, the importance of building relationships with senior leaders, and practical wisdom on navigating complex organizational structures. Whether you're a military veteran transitioning to civilian leadership or a business executive looking to enhance your leadership approach, this episode offers rich lessons from one of special operations' most respected commanders.More About General Les Fuller:Mr. Les Fuller brings more than 40 years of experience at the executive level. Mr. Fuller served as CEO of  InterFuze prior to transitioning to a board member in 2024.Mr. Fuller is a U.S. Army Special Operations Forces (SOF) veteran. He formerly served as the Chief of Staff for NATO Forces Afghanistan, the Commanding General for the U.S. Army Training Center and Fort Jackson, and the Commanding General for the Special Operations Command (Europe) in Stuttgart, Germany. Prior to 2000, he held positions with increasing responsibility in both the SOF community and Comptroller operations.After retiring from the military, Mr. Fuller held several key positions in the defense industry. These included the Vice President and Deputy Division Manager at Camber Corporation, the Vice President for Global Development at Visual Awareness Technology and Consulting, and the Senior Vice President for Defense and Global Security at Oak Grove Technologies. Mr. Fuller also founded and acted as the CEO and President of the SOF‑focused consulting firm, L2F Strategies and Solutions.Mr. Fuller and his wife have three daughters and four grandchildren. He enjoys hunting and following the Georgia Bulldogs in his spare time.Chapter Titles and Times:Introduction to General Les Fuller [00:00 - 03:00]Welcome and overview of Les's distinguished careerIntroduction to the episode's themesSpecial Forces Leadership Philosophy [03:00 - 13:00]Insights from commanding Special Operations unitsThe PACE planning methodology (Primary, Alternate, Contingency, Emergency)Building Relationships with Senior Leaders [13:00 - 27:00]The importance of keeping leadership informedStory about the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs visiting MacedoniaNavigating Complex Command Structures [27:00 - 35:00]Working with multiple chains of commandBalancing operational needs with organizational requirementsTransitioning from Military to Civilian Leadership [35:00 - 45:00]Applying military leadership principles in businessLessons learned in the defense industryFinal Wisdom and Takeaways [45:00 - End]Key leadership principles to rememberClosing thoughts and how to connect with Les #10xYourTeam #GeneralLesFuller #LeadershipExcellence #HighStakesLeadership #MilitaryToBusiness #SOFLeadership #CommandAndClarity #ExecutiveExperience #LeadWithWisdom #StrategicLeadership #VeteranLeadership #OrganizationalSuccess #FromCombatToCorporate

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

It's impossible to ignore the interconnectedness of global justice issues and the complexity of systems that affect societies. Sometimes a system enables people to thrive and other times the system puts people at risk. A clear example of this is looking at food systems and malnutrition in Central America. To help us dive deeper, we have Curt Bowen of Semilla Nueva on the show today. With work that addresses malnutrition through economic development and government partnerships, Curt and his team have turned the region's stable of corn into a driver for social change. Support the Show Through Venmo - @canopyintl Podcast Sponsors The M.A. in Global Development and Justice program at Jessup University prepares students to work across the nexus of justice, community development, and peacebuilding. Learn More About The MAGDJ Online Program Join Camino Quest for a spiritual pilgrimage with other pilgrims on the ancient and amazing Camino de Santiago in Spain. Visit Camino Quest Online Resources and Links from the show Semilla Nueva Online Conversation Notes Understanding malnutrition and food insecurity in Central America The importance of taking a systems approach when addressing malnutrition Navigating public policy and legislation in a libertarian environment The intersections of economic development, climate change, forced displacement and malnutrition The difference between biofortified crops and GMOs Are GMOs always bad or do they just get a bad rap? Earned income is not always possible and doesn't fit every nonprofit operation   Theme music Kirk Osamayo. Free Music Archive, CC BY License

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.

China is set to receive a record amount of debt repayment from developing countries this year, a majority of which is owed by the world's 75 poorest nations. New research by Australian think tank Lowy Institute says with new loans drying up and more loans maturing, China has now switched from being a leading lender for low-income nations to a major debt collector. Plus, a days-long taxi drivers' strike continues across France even as their main unions are negotiating with the government. 

James 1:27 has long been a central biblical text from which our podcast community has drawn from. But to what extent have we delved into the depths of the Jewish context in which James wrote? To help us go deeper on this text and the social implications of true religion, we've invited Dr. Andrea Siegel to the show. Dr. Siegel has years of experience in humanitarian work, Hebrew studies and counseling and brings that to the text as the curriculum writer on Helping Children Worldwide's most recent orphan care resource. If you want to hear some things about James 1:27 that you've never heard before, this is a podcast to check out. Support the Show Through Venmo - @canopyintl Podcast Sponsors The M.A. in Global Development and Justice program at Jessup University prepares students to work across the nexus of justice, community development, and peacebuilding. Learn More About The MAGDJ Online Program Alliance for Children Everywhere is on mission to bring vulnerable children into secure families, schools, and communities. Visit Alliance for Children Everywhere Online Resources and Links from the show One Twenty-Seven by Dr. Andrea Siegel and Helping Children Worldwide Conversation Notes The Old Testament backdrop of caring for orphans and widows The collective nature of James 1:27 and what it means to be guarantors of one another in caring for the vulnerable in society The connection with Exodus 22:21-23 and parsing out singular and plural pronouns for collective responsibility Not forgetting what we look like in the mirror and how that keeps us aware of our Genesis-selves A number of different Hebrew words and applications that enrich the understanding of the passage   Theme music Kirk Osamayo. Free Music Archive, CC BY License

From courtroom to boardroom, now serving global hospitality with that Spanish spice. Meet María Zarraluqui, VP of Global Development at Meliá Hotels International, lawyer-turned-development-queen and Mallorca-based hospitality firecracker. We caught up with her at IHIF2025 in Berlin, where our host Florian had the mic, and María brought the magic. In this episode: How a life twist landed her at Meliá... where 25 years later, she's still rocking the show. Why Spanish hospitality isn't just service: it's soul, sunshine, and secret sauce. How “Mujeres en Hospitality” started as a Friday video call and turned into a full-on movement of mentoring and powerful community. Her vibe? Big energy, bigger wisdom: “Believe in yourself, raise your voice, make your knowledge and your capabilities visible.” Enjoy the show!

In the final episode of Road to GEM, Harvard Kennedy School MPP candidate Slavina Ancheva speaks with Dr. Flavio du Pin Calmon, Associate Professor at Harvard SEAS, about the intersection of artificial intelligence, equity, and global development. Together, they explore how AI technologies can both bridge and deepen digital divides — especially in low-resource and underserved regions. Dr. Calmon shares insights from his research on fairness, privacy, and reliability in machine learning systems. The conversation highlights critical challenges in ensuring that AI tools are not only effective but also ethical and inclusive. They discuss bias mitigation, the importance of diverse data representation, and the ways in which technical design must align with social and policy objectives. For listeners working at the crossroads of tech, policy, and justice, this episode offers a nuanced look at how to build AI systems that reflect and respect global realities. Guest: Dr. Flavio du Pin Calmon, Associate Professor of Electrical Engineering, Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences Host: Slavina Ancheva, Master in Public Policy Candidate, Harvard Kennedy School

War. Famine. Poverty. Violence. Natural Disasters. Working in humanitarian spaces puts us up close and personal with some of the worst kinds of evil and suffering. In the face of it all, we follow a God who is both all good and all powerful. How do those two realities compute? It's a quandary that has been around a long time and we've invited Southeastern University's Dr. Chris Palmer onto the show to help us think biblically and theologically when we're faced with the problem of evil. From the killing fields in Polpot's Cambodia to earthquakes in the Middle East, we wrestle the reality of pain while clinging to God's goodness and embracing the mystery. Support the Show Through Venmo - @canopyintl Podcast Sponsors The M.A. in Global Development and Justice program at Jessup University prepares students to work across the nexus of justice, community development, and peacebuilding. Learn More About The MAGDJ Online Program Join Camino Quest for a spiritual pilgrimage with other pilgrims on the ancient and amazing Camino de Santiago in Spain. Visit Camino Quest Online Resources and Links from the show Dr. Palmer's Bio at Southeastern University Online Conversation Notes Chris being confronted with the evil of the killing fields in Cambodia How do we describe and define what evil is substantively Juxtaposing suffering that takes place in the natural world with the suffering caused by human agency The differing theodicies in seeking to understand God's justice The imperative of prayer to have our hearts conformed to God's heart Theme music Kirk Osamayo. Free Music Archive, CC BY License

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

The most effective approaches to doing justice will acknowledge nuance and there is wisdom in maintaining tensions in the work God has called us to. Central to the work of global development is how we work among at risk children and youth and there are a lot of principles to balance in that space. In this solo episode of the podcast, Brandon Stiver breaks down a number of paradigms that children's rights advocates and practitioners operate within as we hope to find the right balance that will allow children to flourish and be fully who God created them to be. Support the Show Through Venmo - @canopyintl Podcast Sponsors The M.A. in Global Development and Justice program at Jessup University prepares students to work across the nexus of justice, community development, and peacebuilding. Learn More About The MAGDJ Online Program Alliance for Children Everywhere is on mission to bring vulnerable children into secure families, schools, and communities. Visit Alliance for Children Everywhere Online Resources and Links from the show Childhood in a Global Perspective by Karen Wells Freeing Congregational Mission by B. Hunter Farrell and S. Balajiedlang Khyllep Conversation Notes Understanding the paradigms of child saving and child's rights Child sponsorship as a child saving approach to raising funds The irony of supporting child rights while also promoting war that takes life Maintaining the balance between child protection and family preservation The role of child participation in decision making and advocacy   Theme music Kirk Osamayo. Free Music Archive, CC BY License

There is no doubt that the international development sector has changed drastically and permanently over the last couple of months. Starting with the closure of the vast majority of USAID programming, other donor countries have also withdrawn support from the global poor. Joining the show to guide us through what it looks like for Christians to stay engaged and advocate in this spaces is the Managing Director at Bread for the World, Heather Taylor. She walks us through specific policies that are being advocated for and how Christian practitioners and organizations are collaborating and linking arms during these unprecedented times. Support the Show Through Venmo - @canopyintl Podcast Sponsors The M.A. in Global Development and Justice program at Jessup University prepares students to work across the nexus of justice, community development, and peacebuilding. Learn More About The MAGDJ Online Program Join Camino Quest for a spiritual pilgrimage with other pilgrims on the ancient and amazing Camino de Santiago in Spain. Visit Camino Quest Online Resources and Links from the show Link to Bread for the World's Website Advocate on Behalf of the Global Poor and Urge Congress to Restore Life-Saving Aid Conversation Notes The effectiveness of SNAP and Medicaid in the United States The human fallout from the closure of the majority of USAID programming What wrapping remaining USAID functions into the State Department would look like How changes are affecting Christians called into the global development field to serve the global poor and those hurting The importance of persistence in advocacy when it appears that government isn't listening   Theme music Kirk Osamayo. Free Music Archive, CC BY License  

Trade, defence and Ukraine are not the only areas in which the EU is facing a massive challenge from the Trump administration. The US president's "America First" agenda is having a huge impact on the developing world. In March, it was announced that 83 percent of USAID programmes and contracts were being terminated. These programmes "don't serve US interests", members of the Trump government say. But critics – including some MEPs in Brussels – say the de-funding is costing lives, for example when it comes to treatments for HIV.

On the first day of his second term in office, President Donald Trump signed an executive order that paused funding for USAID, the US government's main foreign aid agency, for a 90-day review. While the long-term effects remain unclear, the order has already frozen vital programs relied on by millions of people globally, forced the closure of USAID's overseas offices, and jeopardised thousands of jobs.As one of the world's largest foreign aid providers, the US plays an essential role with no other country or organisation fully able to fill the gap. But some recipient countries see this move as an opportunity to seek solutions closer to home.This week on The Inquiry, Charmaine Cozier explores the consequences of this shift in US foreign policy, asking “What is filling the USAID funding gap?”Presenter: Charmaine Cozier Producer: Matt Toulson Researcher: Katie Morgan Editor: Tara McDermott Production Co-ordinator: Liam Morrey Technical Producer: Richard HannafordContributors to this programme:Fatema Sumar, Executive Director of the Harvard Center for International Development (CID) and an Adjunct Lecturer in Public Policy at Harvard Kennedy School, USMichael Jennings, Professor of Global Development at SOAS University London, UKFrancisca Mutapi, Professor of Global Health Infection and Immunity and Deputy Director TIBA Partnership at the University of Edinburgh, UKGeorge Ingram, Senior fellow in the Center for Sustainable Development at Brookings Institution, US

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

Developing local solutions to complex issues is foundational to global change. When it comes to food insecurity and health services, we recognize the need for local solutions at scale. Joining the show today from Rwanda is Isabelle Kamariza who is the Founder and President at Solid'Africa. She comes on the show to share with us who Solid'Africa works alongside the Rwandan government to improve nutritional outcomes for hospital patients, students and others in the community. We cover a lot of ground in this episode and learn what it looks like actually achieve sustainability when doing work in challenging contexts. Support the Show Through Venmo - @canopyintl Podcast Sponsors The M.A. in Global Development and Justice program at Jessup University prepares students to work across the nexus of justice, community development, and peacebuilding. Learn More About The MAGDJ Online Program Join Camino Quest for a spiritual pilgrimage with other pilgrims on the ancient and amazing Camino de Santiago in Spain. Visit Camino Quest Online Resources and Links from the show Solid'Africa Online Rwanda Inc. by Patricia Crisafulli and Andrea Redmond Conversation Notes Isabelle's journey from feeding the homeless in Belgium to feeding the masses in Rwanda The influence of Matthew 25 and how it compels us into action The power of prayer in starting a ministry to the sick The intersection of healthcare and nutrition insecurity in Rwanda Going from farm to fork (and eventually on to fertilizer!) in making sustainable change The role of social enterprise in building sustainability The value of government regulation and partnership in establishing a nonprofit in Rwanda (it's harder than starting a business!) Social change through community education The Rwandan trajectory from tragedy to case study in development Theme music Kirk Osamayo. Free Music Archive, CC BY License

A major summit to discuss global efforts to tackle malnutrition has kicked off in Paris. The meeting comes as international humanitarian organisations face a funding crisis sparked by the Trump administration halting a majority of the US's foreign aid programmes. Plus, Canada's prime minister says the United States is no longer a reliable partner in trade, as governments around the world weigh responses to Donald Trump's 25 percent tariffs on cars. 

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.

It's March and the madness extends far beyond college basketball. In this episode, we look at the ramifications of losing Ukrainian child data through recent federal budget cuts and why upholding these children's humans right should matter to American Christians. Then we look at a new city development in Kenya that has some unique aspects that give both promise and pause. Lastly, Brandon Stiver shares a book recommendation on cross-cultural leadership that can help equip us for the ministries that God has led us into. Support the Show Through Venmo - @canopyintl Podcast Sponsors The M.A. in Global Development and Justice program at Jessup University prepares students to work across the nexus of justice, community development, and peacebuilding. Learn More About The MAGDJ Online Program Join Camino Quest for a spiritual pilgrimage with other pilgrims on the ancient and amazing Camino de Santiago in Spain. Visit Camino Quest Online Resources and Links from the show NPR : Trump Administration Cuts Funding for Program that Tracked Ukrainian Children Abducted by Russia Associated Press : A startup city in Kenya tries to tackle Africa's problem of urbanizing while poor Amazon : Leading Across Cultures - Effective Ministry and Mission in the Global Church by James E. Plueddamann Conversation Notes 1:36 - The loss of data on Ukrainian children that have been forcibly removed from their country and taken to Russia. What human rights are being violated and what role do recent changes by the US put these children at greater risk. 14:50 - Steve Kariithi joins the show from Nairobi to discuss Tatu City - a privately funded city with thousands of people and a lot of appeal. We discuss the pro's and con's of this approach to urban development 29:50 - Brandon shares a recommendation for those that are working and leading in cross-cultural environments. Theme music Kirk Osamayo. Free Music Archive, CC BY License

AI is reshaping global development—but how can it be harnessed to address challenges in governance, decentralization, and inclusion? In this episode, we dive into the transformative potential of AI with Pritham Raja and Chinasa T. Okolo, who explore the intersection of AI, policy, and global equity. From using AI to bridge gaps in local governance to the power of smaller, more accessible language models, they discuss the innovations shaping the field. Whether you're an AI enthusiast, a development practitioner, or just curious about the future of tech in low-income countries, this conversation offers valuable insights into the evolving landscape of AI for public good. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion on the opportunities—and responsibilities—of AI in shaping a more inclusive world. Guests: Pritam Raja - JPAL | Chinasa T. Okolo - Brookings Institute Student Host: Lili Vessereau

How should we allocate our donations to address global issues effectively? Jacob discusses the principles guiding Effective Altruism, the importance of evidence-based charitable giving, the ethical implications of supporting local versus global causes, and the challenges of predicting long-term impacts.The episode also delves into the significant debate within the effective altruism community about how to prioritize immediate needs versus future generations, and the potential benefits and risks associated with artificial intelligence.Join us for a compelling conversation about making the most impact with your altruistic efforts.[00:00] Introduction to Effective Altruism[00:07] Thought Experiment: Allocating a Billion Dollars[01:18] Effective Altruism: Head and Heart Approach[05:12] Frameworks for Effective Altruism[06:27] Measuring Impact and Effectiveness[13:30] Obligations and Moral Considerations[16:28] Global Development and Animal Welfare[31:05] Long-Termism and Future Generations[52:23] AI: Potential and Risks[57:26] ConclusionCheck out FeedSpot's list of 90 best philosophy podcasts, where Brain in a Vat is ranked at 15, here: https://podcast.feedspot.com/philosophy_podcasts/

The legal battle over the Trump administration's gutting of USAID began this week with a federal judge ruling against DOGE-initiated cuts. Though Elon Musk insists "no one has died as a result" of DOGE's actions, the reality on the ground is already painting a very different picture. Health workers in the developing world have said people are already dying from the cutoff. And a new study by the Center for Global Development says millions more could die within a year. International Rescue Committee chief David Miliband joins the show to discuss.  Also on today's show: Omar El Akkad, author, “One Day, Everyone Will Have Always Been Against This”; Carrie Besnette Hauser, President and CEO, Trust for Public Land  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Send us a text message and tell us your thoughts.The Caribbean's financial revolution has been quietly unfolding for generations. We delve into the powerful world of rotating savings and credit associations (ROSCAs) known throughout the region as Padna, Susu, Boxhand, and countless other names. Dr. Caroline Hossein joins us as we reveal how these grassroots financial systems challenge Western capitalism by prioritizing collective wellbeing over individual profit. We trace these practices through the Middle Passage to contemporary Caribbean communities and their diasporas worldwide. Dr. Hossein shares fascinating insights from her research documenting these "banker ladies" who organize and manage these systems with remarkable financial acumen. These community banking practices aren't relics of the past but living demonstrations of alternative economic possibilities – showing how financial systems can be democratized and made to serve community needs. For anyone interested in economic justice, community building, or Caribbean cultural resilience, this episode offers profound insights into how ancient wisdom continues to create pathways to freedom and prosperity.A multi-award-winning scholar, Dr. Caroline Shenaz Hossein is Canada Research Chair in Africana Development and Feminist Political Economy and Associate Professor of Global Development & Political Economy at the University of Toronto. Hossein is founder of the Diverse Solidarity Economies (DISE) Collective, which involves a wide range of feminist scholars concerned with building a human economy. Hossein's research navigates solidarity economies–a movement started in the Global South–which prioritizes social profitability over financial gain. She is the author of over 50 scholarly publications, including The Banker Ladies: Vanguards of Solidarity Economics and Community-Based Banks (2024) and produced a documentary of the same name, both about Black women's participation in mutual aid. Sign up for Sendwave and you will receive a $20 credit for your first transfer! To receive the credit sign up for Sendwave, click this link to download the app up.The value may change to $10, $15 and up to $20 at any time. Support the showConnect with Strictly Facts - Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn | YouTube | Website Looking to read more about the topics covered in this episode? Subscribe to the newsletter at www.strictlyfactspod.com to get the Strictly Facts Syllabus to your email!Want to Support Strictly Facts? Rate & Leave a Review on your favorite platform Share this episode with someone or online and tag us Send us a DM or voice note to have your thoughts featured on an upcoming episode Donate to help us continue empowering listeners with Caribbean history and education Produced by Breadfruit Media

We talk a lot about global action on behalf of the vulnerable, but what about global engagement that looks like deepening our discipleship and spiritual formation? We've welcomed Randy Gonzales from Camino Quest on the show today to share with us how pilgrims travel (or even travail) the Camino de Santiago in Spain and what it looks like to connect with God through Christian pilgrimage. In a world that seems a bit wild, this is a reminder of the opportunities that God provides for us to slow down, connect and get in touch with what He's doing in our lives. Podcast Sponsors The M.A. in Global Development and Justice program at Jessup University prepares students to work across the nexus of justice, community development, and peacebuilding. Learn More About The MAGDJ Online Program Alliance for Children Everywhere is on mission to bring vulnerable children into secure families, schools, and communities. Visit Alliance for Children Everywhere Online Resources and Links from the show Camino Quest Online Conversation Notes Randy's journey from MK to not wanting to be a missionary, to becoming a missionary! Defining pilgrimage to a Christian population that hasn't historically been involved in pilgrimages The value of leaving your context and traveling to another part of the globe to carry to take a pilgrimage The three traditional Christian pilgrimages The story of St. James and his legacy on the Iberian peninsula What happens on a pilgrimage and the spiritual value of the journey Balancing lives of action with slowing down and going deep internally The logistics of going on pilgrimage and how to prepare for such a journey   Support the Show Through Venmo - @canopyintl Theme music Kirk Osamayo. Free Music Archive, CC BY License

Geopolitical alliances are changing rapidly. Technological innovation is reshaping our economies. These trends offer a cocktail of risk and reward for countries in the global south. They are also both topics that are familiar to Simon Johnson of MIT. Simon speaks to Tim Phillips about how policy in developing countries should respond to President Trump's deglobalization agenda, how artificial intelligence changes the future for all countries, and where growth and jobs will come from in the future. And of course, what it was like to win the Nobel Prize. Read the full show notes on VoxDev: https://voxdev.org/topic/macroeconomics-growth/geopolitics-ai-future-global-development-conversation-simon-johnson Sahel and West Africa Club: https://www.oecd.org/en/about/directorates/sahel-and-west-africa-club.html Power and progress: https://shapingwork.mit.edu/power-and-progress/

Today we explore the history of modern mass schooling. My guest, Agustina Paglayan, argues in her new book that schooling was originally a strategy for state-building through indoctrination. Agustina Paglayan is a political science and public policy professor at the University of California, San Diego, and a nonresident fellow at the Center for Global Development. Her new book is “Raised to Obey: The rise and spread of Mass Education," which was published by Princeton University Press. freshedpodcast.com/Paglayan/ -- Get in touch! Twitter: @FreshEdpodcast Facebook: FreshEd Email: info@freshedpodcast.com

Did you know that Mexico is trying to protect their health and food sovereignty rights to reject US GMO corn exports for use in their corn tortillas? Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn for her conversation with Timothy Wise, MS, Senior Research Fellow at the Global Development and Environment Institute at Tufts University, investigative journalist for U.S. Right to Know, and the author of Eating Tomorrow: Agribusiness, Family Farmers, and the Battle for the Future of Food.  Wise discusses the impact of the U.S. Mexico Canada Trade Agreement (formerly NAFTA) on Mexican food sovereignty and health, and the potential impacts of President Trump's trade tariffs. He also discusses the scientific evidence Mexico has compiled showing real health concerns from consuming GMO corn.Related Websites: Health Concerns from GM crops: https://usrtk.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/DOSSIER-MAIZ-2024-ENGfinal-5.pdf https://www.timothyawise.com/

In 2025, there are still people in the world, even entire people groups, that have never heard the Good News. What's more is that access to distant places and global migration has never been higher. Is it possible to finish the Great Commission in our life time? We've got questions on how to reach more with the Gospel in word and deed and joining us for the conversation is Lisa Pak who is a leader with Finishing the Task that is focused on mobilizing the whole church to fulfill all of Christ's commands. Lisa shares with us what it's like to grow up and worship in a diaspora church, how global coordination and new technologies can help us reach more people and what it means to be a church that is not easily shaken. Podcast Sponsors The M.A. in Global Development and Justice program at Jessup University prepares students to work across the nexus of justice, community development, and peacebuilding. Learn More About The MAGDJ Online Program Alliance for Children Everywhere is on mission to bring vulnerable children into secure families, schools, and communities. Visit Alliance for Children Everywhere Online Resources and Links from the show Finishing the Task Online Conversation Notes 6:30 - Lisa shares all the influences that led her into global missions 10:10 - Caring for all people everywhere ties all the way back creation covenant and stewardship entrusted to all people 13:00 - Who is really Western? Lisa speaks to the reality of second and third generation immigrants 19:30 - The link between countries that are economically developed and the spreading of the gospel. 31:25 - Taking a pulse and understanding the stats around who is unreached 34:00 - Opportunities that show up on our doorstep and seeking the unreached in our own neighborhoods 41:25 - “Prayer is the most underutilized tool in the Kingdom of God” 47:20 - Understanding diasporas and what it's like worshiping and growing up in a diaspora community 53:25 - Following God's heart and being a church that will not be a shaken   Support the Show Through Venmo - @canopyintl Theme music Kirk Osamayo. Free Music Archive, CC BY License

Bonus Episode: Author, Researcher, and investigative reporter Timothy A. Wise interviews Dr. Elena R. Álvarez-Buylla about her concerning findings on GM Corn risks during her time heading up Mexico's National Science Agency. With the US challenging Mexico's documented results and claiming unfair trade practices, the world awaits s decision from a 3-member panel of arbitrators. You can register for a March 4, 2025 webinar, titled "GMO Corn & Glyphosate: New evidence for precaution from Mexican scientists" here:https://www.healthandenvironment.org/che-webinars/96960Tim Wise is a writer, researcher and speaker, and the author of Eating Tomorrow: Agribusiness, Family Farmers, and the Battle for the Future of Food. He is a Senior Advisor with the Small Planet Institute and a Senior Research Fellow at Tufts University's Global Development and Environment Institute.  He lives in Cambridge, Massachusetts. https://www.timothyawise.com/Dr. María Elena Álvarez-Buylla Roces is a Mexican professor of molecular genetics at National Autonomous University of Mexico and the director of the Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología. A graduate of the National Autonomous University of Mexico, she studied biology and ethnobotany, and was awarded the Gabino Barreda medal for her educational performance. Dr. Álvarez-Buylla earned her PhD at UC Berkeley. https://loop.frontiersin.org/people/22585/bioTo watch a video version of this podcast with access to the full transcript and links relevant to our conversation, please visit:https://realorganicproject.org/timothy-wise-elena-alvarez-buylla-gm-corn-mexicoThe Real Organic Podcast is hosted by Dave Chapman and Linley Dixon, engineered by Brandon StCyr, and edited and produced by Jenny Prince.The Real Organic Project is a farmer-led movement working towards certifying 1,000 farms across the United States this year. Our add-on food label distinguishes soil-grown fruits and vegetables from hydroponically-raised produce, and pasture-raised meat, milk, and eggs from products harvested from animals in horrific confinement (CAFOs - confined animal feeding operations).To find a Real Organic farm near you, please visit:https://www.realorganicproject.org/directoryWe believe that the organic standards, with their focus on soil health, biodiversity, and animal welfare were written as they should be, but that the current lack of enforcement of those standards is jeopardizing the ability for small farms who adhere to the law to stay in business. The lack of enforcement is also jeopardizing the overall health of the customers who support the organic movement; customers who are not getting what they pay for at market but still paying a premium price. And the lack of enforcement is jeopardizing the very cycles (water, air, nutrients) that Earth relies upon to provide us all with a place to live, by pushing extractive, chemical agriculture to the forefront.If you like what you hear and are feeling inspired, we would love for you to join our movement by becoming one of our 1,000  Real Friends:https://www.realorganicproject.org/real-organic-friends/To read our weekly newsletter (which might just be the most forwarded newsletter on the internet!) and get firsthand news about what's happening with organic food, farming and policy, please subscribe here:https://www.realorganicproject.org/email/

When the Trump administration slashed the budget and suspended most of the staff of the United States Agency for International Development last month, their representatives said the agency was using taxpayer dollars to fund a radical, “woke” agenda around the world. Criticism coming from the Left since the founding of USAID in 1961 has characterized USAID as an arm of American imperialism. The reality, of course, is much more complicated. It's heartbreaking to hear stories of children suddenly unable to attend school and receive essential vaccinations. But beyond the shockwaves of a sudden halt in the flow of assistance, there's a lot about US foreign aid that's up for debate. Questions like what does it accomplish? Does it really help? How does it help? Should it continue? Or, should foreign aid be scaled down over time? Our host, Jamil Simon, has seen USAID projects succeed, and fall short – having worked for more than three decades as a USAID contractor, developing communication strategies to promote reform in more than 20 countries.Our guest, Gregory Warner is a Peabody Award - winning journalist who has reported on USAID on the ground in places including Sub-Saharan Africa, Ukraine and Afghanistan. He was the creator and host of NPR's international podcast Rough Translation. Before that, he was an international correspondent for NPR, based in East Africa. Warner has reported on USAID on the ground in Africa, as well as in Ukraine and Afghanistan. He writes the Substack blog Rough Transition.MORE FROM GREGORY WARNERSubscribe to get Rough Transition in your inbox. Read Warner's recent reporting about the gutting of USAID and what it says about the perception of America in the world. Listen to the Rough Translation episode about a woman who lied so she could receive aid designated for sexual violence survivors in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Explore the Rough Translation podcast archive. CONNECT WITH USDo you have a story of your own about USAID? Keep the conversation going on LinkedIn, or drop us a line at info@makingpeacevisible.org.Music in this episode is by Xylo-Ziko, Blue Dot Sessions, Gavin Luke, Feras Charestan, and Caro Luna.  ABOUT THE SHOW The Making Peace Visible podcast is hosted by Jamil Simon and produced by Andrea Muraskin. Our associate producer is Faith McClure. Learn more at makingpeacevisible.orgSupport our work Connect on social:Instagram @makingpeacevisibleLinkedIn @makingpeacevisibleX (formerly Twitter) @makingpeaceviz We want to learn more about our listeners. Take this 3-minute survey to help us improve the show!

One of the first government agencies targeted for dismantling by the Trump Administration, The United States' Agency for International Development (USAID) has been a major focal point of executive actions, headlines, and judicial filings. The chaotic approach to slashing jobs, shuttering offices, and eliminating funding has led to many people feeling unclear on what this agency does and how it affects the United States, as well as its relationship to the world. With many questions still remaining about the legality of what the Administration is attempting, as USAID is a Congressionally mandated agency, many Americans are left to wonder and wade through a dizzying array of information. In light of all this, the World Affairs Council of New Hampshire spoke with Charles Kenney, Senior Fellow at the Center for Global Development, to unpack the history of this agency and the impact it has. From administering lifesaving treatments around the world (which remain paused despite waivers) to building local economies (allowing people to stay in their home countries, rather than migrating to the West), this Agency has left an indelible mark on the world. Join us on this insightful conversation as you learn more about the realities surrounding USAID.Charles Kenny is a senior fellow at the Center for Global Development. His current work focuses on global economic prospects, gender and development, and development finance. He is the author of the books “The Plague Cycle: The Unending War Between Humanity and Infectious Disease,” "Getting Better: Why Global Development is Succeeding," “The Upside of Down: Why the Rise of the Rest is Good for the West,” and “Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Utility: Happiness in Philosophical and Economic Thought.” He has been a contributing editor at Foreign Policy magazine and a regular contributor to Business Week magazine. Kenny was previously at the World Bank, where his assignments included coordinating work on governance and anticorruption in infrastructure and natural resources, and managing a number of investment and technical assistance projects covering telecommunications and the Internet.

It's been a whirlwind of a month for global development practitioners. We've heard a lot of the 30,000 foot view of what the shuttering of USAID means and today we're talking with a practitioner from our community that was working on a USAID-funded project in El Salvador and what it was like to receive the stop order. After that, we'll be looking at a recent Christianity Today article that discusses the rise of cyberscam trafficking. Lastly, Brandon Stiver will be sharing a word of encouragement for all those that find themselves disheartened after recent blows to the work that so many in this podcast community are called into. Support the Show Through Venmo - @canopyintl Podcast Sponsors The M.A. in Global Development and Justice program at Jessup University prepares students to work across the nexus of justice, community development, and peacebuilding. Learn More About The MAGDJ Online Program Alliance for Children Everywhere is on mission to bring vulnerable children into secure families, schools, and communities. Visit Alliance for Children Everywhere Online Resources and Links from the show Christianity Today: Crypto Cons, Beatings and Prayers for Deliverance by Erin Foley Center for Global Development: Which Countries Are Most Exposed to US Aid Cuts; And What Other Providers Can Do AP News: A comprehensive look at DOGE's firings and layoffs so far Support the Show Through Venmo - @canopyintl Conversation Notes 0:55 - Losing USAID support on the ground and organizations in this podcast community that have been effected 3:35 - Katy Luehm joins the show to share how the USAID funded project that she was a part of in El Salvador was shutdown and what effect that is having on both contractors and families alike 21:00 - Erin Foley is back to talk with us about the rapid expansion of cyberscam trafficking in Southeast Asia 41:15 - Brandon shares an encouragement for those global practitioners that are effected and discouraged after the recent closing of USAID as we point towards what the opportunity to pursue God's Kingdom in the world   Theme music Kirk Osamayo. Free Music Archive, CC BY License

Adam Hanieh is Professor of Political Economy and Global Development at the University of Exeter, Hanieh specializes in capitalism and imperialism in the Middle East. He is the author of Crude Capitalism. Subscribe to our newsletter todayA note from Lev:I am a high school teacher of history and economics at a public high school in NYC, and began the podcast to help demystify political economy for teachers.  The podcast is now within the top 2% of podcasts worldwide in terms of listeners (per Listen Notes) and individual episodes are frequently listed by The Syllabus (the-syllabus.com) as among the 10 best political economy podcasts of a particular week.  The podcast is reaching thousands of listeners each month.  The podcast seeks to provide a substantive alternative to mainstream economics media; to communicate information and ideas that contribute to equitable and peaceful solutions to political and economic issues; and to improve the teaching of high school and university political economy. Best, Lev

The pandemic was a brutal reminder of how crucial public health systems are, yet health budgets in many countries are still underfunded. Developing economies generally do not allocate sufficient domestic resources to health and external financing is becoming increasingly difficult to secure. Sanjeev Gupta is a senior policy fellow at the Center for Global Development and coauthor with Victoria Fan of How to Heal Health Financing, published in Finance and Development magazine. In this podcast, Gupta says greater revenue collection and improved budget execution would strengthen health systems in low-income countries and reduce the need for foreign assistance. Transcript: https://bit.ly/4hRwZSP Read the article in Finance and Development: IMF.org/fandd

The US aid freeze has exposed not only the fragility of humanitarian funding but also longstanding dependencies, vulnerabilities, and power dynamics that demand a broader reckoning. This event will explore the urgent need for structural change, seeking clarity and ideas amid the chaos. In what we hope will be one conversation of many, we reimagine the future of humanitarian aid in an era of mounting challenges and transformative opportunities. SPEAKERS The event was moderated by TNH CEO Tammam Aloudat, who was joined by: Deborah Doane – Author of The INGO Problem: Power, privilege and renewal. Dustin Barter – Acting Director of the Humanitarian Policy Group at ODI. Dr. Lata Narayanaswamy – Associate Professor in the Politics of Global Development, University of Leeds. Nidhi Bouri – Former Deputy Assistant Administrator for Global Health, USAID. Stella Naw – Kachin human rights activist. ____ Got a question or feedback? Email podcast@thenewhumanitarian.org or have your say on our socials using the hashtag #RethinkingHumanitarianism.  ____

In this episode of The afikra Podcast, host Mikey Muhanna speaks with Professor Adam Hanieh, author of "Crude Capitalism: Oil, Corporate Power, and the Making of the World Market," to discuss the transformative role of oil in shaping global economics and politics. The conversation delves into the historical context of oil production, including the rise of Standard Oil and the dominance of the Seven Sisters, the emergence of the term "petrodollars," OPEC's influence, and the strategic movements of oil in the global market. The discussion also addresses the implications of oil on geopolitical relations, particularly in the Middle East, the US, and the emerging role of China. Prof Hanieh examines the flawed solutions proposed to address the climate crisis and the ongoing pervasiveness of fossil fuel reliance.00:00 Introduction01:05 Understanding Petrodollars02:52 The Genesis of "Crude Capitalism"05:30 Historical Context: Oil as a Commodity08:22 Oil and War: a Strategic Resource16:58 The Rise of the Seven Sisters23:51 US Hegemony and Petrodollars29:44 The Formation and Role of OPEC37:33 Oil and Financial Markets48:13 China's Role in the Global Oil Market56:39 The Stakes of Energy Politics01:00:44 Final ThoughtsAdam Hanieh is a professor of Political Economy and Global Development at the University of Exeter's Institute for Arab and Islamic Studies and a Distinguished Research Fellow at Tsinghua University. A leading scholar of Middle Eastern political economy, his work examines Gulf capitalism, class dynamics, and state formation. He is the author of Money, Markets, and Monarchies (2018) and Crude Capitalism: Oil, Corporate Power, and the Making of the World Market (Verso Books, 2024). His research has been widely published, and he holds a Political Economy Fellowship with the Independent Social Research Foundation, while also serving on several editorial and advisory boards. Hosted by: Mikey Muhanna

First and foremost, when claims are made about expenses by USAID or any federal agency of the US government, you can research for yourself at usaspending.gov. This is a great tool that is as close to absolute transparency in government as the USA has ever had. In the (literal) days since I recorded this episode (February 17, 2025), President Trump has signed an executive order that requires “radical transparency” of all government offices. In that very order, he highlights as an example of “how the federal government has wasted [our] hard-earned wages” this item:Numerous USAID grants have come under review, including $1.5 million to “advance diversity equity and inclusion in Serbia's workplaces and business communities.”But he doesn't share the Prime Award ID number or the recipient of that award. So you're left to dig into that yourself. If you believe there should be “radical transparency” in the government, ask for those items so you can see, for yourself, that this claim is true. Or just go digging and try to find evidence of this claim. Or any of the others in that executive order or the many posts the president or Elon Musk have made.Now … to watch the beautiful sermon from Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde — a wonderful call for mercy — click here.To read the transcript of the bishop's interview with “All Things Considered,” click here.While I don't believe I actually mentioned it in the episode, even as an apathetic agnostic, I'd still encourage everyone to read the letter that Pope Francis sent to the USA.To read how the first Trump administration launched the Women's Global Development and Prosperity Initiative, click here.

We live in a world of tremendous conflict and as Christians, we are called to welcome those that have been forced to flee violence in their communities. For those of us called into this space, how do we mobilize Christians and advocate to the government for compassionate responses to such crises? We have long-time friend of the podcast Dr. Krish Kandiah on the show today to share what this has looked for him and the spaces God has called him into in recent years. Krish is an author, advocate and the Director of Sanctuary Foundation in the UK. We bounce around from Hong Kong and Ukraine to Sudan and Gaza to pursue God's justice for these global neighbors. Support the Show Through Venmo - @canopyintl Podcast Sponsors The M.A. in Global Development and Justice program at Jessup University prepares students to work across the nexus of justice, community development, and peacebuilding. Learn More About The MAGDJ Online Program Alliance for Children Everywhere is on mission to bring vulnerable children into secure families, schools, and communities. Visit Alliance for Children Everywhere Online Resources and Links from the show God is Stranger by Krish Kandiah (Amazon) Sanctuary Foundation Online Conversation Notes Krish catches us up on his journey from UK foster care to government work to advocacy on behalf of forcibly displaced people globally Raising awareness and mobilizing churches to welcome refugees The role that sports can play in building community across cultures The plight of Sudan and Haiti and why certain conflicts receive media attention while others don't It's easier to get support for Ukrainians that flee violence as opposed to Sudanese people fleeing violence News is overwhelming, should we even be engaging or is it best to just tune out? A Bible in one hand, a newspaper in the other and praying with our eyes open

What will the world look like without US foreign assistance? Nesrine Malik reports. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

If someone said a global health and development programme was sustainable, participatory, and holistic, you'd have to guess that they were saying something positive. But according to today's guest Karen Levy — deworming pioneer and veteran of Innovations for Poverty Action, Evidence Action, and Y Combinator — each of those three concepts has become so fashionable that they're at risk of being seriously overrated and applied where they don't belong.Rebroadcast: this episode was originally released in March 2022.Links to learn more, highlights, and full transcript.Such concepts might even cause harm — trying to make a project embody all three is as likely to ruin it as help it flourish.First, what do people mean by 'sustainability'? Usually they mean something like the programme will eventually be able to continue without needing further financial support from the donor. But how is that possible? Governments, nonprofits, and aid agencies aim to provide health services, education, infrastructure, financial services, and so on — and all of these require ongoing funding to pay for materials and staff to keep them running.Given that someone needs to keep paying, Karen tells us that in practice, 'sustainability' is usually a euphemism for the programme at some point being passed on to someone else to fund — usually the national government. And while that can be fine, the national government of Kenya only spends $400 per person to provide each and every government service — just 2% of what the US spends on each resident. Incredibly tight budgets like that are typical of low-income countries.'Participatory' also sounds nice, and inasmuch as it means leaders are accountable to the people they're trying to help, it probably is. But Karen tells us that in the field, ‘participatory' usually means that recipients are expected to be involved in planning and delivering services themselves.While that might be suitable in some situations, it's hardly something people in rich countries always want for themselves. Ideally we want government healthcare and education to be high quality without us having to attend meetings to keep it on track — and people in poor countries have as many or more pressures on their time. While accountability is desirable, an expectation of participation can be as much a burden as a blessing.Finally, making a programme 'holistic' could be smart, but as Karen lays out, it also has some major downsides. For one, it means you're doing lots of things at once, which makes it hard to tell which parts of the project are making the biggest difference relative to their cost. For another, when you have a lot of goals at once, it's hard to tell whether you're making progress, or really put your mind to focusing on making one thing go extremely well. And finally, holistic programmes can be impractically expensive — Karen tells the story of a wonderful 'holistic school health' programme that, if continued, was going to cost 3.5 times the entire school's budget.In this in-depth conversation, originally released in March 2022, Karen Levy and host Rob Wiblin chat about the above, as well as:Why it pays to figure out how you'll interpret the results of an experiment ahead of timeThe trouble with misaligned incentives within the development industryProjects that don't deliver value for money and should be scaled downHow Karen accidentally became a leading figure in the push to deworm tens of millions of schoolchildrenLogistical challenges in reaching huge numbers of people with essential servicesLessons from Karen's many-decades careerAnd much moreChapters:Cold open (00:00:00)Rob's intro (00:01:33)The interview begins (00:02:21)Funding for effective altruist–mentality development projects (00:04:59)Pre-policy plans (00:08:36)‘Sustainability', and other myths in typical international development practice (00:21:37)‘Participatoriness' (00:36:20)‘Holistic approaches' (00:40:20)How the development industry sees evidence-based development (00:51:31)Initiatives in Africa that should be significantly curtailed (00:56:30)Misaligned incentives within the development industry (01:05:46)Deworming: the early days (01:21:09)The problem of deworming (01:34:27)Deworm the World (01:45:43)Where the majority of the work was happening (01:55:38)Logistical issues (02:20:41)The importance of a theory of change (02:31:46)Ways that things have changed since 2006 (02:36:07)Academic work vs policy work (02:38:33)Fit for Purpose (02:43:40)Living in Kenya (03:00:32)Underrated life advice (03:05:29)Rob's outro (03:09:18)Producer: Keiran HarrisAudio mastering: Ben Cordell and Ryan KesslerTranscriptions: Katy Moore