DevelopmentAid Dialogues

As the ongoing U.S./Israel–Iran war reverberates across the region—affecting energy markets, transport routes, and economic stability in the Middle East and North Africa—the question for the development sector is becoming more urgent: can Gulf donors sustain their expanding role in global aid, or will their priorities shift inward?  In this episode of DevelopmentAid Dialogues, podcast host Hisham Allam spoke with Dr. Damyana Bakardzhieva, Senior Research Fellow at the Anwar Gargash Diplomacy Academy, to examine whether the Gulf’s rise as a development partner is resilient, or more constrained than headlines suggest. Bakardzhieva pushed back on the idea that Gulf countries are simply stepping in to replace Western donors. “There are two fundamental flaws with that narrative,” she explained. “The first is to consider that the Gulf approach to foreign aid is purely opportunistic. Their approach is way more strategic and structured than this kind of reasoning would assume.”  She warned against overstating the scale of Gulf contributions. “The second flaw is to consider the Gulf countries as bottomless wallets on standby,” she said. Referring to recent OECD data published in April 2026, she noted that even a significant increase in Gulf aid would fall far short of compensating for Western cuts. “Even if they were to double their 2025 foreign aid contributions, the UAE, Qatar, and Kuwait would only be adding four and a half to five billion dollars,” she said, compared to “over US$40 billion” withdrawn by Development Assistance Committee countries in the past two years. “No matter how much the Gulf countries contribute extra, they cannot compensate for the major gaps.” She also pointed to structural differences in how aid is delivered. “A lot of Western aid has traditionally been tied,” she explained, often limiting how recipients can use it. “The case of Gulf aid is different. It is not tied aid in general.” That flexibility, combined with regional priorities, shapes where funding flows.  Bakardzhieva drew a distinction between redirection and retrenchment. “Geopolitical conflicts lead to increased aid within that region,” she said, adding “though often in the form of humanitarian assistance.” Broader macroeconomic pressures—rising energy prices, inflation, and constrained fiscal space—could also affect aid globally. “With the same amount of cash, you can basically purchase much less real goods,” she noted. However, she argued that Gulf countries are structurally better positioned than most to maintain commitments. “They have very strong fiscal fundamentals and well-stocked sovereign wealth funds,” she said. While defense spending may rise, “they do not need to redirect aid spending into defense spending.” Listen to the full episode with Damyana Bakardzhieva on DevelopmentAid Dialogues. Stay informed and stay engaged. The podcast is sponsored by DevelopmentAid. Procurement notices, funding and grants to opportunities, lists of potential partners, insights into market trends, databases of development professionals, webinars, latest news, and much more. Stay informed and connected. Subscribe and Stay Connected 

In this episode of DevelopmentAid Dialogues, podcast host Hisham Allam spoke with Lotfullah Najafizada, an Afghan journalist and founder of Amu TV, a Washington-based international news outlet reaching audiences inside and outside Afghanistan.  With nearly 20 years on Afghan media frontlines—including over a decade as Tolo News director and multiple Press Freedom Awards— he joined us ahead of the Ottawa Civic Space Summit, a global platform to resist repression and reimagine inclusive democracy, where Lotfullah will be a speaker within the panel entitled: Reclaim the Public Square: Media Freedom, Journalism and Civic Space. "The public square, where the public should have its say, is eroding," Najafizada said, citing Democracy Without Borders' count of 91 or 92 autocracies versus 85 or 87 democracies—a recession hitting discourse hardest. State actors erode trust fastest through systematic censorship, as in Taliban Afghanistan where the region's freest media became most closed. "Censorship is killing trust," he told DevelopmentAid Dialogues, with even democracies pressuring media per Reporters Without Borders' reddening index. U.S. media shows resilience against Trump's post-2025 attacks on CNN and NYT, but polarization creates silos: "You can easily live in one world and be very distant from the other." Journalists face constraints—hundreds arrested by the Taliban, rising legal woes—making them civic space's last defense. "We are working very hard for our own survival," he said, urging alliances to protect reporters. Governments pledge free expression yet pass surveillance laws without follow-through, like Canada's G7 transnational repression nod. Newsrooms must get creative despite cuts: Amu TV's WhatsApp call-in draws 6,000 Afghan callers hourly, bypassing the Taliban firewalls that ban women interviewing men, while being uncovered. "That makes blanket censorship impossible," Najafizada said. For 2026 survival, he ranks independent funding first—"if you don't survive, how can you do your job?"—then legal shields, tech tools like Citizen Lab, and platform accountability. Social media lacks editorial oversight; push digital literacy against AI floods and X algorithms. A healthy civic space lets reporters probe without fear and citizens criticize sans punishment—rights which are currently under global attack. This podcast episode is part of a collaboration between DevelopmentAid, Resilient Societies and Cooperation Canada around the Ottawa Civic Space Summit, a new global platform to resist repression, reclaim civic power, and reimagine a more inclusive democratic future. The Summit will take place in Ottawa, Canada, from April 21 to 23, 2025. This bold gathering will bring together civil society leaders, civic space activists, governments, donors, media, academics, and private sector allies to ignite hope and drive change. For registration, follow this link.The podcast is sponsored by DevelopmentAid. Procurement notices, funding and grants to opportunities, lists of potential partners, insights into market trends, databases of development professionals, webinars, latest news, and much more. Stay informed and connected. Subscribe and Stay Connected 

In this episode of Development Aid Dialogues, podcast host Hisham Allam spoke with Jonathan Criss, CEO and Founder of Vital Lyfe. After more than 13 years working on Dragon and Starlink, from cargo racks to reusable spacecraft, Criss left to establish Vital Lyfe, a company building small-scale purification systems for remote villages, disaster zones and infrastructure-poor communities already feeling the pressure of climate change. "All the way throughout my SpaceX career, it was just another step of what is the next hard challenge that needs to be solved," he said. Criss pushed back against the idea that the global water crisis was purely about scarcity. Earth's surface was mostly water, and the overwhelming majority was in the oceans, yet almost all drinking water still came from the tiny slice of accessible freshwater that existing systems were built to use. For him, this was "a technology gap" as much as a resource gap: "We have abundant water resources. We just have a technology gap in getting that water to people," he said. Vital Lyfe's answer was a family of units that households, communities, or local institutions could own and operate themselves. Criss was candid that "decentralized" had become a buzzword but defined it clearly: "Decentralized means giving traditional centralized systems to individuals that can own and operate them themselves. That means that you have to make a product that is easy to operate, is affordable, and it is not reliant on traditional infrastructure," Criss said. SpaceX reliability shaped the design: aggressively testing for corner cases like intermittent power and rough transport. "Reliability is a core part of our design. It's a core part of aerospace design. We put our products through the most rigorous reliability and qualification campaigns that we can even think of," Criss said. The conversation did not shy away from hard economics. Desalination was often criticized as energy-hungry and expensive, a poor fit for low-income and humanitarian settings. Criss agreed there were trade-offs on energy use, flow rate and maintenance, but argued that the real barrier had been the upfront of capital cost and the way that locked solutions into government-scale projects. "If you look at traditional systems, they're extremely expensive to manufacture, produce, and maintain," he said. Scaling that model forced hard questions about who these systems really served first. Vital Lyfe's business model borrowed from Starlink's tiered pricing: early units sold into affluent markets like maritime users and militaries subsidized cheaper models for humanitarian partners and Global South communities, Criss explained.The podcast is sponsored by DevelopmentAid. Procurement notices, funding and grants to opportunities, lists of potential partners, insights into market trends, databases of development professionals, webinars, latest news, and much more. Stay informed and connected. Subscribe and Stay Connected 

In this episode of Development Aid Dialogues, podcast host Hisham Allam interviewed Fadi Bou Ali, a sustainable finance specialist working at the intersection of capital markets and climate solutions, for an in-depth look at how green and blue bonds are reshaping climate finance. Fadi, an expert within ABAAD - Resource Centre for Gender Equality, explains that green bonds and regular loans are “identical twins with different jobs”: structurally similar but governed by a legal contract that strictly earmarks money for climate-related projects rather than general spending. Blue bonds, he notes, are a subset of green bonds “where the money is earmarked for water,” financing marine conservation, sustainable fisheries, and wastewater treatment instead of roads or militaries. Fadi walks listeners through how a country issues a blue bond, from building a credible framework and getting a robust second-party opinion to ringfencing funds in dedicated accounts and subjecting them to independent audits. He points to Poland’s early sovereign green bond as a success story, where proceeds went to sectors like sustainable agriculture, clean transport, and national parks, backed by strict exclusion criteria that “legally barred any of this money from funding fossil fuel power or nuclear energy.” At the same time, he warns that rapid growth—sustainable bonds now amount to trillions—does not guarantee real-world impact. “We are falling into the semantic nerves,” he says, using ever fancier labels without knowing “if we are going to harvest tangible results.” The conversation tackles uncomfortable questions about scale, politics, and justice. Fadi is blunt: “I’m not optimistic,” arguing that market-based solutions alone cannot solve a crisis that demands a radical shift in mindset, especially in a world of polarization and rising climate denial. He highlights failures like supposedly “clean” hydropower that destroys river ecosystems and livelihoods, and the “bankable trap” that channels money into profitable projects while least developed countries struggle with capacity, higher borrowing costs, and weak institutional trust. For many in the Global South, he says, “they are paying market rates for saving the planet,” raising deep fairness concerns. Looking ahead, Fadi sees the system slowly shifting toward sustainability-linked bonds that tie an issuer’s interest rate to clear, measurable KPIs so “the entire entity transforms, not just one department.” Real progress, he insists, means moving from counting outputs to tracking outcomes like tones of CO₂ avoided, increased fish biomass, or the number of endemic species protected. Yet he cautions that environmental payoffs “often lie beyond the timetable of the loan,” making it hard to align finance, politics, and climate timelines. This episode is a candid reminder that while green and blue bonds can be powerful tools, they only advance climate justice and resilience if backed by rigorous governance, honest metrics, and genuine participation from the communities who live with the consequences. The podcast is sponsored by DevelopmentAid. Procurement notices, funding and grants to opportunities, lists of potential partners, insights into market trends, databases of development professionals, webinars, latest news, and much more. Stay informed and connected. Subscribe and Stay Connected 

Every year, the World NGO Day is a moment to recognize the work nonprofits and community-based organizations do in some of the world’s toughest places—and to be honest about the pressures they face, from shrinking civic space to falling budgets and rising security risks. To mark the day, DevelopmentAid Dialogues host Hisham Allam speaks with Linda Nordby, Head of the Humanitarian Division at Norwegian Church Aid (NCA), about what it really means for an international NGO to work “together with local communities and local civil society” rather than directing everything from the head office. For Nordby, this way of working “is part of our DNA,” not a new fashion. NCA’s aim is to tap into and strengthen “already existing networks or structures so that [they] become stronger and more resilient when a crisis hits,” instead of building parallel systems. In Sudan, that means combining humanitarian and development funding to support internally displaced people with cash, while also working with small-scale farmers and local markets so that “the local community can sort of sustain itself” after the emergency phase. NCA’s dual mandate allows it to address “underlying vulnerabilities” and “immediate needs” at the same time, but it also exposes tensions that many NGOs recognize. Building “proper partnership” and trust with grassroots movements and local organizations takes time, especially in fragile settings, and Nordby is clear that there is a power imbalance due to funding and audit requirements. She notes that NCA is consulting partners on its partnership policy and collecting regular feedback on “how we’re doing on basically being a partner,” yet donors’ compliance demands still make it hard for many national actors to “stand on their own.” Global aid cuts are tightening the screw further: 14 of 20 OECD DAC countries reduced aid in 2025, and efficiency gains “will not” compensate for all the losses. In response, NCA is trying to stay flexible on access, adjusting locations and approaches with partners rather than walking away when security or bureaucracy blocks the original plan. Nordby’s message to smaller organizations on this World NGO Day is to “challenge international NGOs” and “stand your ground” so that partnership does not slide into pure service provision. Her final words are for frontline staff who are “often IDPs or affected themselves”: a mix of gratitude for holding communities together, and a promise that head office will keep trying to “make your life easier” rather than adding burdens.​ The podcast is sponsored by DevelopmentAid. Procurement notices, funding and grants to opportunities, lists of potential partners, insights into market trends, databases of development professionals, webinars, latest news, and much more. Stay informed and connected. Subscribe and Stay Connected 

In this episode of Development Aid Dialogues—marking International NGO Day at the end of February—podcast host Hisham Allam interviewed Dara Johnston, Chief of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene for UNICEF in Palestine, for an in-depth look at how nonprofits complement big institutions on the ground. With a month-long series spotlighting NGOs' grassroots role in crises, community voices and global agendas, this conversation zeroes in on water, sanitation and hygiene access for the most vulnerable. Johnston made it clear why NGOs stand out: they fill the gaps large agencies like UNICEF can't reach alone. "NGOs have the proximity,  speed and operational capacity to implement effectively on the ground," he said. That played out in Bangladesh, where partners tackled sanitation in remote areas alongside arsenic in water. "The program at the end was very successful... they collaborated very effectively." Those strengths prove even more critical in emergencies. Take the 2017 Rohingya crisis, when NGOs ramped up fast for nearly a million displaced people despite years away from disaster work. "It was a very successful intervention, which undoubtedly saved many lives," Johnston said. When government red tape slows things, UNICEF steps in as a link: "We can be a sort of a bridge between the NGO partner and the government." That trust opens doors to real innovation on the ground. In one Myanmar village, locals expanded a UNICEF-NGO solar water system with elevated tanks, home pipes and meters—fully funded by the community itself. "This was something that we found when we came back... because it was all locally brought together," he recalled. And with aid budgets shrinking, such partnerships grow more vital. "With reduction in resources, we need to find ways to work more effectively." Still, pitfalls threaten this model, like donors pushing NGOs to act more like for-profit contractors. "It's not just the numbers, it's the quality... the sustainability," Johnston warned. Constant, honest communication keeps things solid: "If they’re able to be upfront and tell us when some issue is happening... this builds trust." In the end, NGOs give communities a direct voice. "NGOs can often be our most direct communication channel to the most vulnerable in the community." "NGOs have played a vital role... they’re needed even more than ever," he summed up. Listen to the full episode of the DevelopmentAid Dialogues podcast on your favorite streaming platform. In February, we celebrate International NGO Day. Look out for our next episode on this topic, to be released on February 18, and follow us on LinkedIn for editorials and Expert Opinions on this important subject. The podcast is sponsored by DevelopmentAid. Procurement notices, funding and grants to opportunities, lists of potential partners, insights into market trends, databases of development professionals, webinars, latest news, and much more. Stay informed and connected. Subscribe and Stay Connected 

Reframing Dutch Aid:  Steven Collet on Mutual Interests and Smart Partnerships in 2026 How does the international aid sector survive shrinking budgets? Hisham Allam asks Steven Collet, Deputy Director-General of International Cooperation at the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs. With a background ranging from the Sustainable Trade Initiative (IDH) to diplomatic missions in Tanzania and Vietnam, Collet knows the terrain cold. In this episode of DevelopmentAid Dialogues, he provides a straight-talking analysis of the European funding crisis, outlining the critical shifts in Dutch policy and what they mean for the future of global aid. Netherlands aid takes a 2.4 billion euro hit, sliding from 0.65% to 0.5% of Gross National Income (GNI), due to austerity measures, defense spending jumping to 2.2% of GDP, and public fatigue with blank-check aid. "Whilst we do face budget cuts and we are going down from .65% of GNI to .5% we still also have a considerable budget of 3.5 billion euro," Collet says, pointing to carve-outs for humanitarian work, Ukraine rebuilding, and asylum costs capped at 10%. The October 2025 general elections in the Netherlands could nudge it up—coalition talks show parties warmer to ODA. "This is not the final verdict; it could be different," he adds. Defense pressures hit everywhere in Europe, tied to Russia's war and less U.S. cover, while voters demand clear payoffs: "People want to understand why do we do this? Why does the government spend our taxpayer’s money in these countries?"  The focus sharpens on shared stakes—security, trade, migration—in Africa's Sahel, Horn, and the Middle East. Humanitarian cash stays untouched, funneled unearmarked to NGOs and UN funds for spots like Sudan. "When you support without earmarking... that funding can be utilized at the moment it is required and wherever it is required," Collet explains. Partnerships lean on Dutch know-how in health, water, food to rebuild frayed social contracts and head off chaos. Private cash flows bigger: pension funds dumped over a billion into development banks; risks backed by decades of data. "The risks and the returns of development finance are very acceptable and even profitable... it will generate billions of dollars which we need also for climate finance," he says. Examples like Seed.NL mix Dutch firms, NGOs, African researchers for drought-tough seeds that boost farm output and teach lessons both ways.  Climate money swings to adaptation—food security, water—with 60% as grants, since solar costs crashed 90% in five years. Multilaterals get trimmed for duplicate mandates, but UN core, development banks, and EU hold firmly if they slim down. Tax transparency ramps up domestic cash in partner nations, via G20 deals on multinational profits: "Domestic resource mobilization is... the cornerstone of investing into your own economy." Equal footing beats handouts: "If we do it right, we can come to a model which is not extractive... a truly equal partnership based on mutual understanding and mutual interests."  Listen to the full episode with Steven Collet on DevelopmentAid Dialogues. Stay informed. Stay engaged.  The podcast is sponsored by DevelopmentAid. Procurement notices, funding and grants to opportunities, lists of potential partners, insights into market trends, databases of development professionals, webinars, latest news, and much more. Stay informed and connected. Subscribe and Stay Connected 

In climate politics, it is easy to treat COP summits as a travelling show: intense media noise, careful drafting marathons, and then a quick shift to the next crisis. In this episode of DevelopmentAid Dialogues, host Hisham Allam talked with Paulo C. De Miranda about when these summits stopped being just diplomacy and started to matter for people, balance sheets and fragile communities. Paulo, Chairman and Co-Founder of DEEP and a senior executive in impact management, argued that COPs only truly mattered “when they shape real investment decisions,” when declarations coming out of Belém or Dubai “flow into budgets, balance sheets and investment mandates” instead of remaining on paper. A central thread in the conversation was the gap between climate text and the financial system. Paulo said that the language of COP had improved and the scale of the problem was widely recognised, but he stressed that the world was “still not very close to closing the gap between the climate text and the financial system.” He pointed to the distance between trillion dollar announcements and the much smaller flows that reached communities living with volatility, displacement and compounded risks, and warned against “accounting optimism” that repackaged existing instruments without changing the rules of capital allocation.  Politically, COP30 in Belém also exposed structural hesitation. Paulo highlighted one glaring omission: the failure to name fossil fuels explicitly in the outcome. He called this a critical signal that global politics around the fossil fuel economy “has not broken ties with the past,” despite the technology and resources available to move faster. If something as central as fossil fuel phaseout could not be clearly stated, he argued, it revealed the limits of the deal and showed how issues that should be nonnegotiable – fossil fuels, deforestation, protection of vulnerable communities – were still treated as bargaining chips. From a development perspective, Paulo argued that COP needed to evolve into something closer to a “conference for sustainable humanity” because, in fragile and crisis affected settings he had worked in, climate change was part of daily survival, not an abstract risk.   Paulo closed with three blunt points: leaders must rewrite the rules of the game around sustainable humanity, finance must treat sustainable living as a core asset, and citizens must own accountability “here and now.” He recalled Georgina, a 10yearold from Tanzania who said she was in Belém to help solve problems she did not cause – a reminder that climate summits should be judged by whether they change incentives, capital flows and accountability for those with the least room for error.  Listen to the full episode with Paulo De Miranda on DevelopmentAid Dialogues. Stay informed. Stay engaged.   The podcast is sponsored by DevelopmentAid. Procurement notices, funding and grants to opportunities, lists of potential partners, insights into market trends, databases of development professionals, webinars, latest news, and much more. Stay informed and connected. Subscribe and Stay Connected 

The United Nations Office for Project Services, widely known as UNOPS, is pushing climate accountability into the core of development work by tackling the most elusive part of its carbon footprint: Scope 3 emissions. In this episode of DevelopmentAid Dialogues, host Hisham Allam speaks with Samantha Stratton-Short, Head of Strategic Initiatives, Infrastructure and Project Management at UNOPS and Manager of the UNOPS Climate Action Programme, about a new methodology designed to map, measure, and manage the emissions embedded in every stage of UNOPS’s value chain. Scope 3 emissions – those generated by suppliers, contractors, travel and the full life cycle of procured goods and infrastructure – typically account for 70-90% of an organization’s greenhouse gas footprint yet are the hardest to track because they depend on external data and lie outside direct operational control.  “Reducing our direct operational emissions is a core responsibility for UNOPS,” Stratton-Short notes, “but we must go beyond that and measure the emissions of our suppliers, our partners and our implementation activities as well.” This broader view, she argues, “allows us to understand the full climate impact of our work and gives us the ability to influence others, even markets, to adopt new low-carbon solutions.”​ Over three years, UNOPS developed a step-by-step methodology that is compliant with the Greenhouse Gas Protocol but tailored to non-commercial, humanitarian operations and UN values such as inclusivity and stakeholder engagement. “We couldn’t just copy-paste private sector solutions,” she says, pointing to the unique way UN entities operate across more than 150 countries and project types. The result is a materiality framework that, in her words, is “robust enough to be scientifically sound, yet flexible enough for the UN’s complexity,” capable of systematically identifying “the highest emitting areas in our value chain with a specific focus on the delivery of development projects.”​ The stakes are especially high in conflict-affected contexts such as Yemen, Afghanistan or Somalia, where resource scarcity and climate stress already feed instability. Here, the methodology helps UNOPS “prioritize solar-powered infrastructure and green procurement,” reducing dependence on diesel and making essential services less vulnerable to supply shocks and price volatility. Listen to the full episode with Samantha Stratton-Short on DevelopmentAid Dialogues. Stay informed. Stay engaged. The podcast is sponsored by DevelopmentAid. Procurement notices, funding and grants to opportunities, lists of potential partners, insights into market trends, databases of development professionals, webinars, latest news, and much more. Stay informed and connected. Subscribe and Stay Connected 

International development is heading into a crunch moment, and this episode with Professor Raj M. Desai puts numbers, mechanisms, and politics around what “shrinking aid” really means for countries that still depend on it—especially in the context of USAID cuts and the growing push toward blended finance. In this episode of DevelopmentAid Dialogues, podcast host Hisham Allam speaks with Desai, a leading scholar of foreign aid and development finance at Georgetown University and the Brookings Institution, about how the sharp fall in official development assistance is reshaping global development and what options remain for countries trying to close financing gaps. The conversation opens with Desai’s diagnosis of why aid is falling just as needs spike: long-standing donor fatigue, the fiscal and political aftershocks of conflicts and refugee crises, and lingering budget pressures from the 2008 financial crash. He explains that foreign aid has become an easy political target in many donor countries, with bipartisan support in the United States for shrinking budgets and European donors increasingly redirecting funds to refugee resettlement and security spending at home, tightening the space for traditional development programs and setting the stage for debates on USAID cuts. Desai then outlines five strategies for countries facing declining concessional flows: mobilizing more domestic revenue, tapping diaspora financing, engaging cross-border philanthropy, expanding the use of blended finance and impact investment, and working more actively with newer bilateral and multilateral donors. He stresses that remittances, diaspora bonds and structured instruments can all play a role, and that newer players such as China, Gulf countries and emerging-economy funds could expand options if recipient governments strengthen their own aid coordination systems and avoid fragmented deals that respond only to short-term shocks like the 2025 USAID cuts rather than long-term development strategies. In the final part of the discussion, Desai connects the projected collapse of U.S. development assistance—from roughly US$65 billion to about US$10 billion per year by 2026—to the broader need for joint financing frameworks that integrate domestic revenue, philanthropic flows, private capital and official aid around national priorities. He calls for open data architectures, better tracking of cross-border philanthropy, and unified strategies that align domestic resource mobilization, diaspora investment and blended finance, arguing that in an era defined by the USAID cuts and the organization’s dismantling and more volatile financial flows, the future of development finance will depend on combining smarter public oversight with genuine country ownership instead of treating new instruments as a simple fix for shrinking aid.​ Listen to the full episode on DevelopmentAid Dialogues. Stay informed. Stay engaged. The podcast is sponsored by DevelopmentAid. Procurement notices, funding and grants to opportunities, lists of potential partners, insights into market trends, databases of development professionals, webinars, latest news, and much more. Stay informed and connected. Subscribe and Stay Connected 

In this episode of DevelopmentAid Dialogues, podcast host Hisham Allam interviewed Rebecca Thissen, Global Advocacy Lead at CAN International, for an in-depth look at the real outcomes of COP30 in Belem, Brazil. Thissen, a veteran defender of climate justice, shared her perspective as a COP30 participant on how high-stakes negotiations and geopolitical tensions shaped both the atmosphere and the decisions at this much-anticipated summit. Thissen described COP30 as “very challenging,” and pointed to “geopolitical tensions, wars and trade conflicts” influencing positions and making consensus elusive. Yet, she recognized one key shift: “For the first time, countries acknowledged that social justice and the realities of people, communities and workers are part of the climate action discourse.” The episode explored why climate action must move “beyond headlines and buzzwords,” and how real change depended on connecting global decisions to the lived experiences of those most affected. A major outcome of COP30, Thissen explained, was the Belem Action Mechanism—a just transition framework designed to bridge global commitments with local realities. “It was probably the most important decision made at COP30,” she said, “with the potential to help connect, in a much more concrete manner, the reality of transition on the ground to decisions.” She emphasized the power of bringing marginalized voices, from workers to trade unions to civil society, “to the table” for meaningful solutions. The conversation turned to finance, where Thissen was candid about ongoing obstacles: “Beyond the fact there was no new money on the table… we also saw backsliding from any commitment they had on climate finance. That was a very worrying trend.” And while the summit pledged to triple adaptation finance by 2035, she cautioned, “there is no clarity, no baseline, no timeline—just logos rather than concrete action.” Still, Thissen chose optimism, grounded in science and solidarity: “We didn’t have the luxury to not be optimistic… Every tiny degree saved was already impacting billions of lives. But climate action without centering people, communities and justice was just not working.” Her closing message: for COP31 and beyond, climate justice must move from preamble to principle—otherwise, “we risk leaving most of the world behind.”  Listen to the full episode on DevelopmentAid Dialogues. Stay informed. Stay engaged.  The podcast is sponsored by DevelopmentAid. Procurement notices, funding and grants to opportunities, lists of potential partners, insights into market trends, databases of development professionals, webinars, latest news, and much more. Stay informed and connected. Subscribe and Stay Connected 

Artificial intelligence is changing the way we think about healthcare, offering new ways to connect, diagnose, and support patients—especially through telemedicine. More people than ever are speaking to their doctor from home, getting advice online, and sharing data from their devices. It’s fast, it’s convenient, and it’s full of promise. But is it enough? Where does technology stop and real human insight begin? In a recent episode of Development Aid Dialogues, host Hisham Allam sat down with Professor Krishnan Ganapathy, a veteran neurosurgeon and one of the world’s leading voices on digital health. Together, they cut through the hype to talk honestly about what AI can—and can’t—do for medicine today. Ganapathy doesn’t shy away from the benefits. He’s seen firsthand how remote consultations and wearable gadgets make it possible to spot health issues early, save time, and reach people who might otherwise be left behind. He’s comfortable with the future—“A clinician who’s not AI literate is a menace to society,” he says. Still, the heart of his message is caution. “Chatbots may handle routine questions, but they cannot get inside my brain—or understand my patient’s real needs.” No app or algorithm, he insists, can read the whole story behind a symptom. Instead, Ganapathy believes that good care depends on context, conversation, and trust. “The human-trained brain understands not just symptoms, but a patient’s story—their social status, their context, and can factor in what matters most.” He’s wary of putting too much faith in technology and sees doctors as the guardians of real judgment. “AI can recommend, but only humans should decide management for real people, at real moments.” He calls for proper training, careful oversight, and honest conversations between doctors and their patients about what technology can—and cannot—be trusted to do. “A fool with a tool is still a fool,” Ganapathy says with a smile. “Technology is only useful in the right hands.” This episode reminds us that new tools are exciting, but real care is personal. As healthcare moves forward, it’s the human touch—and the wisdom behind it—that will always matter most. In line with his vision for advancing digital health, Professor Ganapathy is playing a pivotal role as Scientific Advisor for the upcoming Transforming Healthcare with IT (THIT 2026), South Asia’s leading international conference on telemedicine and digital health. Scheduled for January 30–31, 2026 in Hyderabad, India, THIT brings together global experts, innovators, and policymakers for keynotes, workshops, and interactive sessions designed to translate talk into real-world technology adoption. While Ganapathy is a staunch advocate of telemedicine, he emphasizes the importance of physical, face-to-face conferences in driving collaboration and meaningful change. His tireless efforts not only elevate the conversation but help bridge the gap between concept and impact, ensuring technology serves the cause of accessible, patient-centered care. For more details or to participate, visit www.transformhealth-it.org. The podcast is sponsored by DevelopmentAid. Procurement notices, funding and grants to opportunities, lists of potential partners, insights into market trends, databases of development professionals, webinars, latest news, and much more. Stay informed and connected. Subscribe and Stay Connected 

The age of artificial intelligence is reshaping healthcare delivery worldwide, with telemedicine at the forefront of this transformation. In episode five of the DevelopmentAid Dialogues podcast, host Hisham Allam speaks with Dr. med. Jan Niclas Strickling, a German board-certified interventional cardiologist who has played a key role in advancing telemedicine through Germany’s certified centers and holds multiple certifications from the German Society of Cardiology.  “AI is redefining what’s possible in telemedicine—but at every step, it’s collaboration, not competition,” Strickling said, unpacking how digital tools are changing patient care.” Across Germany and the EU, AI-driven triage systems, medical imaging analysis, and real-time language translation are making healthcare more accessible. “If AI takes the strain out of documentation—which is half my daily work—it frees me to focus on the patient,” Strickling explained. Wearables like the Apple Watch, CPAP machines, and glucose sensors generate continuous data streams that help identify patients’ needs remotely, especially in underserved areas. But he cautioned that technology alone isn’t enough. “AI can bridge gaps, but equity depends on broadband access, device availability, and whether AI models are trained on diverse populations.” Without representative data, AI risks missing or misdiagnosing patients from different demographic groups. Alongside opportunity, risks persist. Strickling described “alert fatigue” where oversensitive AI systems overwhelm clinicians with notifications, potentially obscuring urgent issues. The bigger danger is “automation bias”—over-relying on AI recommendations while sidelining clinical judgment. “The final decision must remain human,” he stressed. He recalled uploading his own ECG to ChatGPT, which wrongly diagnosed a life-threatening arrhythmia. “For patients, that can cause needless fear and erode trust in doctors.” Highlighting the promise of AI, Strickling described a heart failure project in Germany where wearable defibrillator vests and smart scales transmit continuous health information. AI analyzes daily blood pressure, weight, and body movement to preempt hospitalizations by advising medication adjustments. “The data flood makes sense only when paired with human judgment to determine who needs attention now.” Hybrid care models blending remote monitoring with targeted in-person visits are expanding, with virtual rounds led by nurses and specialists joining as needed. Yet, the human connection—empathy, understanding, and trust—remains irreplaceable As digital health advances Strickling calls for transparency, patient consent, and robust regulation. “We must disclose AI’s use and limits, monitor for biases, and ensure privacy through encryption and strict data controls.” The need for accountable human oversight is paramount. “Who bears responsibility for AI-driven errors? That must be a clinician.” Echoing the complex future, he said, “Experience and learning from mistakes remain at medicine’s core. AI assists but can’t replace the wisdom patients deserve.” Listen to the full episode on DevelopmentAid Dialogues. Stay informed. Stay engaged.The podcast is sponsored by DevelopmentAid. Procurement notices, funding and grants to opportunities, lists of potential partners, insights into market trends, databases of development professionals, webinars, latest news, and much more. Stay informed and connected. Subscribe and Stay Connected 

The global humanitarian landscape is marked by stark contrasts: while some crises like Ukraine dominate international attention and resources, others such as Sudan, the Sahel, and Haiti struggle in the shadows. In this episode of the DevelopmentAid Dialogues podcast, host Hisham Allam had a lightning interview with Désirée Ketabchi, Head of Humanitarian Action & Advocacy at Oxfam Belgium and a Brussels-based expert with experience at the European Parliament and Première Urgence Internationale. Ketabchi is a woman of action, with little time to be spent on talks. She offers a candid perspective on the drivers behind aid allocation, the real impact of funding cuts, and the urgent need to center humanitarian action on people’s needs beyond geopolitical interests. “The challenge is that aid increasingly follows politics rather than pure humanitarian need, leaving many crises forgotten and underserved,” Ketabchi explained. “We try to be people-centered, but funding is shrinking even as needs grow, forcing difficult choices.” Ketabchi described how geopolitical interests heavily shape donor decisions, creating disparities in which emergencies receive support. “When it’s not in the media spotlight, it’s hard to raise funds or public awareness, even if needs are severe.” She cited the impact of the Gaza conflict overshadowing crises like Sudan, where vulnerable populations especially women and children bear the brunt without sufficient attention from donors or the public. Calls for more flexible funding echo across her experience. “Rigid donor restrictions complicate rapid response,” she noted, observing that some governments’ foreign ministries and humanitarian agencies often struggle to align on priorities and modalities. Flexibility would enable aid organizations to deliver assistance based on evolving needs, not political calculations. Ketabchi highlighted the tangible fallout of recent funding cuts, particularly from USAID in the Democratic Republic of Congo. “Cuts mean fewer teams on the ground, less support for essential services like health and water, and ultimately, greater suffering for vulnerable communities,” she said.“When one organization steps back, another can step in—but only if collaboration is strong,” Ketabchi emphasized, calling for deeper cooperation even amid financial constraints. Beyond immediate relief, Ketabchi underlined Oxfam’s integrated approach linking humanitarian action with long-term advocacy on inequality and economic justice. “Most crises have interconnected root causes—climate, conflict, systemic inequality—that demand holistic solutions.” Youth engagement is a vital part of this, with younger generations volunteering and campaigning for inclusive policies around the world. Looking to donors, she urged renewed commitment and solidarity: “Cutting funding and overlooking international law fuels more conflicts and humanitarian crises. The human cost is immense.” For listeners, she emphasized the urgent human toll behind headline debates: “Every withdrawal affects families seeking safe water, children awaiting a meal, communities desperate for protection.” The podcast is sponsored by DevelopmentAid. Procurement notices, funding and grants to opportunities, lists of potential partners, insights into market trends, databases of development professionals, webinars, latest news, and much more. Stay informed and connected. Subscribe and Stay Connected 

World Humanitarian Day 2025, observed globally on August 19, stands as a solemn tribute to the courage and sacrifice of aid workers delivering hope amid crises. In this episode of the DevelopmentAid Dialogues podcast, host Hisham Allam speaks with Sajeda Shawa, head of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in the United Arab Emirates. With over 18 years of leadership in humanitarian affairs across the Middle East and beyond, Sajeda brings a rare combination of deep regional insight and global advocacy experience — notably serving as Special Advisor to the UN Assistant Secretary-General and Regional Humanitarian Coordinator for Syria. “World Humanitarian Day is not a celebration; it’s a moment to remember those colleagues who have lost their lives delivering aid in some of the world’s most dangerous places,” Sajeda said. Last year alone, more than 380 humanitarian workers were killed, 98% of whom were national staff closely embedded with affected communities. Gaza remains the deadliest place for aid workers, with over 500 killed since October 2023. These numbers reflect not statistics, but human lives with stories, families, and profound loss. The scale of need continues to expand against a backdrop of more than 130 active armed conflicts globally. Sajeda highlighted that 300 million people are currently in need of humanitarian assistance — driven foremost by conflict and forced displacement at historic highs. Women, children, and marginalized groups disproportionately bear the brunt of crises exacerbated by rising food insecurity, sexual and gender-based violence, and the devastating impact of war on children. Climate change and natural disasters add layers of complexity and urgency to response needs worldwide. With attacks on aid workers reaching record levels, OCHA has intensified advocacy for protection and accountability. Sajeda described how the humanitarian community urges Member States and all parties to conflict to respect their obligations and end the culture of impunity regarding violence against civilians and responders. The independent voices of national staff, who endure disproportionate risks, anchor this call for global solidarity. Deep cuts to humanitarian funding — notably from major donors like USAID, Germany, and the UK — have forced what Sajeda calls a “humanitarian reset.” With only 18% of assessed needs currently funded, aid actors must make difficult decisions, prioritizing life-saving interventions and protection for the 114 million most vulnerable people. This hyper prioritization demands agility and coordination across agencies and governments to maximize impact amid scarce resources. Highlighting localization as central to effective humanitarian response, Sajeda stressed women’s vital role. Over 50% of affected populations are women and children, yet women historically have been underrepresented among decision-makers and responders. OCHA UAE works closely with local partners to boost women’s leadership and meaningful participation at all stages—from planning to diplomacy. Youth engagement is also a priority, aiming to nurture the next generation of humanitarian leaders across the region. In a time of rising needs and dwindling resources, she emphasized that solidarity, collaboration, and courageous leadership are key toThe podcast is sponsored by DevelopmentAid. Procurement notices, funding and grants to opportunities, lists of potential partners, insights into market trends, databases of development professionals, webinars, latest news, and much more. Stay informed and connected. Subscribe and Stay Connected 

The hard truth of modern humanitarian action was this: access had closed, risks had risen, and remote delivery had become unavoidable. In this episode of the DevelopmentAid Dialogues podcast (Season 3), host Hisham Allam spoke with Ina Bluemel—a veteran of emergency health, WASH, and logistics leadership across WHO, IFRC, and multiple NGOs—about what it took to keep aid effective when workers could not set foot on site, frameworks felt rigid, and trust was under strain. Bluemel set the tone bluntly: remote operations demanded relationship-building, coordination, and response start-up all at once—without physical presence—and shifted risk onto local partners who faced the threats international teams avoided. “This is never a one-man show,” she said, arguing remote response only worked when integrated teams supported partners and respected existing local systems instead of overriding them. On donors, she said the core challenge lay in accountability frameworks that scaled control but struggled with context. Many tools “lacked adaptability to a local context,” she argued, creating the familiar misfit where “your answer is A, but your structures are only providing B, C, and D.” The consequences, she added, included needs overlooked, wrong voices amplified, and vulnerable groups sidelined—unless agencies invested in triangulation, stronger local networks, and monitoring and evaluation (M&E) shaped by the context rather than imposed upon it. Her prescription was radical in its simplicity: transparency “to the bone.” Bluemel acknowledged the sector’s fear that admitting problems risked future funding—“If we admit we’ve got it wrong, the likelihood that we’re going to get money in the future is reduced,” she said—but she argued donors must engage as partners, not just gatekeepers, and agencies must institutionalize feedback loops that made communities as central to accountability as funders. On data quality, she added that teams should combine primary and secondary sources, resolve discrepancies through deeper research, and expand capabilities with GIS, spatial analysis, and AI—without abandoning the “good old” discipline of multi-source triangulation. Remote management, she emphasized, was not a shortcut—it was “an enormous amount of extra work”—but it kept lifelines open where otherwise agencies would “pack up” and leave people to fend for themselves. At its best, it accelerated meaningful localization: investing so local partners “felt accountable,” ensuring local knowledge shaped plans and M&E, and making adaptability a first principle rather than an afterthought. Against tightening budgets and donor retrenchment, Bluemel warned of a “humanitarian emergency” inside the system and called for genuine rethinking that amplified new actors and turned “lessons identified” into lessons truly implemented. “We claim we learn; we tick the box,” she said; real M&E should be “project enhancing and future influencing,” not mere paperwork. Listen to the full episode with Ina Bluemel on DevelopmentAid Dialogues. Stay informed. Stay engaged.  The podcast is sponsored by DevelopmentAid. Procurement notices, funding and grants to opportunities, lists of potential partners, insights into market trends, databases of development professionals, webinars, latest news, and much more. Stay informed and connected. Subscribe and Stay Connected 

The age of abundant Western aid is ending—and this time, no rebound is guaranteed. In this episode of the DevelopmentAid Dialogues podcast, host Hisham Allam speaks with Dr. Julius Kirimi Sindi, a systems innovator and director of the Gates Foundation–backed Catalyze Impact Initiative, about how global development must adapt before it unravels. Drawing from decades of leadership in African research and reform, Sindi argues that this funding shift isn’t just financial—it’s existential.“We are seeing simultaneous crises,” he said. “Geopolitical tensions, climate shocks, and rising populism make aid less politically palatable.” Citing Executive Order 14169 in the U.S., UK aid cuts, and shrinking European budgets, he warned, “Unlike the past periods, today local institutions face digital competition and political issues they’ve never had to navigate before.”Why did so few see it coming? “Old patterns are very difficult to change,” he explained. “There’s been a culture of dependence… many assumed the big donors would always be there.” Instead of preparing for blended finance and sustainability, “most defaulted to grant-writing marathons.”Sindi believes the real test is organizational mindset. “In a VUCA world—volatile, uncertain, complex, ambiguous—five-year strategic plans are a suicide note,” he said. “Development organizations must decentralize, scenario-plan, and build feedback loops.” The challenge, he added, is cultural: “Most systems reward people who conform, not those who adapt.”On alternative funding, he is both candid and cautious. Private foundations like Gates or Rockefeller “are great at providing seed funding,” he noted, “but when it comes to scaling up, they’re not good at that.” As for impact investors? “It’s a mismatch in language and mindset,” Sindi explained. “They want monetization, risk mitigation—nonprofits speak of activities and outputs, not unit costs and return on investment.”One of his clearest lessons: financial credibility matters.“Only 10% of donor money actually reaches local organizations,” he revealed. “We found the main problem is not visibility—it’s governance and systems. But when these organizations get certified, most reach gold or platinum level.”His work has helped over 120 institutions earn Good Financial Grant Practice credentials.Still, survival isn’t just about certifications. It’s also about narrative. “The biggest problem in the Global South is we do not know how to tell our stories,” he said. “When stories are told by others, there is miscommunication. There is loss in translation.”For those feeling overwhelmed, he had one final piece of advice:“Stop writing new proposals for 48 hours. Scan your governance, your impact, your visibility. Then build a brand that shows who you are, what you stand for—and why someone should invest in your dream.”The podcast is sponsored by DevelopmentAid. Procurement notices, funding and grants to opportunities, lists of potential partners, insights into market trends, databases of development professionals, webinars, latest news, and much more. Stay informed and connected. Subscribe and Stay Connected 

Devastating wildfires and intense heatwaves are sweeping across continents—from Indonesia’s burning rainforests and Canada’s parched woodlands to Latin America and, of course, Europe’s Mediterranean coasts. The scale and frequency of these disasters are reminders that climate change is no longer a distant threat, but a global emergency demanding action at every level. In this episode of DevelopmentAid Dialogues podcast, host Hisham Allam speaks with Robin Degron, Director of Plan Bleu (UN Environment), about the changing climate landscape in the Mediterranean—and what its communities, economies, and ecology can teach the world about adaptation and resilience. Drawing on over thirty years of experience in environmental governance and sustainable development, Degron describes a “multi-seasonal climate crisis.” “Every spring and summer now bring higher risks of drought and wildfire,” he explains, “while autumn and winter see increasingly fierce floods and storms.” It’s a year-round test for governments and people—and the stakes are growing. Tourism, a pillar of many Mediterranean economies, faces new vulnerabilities. “The classic summer beach experience is shifting,” Degron notes. As extreme heat and fire risks grow, countries must extend tourist seasons, move activities inland, and highlight local heritage to buffer economic shocks and preserve jobs. But it is not just business at risk. Health systems are under pressure from rising heat-related illness, and communities are coping with evacuations, trauma, and altered daily life. Nature is also showing strain: Mediterranean forests face declining iconic tree species, and vital marine plants suffer in warming waters. Yet, with the right management—such as planting hardier trees and reimagining urban green spaces—there are signs of adaptation. Plan Bleu’s work goes further than research, focusing on building regional policy frameworks, piloting wildfire prevention barriers, and fostering cooperation across borders. According to Degron, local initiatives and innovative land management can lower risks, but only with more investment and shared commitment. Voluntary firefighting teams, he emphasizes, are crucial on the front lines—but must be strengthened with professional training and resources to match the evolving threat. As the episode closes, Degron offers a measured optimism: “Building climate resilience and transforming our relationship with the land is a century-long mission. But through smart policies, science, and collaboration, there’s hope for recovery and renewal.” Listen to the full episode with Robin Degron on DevelopmentAid Dialogues. Note: Episode 15 closes the second season of DevelopmentAid Dialogues – your gateway to insightful conversations on key humanitarian and aid topics with distinguished minds from around the world. Subscribe to the podcast on your preferred platform, and don't miss season three, launching in September 2025. The podcast is sponsored by DevelopmentAid. Procurement notices, funding and grants to opportunities, lists of potential partners, insights into market trends, databases of development professionals, webinars, latest news, and much more. Stay informed and connected. Subscribe and Stay Connected 

As mounting debt strangles public services and climate disasters escalate, a provocative idea is gaining ground: what if countries could trade their debt burdens for environmental action? In this episode of DevelopmentAid Dialogues podcast, host Hisham Allam speaks with Sawsan Bou Fakhreddine, Director General of the Association for Forests, Development and Conservation (AFDC), about debt-for-nature swaps—a mechanism that promises relief for both treasuries and threatened ecosystems. From Lebanon’s crumbling forests to the global search for sustainable finance, Bou Fakhreddine brings rare on-the-ground insight into a tool many see as underused, poorly understood, and urgently needed. At their core, these swaps let heavily indebted countries reduce or restructure their debt in exchange for serious environmental commitments. The potential is huge—but so are the blind spots. “The level or the degree of degradation of land and ecosystems and natural resources is way faster than recovery,” Bou Fakhreddine warned. “What we lose in one day, for instance in wildfire, would need like a decade or more to be restored—if we are able to restore it.” Bou Fakhreddine, who also serves as a senior advisor to Lebanon’s Minister of Agriculture, has worked on disaster risk and ecosystem governance for over two decades. She says the concept is promising—but few understand it. “There’s misunderstanding about it at all levels,” she said. “At the government level, they don't see it as an opportunity.” Why? “Decision-makers... they don't see it in figures,” she explained. “If we manage to valorize the ecosystems—put a dollar value on land degradation... then they would start trying to understand this kind of concept.” But knowledge gaps aren’t the only barrier. “Poor governance is the first threat,” she said. “We have a lot of laws... but we don’t have the tools, the good governance, to be able to implement those strategies.” Even successful restoration plans often fall apart, she added, “because we are in a crisis mode for the last 10 years.” Still, Bou Fakhreddine insists real-world models can work—if built from the ground up. “Never bring to the community a ready-made project,” she said. “Consult, consult and consult. Because they are the owner of the land... they live there, they benefit from the service of the ecosystem.” AFDC has implemented wildfire risk reduction plans that put communities in charge of their own protection. “Where we are able to succeed is where we build trust with the local community,” she explained. “We never bring anything by force.” And when trust is lacking? “We didn’t succeed,” she said plainly. “It’s very easy to sabotage a natural ecosystem.” Listen to the full episode with Sawsan Bou Fakhreddine on DevelopmentAid Dialogues. Stay informed. Stay engaged. The podcast is sponsored by DevelopmentAid. Procurement notices, funding and grants to opportunities, lists of potential partners, insights into market trends, databases of development professionals, webinars, latest news, and much more. Stay informed and connected. Subscribe and Stay Connected 

“Localization” has become one of the most repeated terms in international development—but is it a genuine shift, or just a new label for old practices? In this episode of DevelopmentAid Dialogues podcast, host Hisham Allam speaks with Dr. Duncan Green, Professor in Practice at the London School of Economics and longtime Oxfam strategist, about why shifting power in aid is harder—and more essential—than most are willing to admit.“Localization means different things to different people,” Green began. “Some define it as simply channeling more funds to local organizations. But that alone won’t fix the system unless we also rethink how decisions are made, how impact is measured, and who gets to define what success looks like.”Speaking from years of close collaboration with Global South actors and reform initiatives, Green warned that while localization is often framed as empowering, it can easily become a tick-box exercise. “True power isn’t about shifting tasks, it’s about shifting the authority to decide—and that’s rarely on the table,” he said.He pointed to the deep institutional barriers that have stalled progress. “Aid agencies are still judged by how much money they move. Their internal incentives don’t reward giving power away,” he explained. “And donors still demand rigid plans and fast results, even when long-term change—like shifting harmful social norms—requires patience, trust, and deep context.”Green also urged the sector to stop romanticizing the word “community.” “Power exists inside communities too,” he cautioned. “Just because an organization is local doesn’t mean it’s accountable, inclusive, or equitable.”Amid growing aid cuts and political fragmentation, Green believes the landscape is shifting by necessity. “We may be witnessing a tsunami—not a tide—that washes away old assumptions,” he noted. “What rises from the wreckage might be more authentic, messier, and less funded—but also less colonial.”He sees promise in alternatives, from pooled funds managed by local actors to locally driven philanthropy and religious giving like zakat, which mobilizes trillions globally. But he’s clear-eyed: “No money is free of strings. The key is understanding which strings we can live with—and who gets to tie them.”Green’s message for international NGOs is equally blunt: “Stop pretending to build local capacity while preserving your own dominance. Ask instead: what would it take to get out of the way?”Looking ahead, he doesn’t believe localization will emerge cleanly. “It won’t be one big shift,” he said. “It’ll be a thousand messy experiments. Some will fail. Some will stick. But the era of pretending power can be shared without being surrendered—that’s over.”Listen to the full episode with Duncan Green on DevelopmentAid Dialogues. Stay informed. Stay engaged.The podcast is sponsored by DevelopmentAid. Procurement notices, funding and grants to opportunities, lists of potential partners, insights into market trends, databases of development professionals, webinars, latest news, and much more. Stay informed and connected. Subscribe and Stay Connected 

Abandonment at the Breaking Point: Confronting the Aid Cuts with Stephen Cornish  By: DevelopmentAid Dialogues In this episode of DevelopmentAid Dialogues podcast, host Hisham Allam speaks with Stephen Cornish, General Director of Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) Switzerland, about the mounting global humanitarian crises—from famine zones in Sudan to the collapse of water systems in Chad—and the devastating impact of frozen aid funding. Cornish, who has spent decades leading humanitarian operations in some of the world’s most volatile regions, did not mince words. “In Sudan we have the world’s greatest humanitarian crisis,” he said. “And it’s also probably one of the most underreported.” Cornish detailed the grim situation across the region. “One-third of the population has been displaced—many, several times. According to WHO, 70% of health facilities in conflict areas are non-functional or destroyed,” he noted. “In Chad, over 700,000 people fled Darfur. Many were executed or faced sexual violence. They’re now just one epidemic away from a malnutrition and sanitation disaster.” The consequences are measurable and deadly. MSF screening in North Darfur revealed that “35.5% of children were acutely malnourished,” Cornish confirmed. “These are not just emergency stats. They signal total system failure.” But as needs skyrocket, donor funding is plummeting. Major cuts from USAID and European governments have left frontline organizations scrambling. “We are living through a moment of record need, and yet the humanitarian system is under shock,” Cornish warned. “One organisation had half its programming for Darfur cut from one day to the next.” This funding retreat forces impossible choices. “We have to make global triage decisions,” Cornish explained. “Sometimes we won’t build a hospital to redirect funds to life-saving work elsewhere. That means some people will go without assistance so others can survive.” Cornish also addressed the politicization of aid, particularly in conflict zones. “We are not neutral in the face of suffering,” he stressed. “If parties to a conflict are violating international humanitarian law—attacking civilians, blocking aid—we will speak out.” He recalled the 2013 chemical attack in Ghouta, Syria, when MSF-supported clinics treated over 6,000 patients within hours. “One of our volunteers died giving mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. We had to speak out. The world needed to know.” Asked whether neutrality can survive the era of weaponized narratives and social media, Cornish was reflective. “To be seen to take sides is very dangerous for access,” he said. “But we will not be silent in the face of atrocities. That would make a mockery of humanitarianism.” Still, hope persists. “Recently in South Sudan, Ethiopian refugees cared for Sudanese displaced by war,” Cornish shared. “That’s the essence of humanity. People forced to flee one war are now showing up for others.” Listen to the full episode on DevelopmentAid Dialogues. The podcast is sponsored by DevelopmentAid. Procurement notices, funding and grants to opportunities, lists of potential partners, insights into market trends, databases of development professionals, webinars, latest news, and much more. Stay informed and connected. Subscribe and Stay Connected 

In this 26th episode of DevelopmentAid Dialogues podcast, host Hisham Allam interviews Stefan Dercon, Professor of Economic Policy at the University of Oxford and author of Gambling on Development, about the global consequences of recent aid cuts by major donor countries, particularly the United States. As foreign aid budgets shrink and populist politics gain traction, the discussion delved into the complex motivations driving these cuts and their far-reaching consequences for vulnerable communities. Professor Dercon, who has advised multiple governments and development agencies, stressed that the changes underway go far beyond short-term budget adjustments. “This is not just about saving money,” he said. “It’s a sign of weakness. A sign that countries are no longer confident about their place in the world.” According to Dercon, the decision to scale back aid budgets reflects a shift in political narratives across Western nations. With rising domestic pressures, leaders are choosing retreat over engagement. “Cutting foreign aid may win headlines,” he warned, “but it damages credibility, influence, and ultimately, security.” Although certain opponents, like Elon Musk, have asserted that foreign aid is corrupt or ineffectual, Dercon argued that this viewpoint misses the subtleties. He cited life-saving interventions in Ghana, Ethiopia, and Bangladesh to support his claim that "there is plenty of aid that works." However, he admitted that aid has frequently failed to create sustainable systems in fragile nations like the DRC or South Sudan. "It's insufficient to save lives," he continued. "Aid must assist nations in becoming self-sufficient." Dercon called for more selective engagement, arguing that aid should be directed where local leadership shows real commitment to progress. “You can’t fix countries from the outside,” he said. “You need local forces of change. Without them, aid becomes a crutch rather than a catalyst.” The episode also tackled the immediate fallout. Programs like PEPFAR, which supplies antiretroviral medication across Africa, now face disruption. “We’ll see it in the data—life expectancy will drop. Children will go unvaccinated. Services are collapsing in real time,” Dercon said. Beyond the humanitarian crisis, there are geopolitical consequences. As Western aid recedes, other powers are stepping in. “China didn’t always make wise choices with its Belt and Road initiative,” Dercon noted, “but at least they showed up. The West risks abandoning the field altogether.” Asked what comes next, Dercon struck a cautiously optimistic tone. “Aid, as we knew it, is gone,” he said. “But that gives us a chance to build something better—leaner, smarter, and more resilient. The goal must be to make ourselves dispensable, not indispensable.” Listen to the full episode on DevelopmentAid Dialogues. Stay informed. Stay engaged. The podcast is sponsored by DevelopmentAid. Procurement notices, funding and grants to opportunities, lists of potential partners, insights into market trends, databases of development professionals, webinars, latest news, and much more. Stay informed and connected. Subscribe and Stay Connected 

As foreign aid cuts ripple across donor nations, global health systems are beginning to fracture. In the 25th episode of the DevelopmentAid Dialogues podcast, host Hisham Allam sat down with Lisa M. Hilmi, Executive Director of CORE Group, to discuss the very real and immediate consequences of this funding vacuum. Hilmi, a seasoned public health leader, has spent decades working across Africa, South Asia, and beyond, shaping frontline programs in partnership with governments and grassroots networks. Hilmi swiftly refuted the notion that recent aid reductions have had no human cost. “Children have tragically died from malnutrition due to the closure of feeding centers,” she said, adding that community health workers, many of whom are women and primary caregivers, are facing desperate circumstances: “Some are unable to afford school fees for their children or access life-saving medications for themselves. Several have even lost their lives to suicide after losing their jobs.” She said that the cuts were not just one-time budget decisions, but a planned breakdown of important infrastructure. "We're not getting the leadership or money we need from donor governments."  The cuts came quickly and without warning; this was a planned attack on global health and humanitarian aid. “I think right now we're seeing a targeted war upon global health in the way that these cuts were implemented.”, added Hilmi. The ripple effects, she warned, are already apparent. “Polio eradication efforts have been suspended in some areas due to halted surveillance and vaccination campaigns,” Hilmi said. On malaria, she noted, “We’ve had reports from health workers and governments about shortages of diagnostic kits, insecticide-treated nets, and reduced educational outreach.” Hilmi pointed out that while the United States led the wave of withdrawals, others followed closely. “It’s not just the U.S.—the UK, France, and Germany have also reduced their commitments,” she said. While countries like Canada and Saudi Arabia have stepped up, she emphasized that these efforts are not yet sufficient to compensate for the scale of the cuts. On zoonotic diseases, the consequences are deeply concerning. “In the Horn of Africa alone, we anticipate a 20% to 25%-rise in anthrax cases among animals and humans, with up to 400 human deaths annually. Rabies infections could rise by as much as 40%, potentially causing around 2,000 additional deaths,” she said. When asked whether institutions like the World Health Organization (WHO) could provide support in the face of donor retrenchment, Hilmi was direct: “The WHO itself is struggling. They're laying off staff and scaling back programs. The very institutions that countries might rely on in a crisis are being gutted.” Despite the bleak assessment, Hilmi concluded with cautious optimism. “There are committed individuals and resilient communities ready to act. I believe we will find new ways forward—through solidarity, innovation, and accountability.” For the full conversation with Lisa M. Hilmi, listen to the latest episode of DevelopmentAid Dialogues podcast. Follow us for more grounded, urgent conversations on the future of development cooperation.The podcast is sponsored by DevelopmentAid. Procurement notices, funding and grants to opportunities, lists of potential partners, insights into market trends, databases of development professionals, webinars, latest news, and much more. Stay informed and connected. Subscribe and Stay Connected 

As foreign aid budgets shrink across Western nations, the global development sector is confronting a moment of reckoning. In this episode of DevelopmentAid Dialogues, host Hisham Allam speaks with Katri Bertram—a global health and development expert with two decades of experience spanning international organizations, NGOs, and government institutions. She is currently the International Director of Impact and Advocacy at Light for the World, focusing on disability inclusion and eye health. Her experience at the World Bank, Save the Children, and the German Federal Ministry of Health, informs the critical analysis she shares in this interview, examining how these historic aid cuts are reshaping global development—and what that means for accountability, power, and the future of international cooperation. Drawing on her experience, Bertram makes one thing clear: this is not just a funding crisis—it’s a systemic shift. “We’re not talking about minor adjustments,” she said. “These are real cuts — billions of dollars. Entire aid programs are being shut down. This is a cliff, not a dip.” The warning signs, Bertram noted, have been building for years, especially since 2015 when anti-migration politics began dominating the discourse in many European countries. “What started as rhetoric about refugees being a threat has seeped into how politicians view aid recipients,” she said. “The sector didn’t pay enough attention. Now the political narratives have overtaken the development agenda.” These shifts aren’t just ideological—they’re having tangible consequences. In health, where Bertram has focused much of her career, the data is devastating. “Recent figures show people die every day from HIV/AIDS due to U.S. aid cuts. Humanitarian services are reporting deaths as well. This isn’t theoretical. This is happening now.” Beyond the loss of life, she sees the chaos exposing a deeper dependency problem. “One donor pulling out should not collapse an entire health system. But it does. That tells you something’s fundamentally broken.” Bertram argues this moment could be a turning point—but only if the aid model is reimagined with intention. “This isn’t the power shift we wanted,” she said. “We’ve talked for years about localization, about shifting leadership and resources to local communities. But what we’re seeing now isn’t a transfer of power. It’s abandonment.” She believes the development community must confront this crisis honestly. “We can’t just keep trying to patch up the old system. It’s over. Budgets aren’t coming back. We need to build something more resilient—and rooted in local ownership from the start.” That means asking difficult questions about the sector’s own structures. “We’ve become too focused on growth. But what if our impact was measured not by how big we get, but by how well local systems can function without us?”The podcast is sponsored by DevelopmentAid. Procurement notices, funding and grants to opportunities, lists of potential partners, insights into market trends, databases of development professionals, webinars, latest news, and much more. Stay informed and connected. Subscribe and Stay Connected 

In this episode of DevelopmentAid Dialogues, host Hisham Allam speaks with David Shackleton, CEO of SIS.BIO, about a problem that rarely makes headlines but affects millions every day: water that’s too polluted to use. Shackleton makes a clear distinction—this isn’t a crisis of not having enough water but of failing to protect what we already have. Through SIS.BIO, he’s leading efforts to bring damaged ecosystems in rivers, lakes, and reservoirs back to life so they become renewable and can once again sustain communities and local economies. "This isn't about running out of water," Shackleton said. "It's about the water we have being too contaminated to use." He remembered how toxic algae blooms in Lake Erie caused the city of Toledo, Ohio, to shut down its drinking water supply in 2014. "The lake was full of water, and it used to be great, but it became inappropriate for use. The problem wasn't with the amount of water.” That core idea drives the work being done at SIS.BIO. Rather than simply removing contaminants, the company is focused on helping nature do what it used to do—keep water clean through its own cycles. Using biotechnology, their approach aims to repair the underlying ecosystems that have broken down in rivers, lakes, and reservoirs. “We’re trying to fix the system, not just treat the symptoms,” Shackleton said, underscoring the need for long-term solutions over short-term fixes. Also listen: From Rainwater Tanks to Dignity: The Ripple Effect of Water Access Projects | A dialogue with Dr. Kerstin DanertSIS.BIO believes that the best way to work with nature is not overpowering it at all. Their work, based on natural enzymes, boosts oxygen levels and then brings back aquatic ecosystems, helping restore the self-cleaning ability of water bodies. "Instead of dumping chemicals or building gigantic treatment facilities," Shackleton said, "we help nature do what it used to do on its own." This method has worked in a range of environments—from polluted lagoons in Zambia to deep lakes and rivers in North America. It’s not a one-size-fits-all solution, but a flexible model that uses biological principles to adapt to local conditions. Shackleton compared it to the way Africa skipped landline IT infrastructure and jumped straight to mobile networks: “We can leapfrog outdated water treatment infrastructure and build smarter systems tailored to today’s needs." Still, he expressed concern about the lack of engagement from major aid agencies. "We often fall into a gap—too small for billion-dollar programs and too comprehensive for piecemeal NGO projects." The result, he warned, is a fragmented approach that fails to address the bigger picture. He believes this has real-world consequences. "When water systems collapse, fishing stops, agriculture falters, and people get sick. Eventually, they abandon their home environment and migrate elsewhere. Then we spend ten times as much money dealing with increasing migration in donor countries."The podcast is sponsored by DevelopmentAid. Procurement notices, funding and grants to opportunities, lists of potential partners, insights into market trends, databases of development professionals, webinars, latest news, and much more. Stay informed and connected. Subscribe and Stay Connected 

While the drastic aid cuts announced by the largest donors are making the headlines around the world, a deeper issue may be at stake. In this episode of DevelopmentAid Dialogues, host Hisham Allam speaks to Dr. Göran Holmqvist, perhaps the most prominent voice in the international context of development, about the unprecedented shift in global aid paradigms. With decades of leadership experience, including at SIDA in Sweden, UNICEF's Office of Research in Florence, and the Nordic Africa Institute, Dr. Holmqvist is now a researcher at the Institute for Future Studies in Stockholm. His thinking is both urgent and sobering about the geopolitical undercurrents that are driving today's aid cuts.  With foreign aid budgets slashed by up to 40% in the UK, France and Belgium, with Germany likely to follow, the question becomes that much more defining: is this a temporary response due to fiscal pressures or the beginning of a long-term retreat into a darker, more introspective place relative to global solidarity? Download the transcript of this episode. "In the short run, yes, it looks quite problematic," Holmqvist said. But he warned against drawing simplistic conclusions. “When it comes to the U.S., I believe the aid cuts reflect a deeper ideological repositioning. For some European countries, the reductions appear more reluctant—done with regret and driven by budgetary constraints rather than a lack of political will." Yet the implications are profound. Holmqvist emphasized that the challenges necessitating global cooperation—climate change, migration, conflict—are intensifying, not fading. “These problems will come back and haunt us. Eventually, we’ll have to return to the table of international cooperation.” The disconnect between public sentiment and political action has made aid an easy target. Holmqvist warned against internalizing the rhetoric that global solidarity is unpopular. “We shouldn’t buy into the idea that people don’t care anymore. That simply isn’t supported by the evidence.” Throughout the conversation, Holmqvist returned to a powerful metaphor—the Prisoner’s Dilemma. Global problems, he explained, mirror the logic of that game: individual actors are tempted to defect for short-term gain, even though long-term cooperation benefits everyone. “Game theory shows us that the most successful strategy over time is ‘tit-for-tat with forgiveness.’ That means we start by cooperating, punish defections, but always leave the door open to rebuild trust.” Applying this logic, he stressed the need for “naming and shaming” countries that withdraw from cooperation. The podcast is sponsored by DevelopmentAid. Procurement notices, funding and grants to opportunities, lists of potential partners, insights into market trends, databases of development professionals, webinars, latest news, and much more. Stay informed and connected. Subscribe and Stay Connected 

One of the biggest barriers to sustainable development is still corruption, which undermines confidence in institutions, damages economies, and especially affects the most vulnerable. Host Hisham Allam talked with Dr. Jean-Pierre Méan, a well-known anti-corruption specialist and former president of Transparency International Switzerland, in this episode of DevelopmentAid Dialogues about the ongoing difficulties in the battle against corruption and the pressing need for systematic transformation.Dr. Méan brings decades of expertise in anti-corruption law and corporate compliance systems. He played a key role in drafting the 2011 edition of the International Chamber of Commerce’s Rules on Combating Corruption and contributed to the development of the ISO 37001 Standard on Anti-Bribery Management Systems. As the head of the working group that established competency requirements for auditors of these systems, he continues to oversee the standard’s implementation. His extensive experience includes advisory roles with the United Nations, the Council of Europe, the OECD, and the Cour des Comptes of the Canton of Vaud. In addition, he has authored numerous publications on international business, focusing on anti-corruption law and best practices.Download the transcript of this episode.Dr. Méan emphasized that although worldwide efforts have been made, corruption still flourishes because of political apathy and selective enforcement in systems where power and financial interests interact.“Corruption is a natural danger in any such system.”“We have the laws; what we lack is the will to enforce them effectively. Too often, corruption cases are ignored or pursued selectively, undermining public trust in the system,” he explained.Despite a proliferation of international agreements and compliance programs, Dr. Méan emphasized that these measures often amount to little more than symbolic gestures.“We need a shift in mindset. Anti-corruption measures should not be seen as mere compliance requirements but as fundamental to ethical governance and sustainable development.”Without genuine commitment from governments and the private sector, corruption remains deeply embedded in institutional structures.See also: Corruption’s Two-Way Street: How UK Bribery and Illicit Flows Drive Global Corruption | DevelopmentAid DialoguesHe underlined that one of the most obvious shortcomings in the battle against corruption is the lack of protection for whistleblowers.The podcast is sponsored by DevelopmentAid. Procurement notices, funding and grants to opportunities, lists of potential partners, insights into market trends, databases of development professionals, webinars, latest news, and much more. Stay informed and connected. Subscribe and Stay Connected 

In this episode of DevelopmentAid Dialogues, host Hisham Allam confronted the seismic repercussions of the United States’ decision to slash USAID funding—a policy shift that destabilized the global aid sector and left vulnerable communities worldwide in peril. The cuts didn’t just trim budgets; they severed lifelines, strained alliances, and reshaped geopolitical power dynamics.Felix Gnehm, President of Alliance Sud and Director of Solidar Suisse, joined the discussion with stark warnings. A veteran of humanitarian crises—from post-earthquake recovery in Pakistan to U.N. policy advocacy—Gnehm minced no words:“This isn’t just a funding cut. It’s a massive blow to global cooperation. We haven’t seen such a brutal and honest disruption before.”The cuts immediately halted critical programs, from healthcare initiatives to election support projects. Gnehm cited canceled contracts totaling over $4 billion, including a $130 million healthcare project in Madagascar and a $40 million education program in the Philippines.“Sixty-four election-related projects in nations like Senegal were scrapped overnight,” he said. “We’re looking at a complete breakdown of critical services. Without intervention, millions will suffer, and instability will rise.”See also: US Aid Freeze: Immediate Effects of the Executive Order | DevelopmentAid DialoguesWhen asked whether other donors could fill the void, Gnehm dismissed the idea. Though the European Union and smaller donors had floated pledges, he argued:“This gap is billions of dollars, and you can’t just fill it. No nation can intervene overnight.” While he acknowledged a potential long-term opportunity to reform aid systems, he stressed, “The short-term consequences will be severe.”With the U.S. retreating, Gnehm noted that China, Russia, and Gulf states had swiftly expanded their influence through loans and infrastructure deals. But he questioned their motives:“These donors don’t ask people what they need. They just build roads, ports, and railways that serve their interests—not necessarily the people’s.”The shift, he warned, wasn’t benign:“This isn’t a replacement for democratic aid. It’s a step toward reinforcing authoritarian regimes.”Even as organizations scrambled to adapt, Gnehm expressed skepticism about private sector solutions.“We’ve been talking about private investment stepping in for 20 years. It hasn’t happened at the scale needed, and I don’t expect it to now,” he said.Philanthropic efforts, while helpful, lacked the reach to replace systemic funding losses.Gnehm closed with a blunt appeal:“Development aid isn’t charity—it’s stability insurance.” He urged policymakers to recognize the domino effect of cuts: “When aid disappears, we don’t just see suffering in distant countries. We see rising instability, refugee flows, and security threats everywhere.”The podcast is sponsored by DevelopmentAid. Procurement notices, funding and grants to opportunities, lists of potential partners, insights into market trends, databases of development professionals, webinars, latest news, and much more. Stay informed and connected. Subscribe and Stay Connected 

This episode of DevelopmentAid Dialogues examines the rising trend of USAID stop work orders and the difficulties they pose for implementing partners. These unexpected pauses in project activity have left organizations struggling with the urgent need to continue essential development work, financial uncertainty, and compliance challenges. Stop work orders (SWOs), which USAID has been using more frequently lately, have left partners juggling compliance, financial survival, and the urgent need to continue essential projects.To discuss this pressing issue, our host Hisham Allam is joined by Katherine Gentic, an expert in USAID compliance and contract management. With over 20 years of experience and a track record of advising more than 50 USAID partners, Katherine provided critical insights into how organizations can navigate these disruptions while protecting their teams, subcontractors, and project continuity.The episode begins with a breakdown of USAID’s stop work orders—what they entail, how they should be implemented under Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), and why recent instances deviate from best practices. According to Katherine, these orders have been issued hastily, often with vague language and little opportunity for contractors to seek clarification.“USAID staff have largely been instructed not to discuss these orders outside the agency,” Katherine explained. “This has left contractors interpreting them on their own, with no clear guidance on what costs they can continue to incur.”The financial repercussions are profound. Many USAID-funded partners, particularly small businesses and subcontractors, are struggling to stay afloat while waiting for clarity on cost reimbursement.“Stop work orders are not terminations, but many partners expect the worst. “The financial burden of waiting for resolution is frequently unsustainable,” Katherine warned.With uncertain timelines and delayed communication, how can organizations reduce expenses without jeopardizing future operations? Katherine outlined reasonable steps that partners can take to balance compliance with financial sustainability. She emphasizes that organizations must carefully assess staffing costs, as many field offices operate in countries where termination of employment comes with significant severance obligations.“Organizations must weigh whether layoffs or retaining staff is the most cost-effective option. In some cases, it is cheaper to keep staff on payroll than to incur severance and rehiring costs later,” she says.Reevaluating office leases is another major concern. Rent and utilities remain a fixed burden, and while some organizations may consider terminating leases, they must first secure USAID approval to dispose of government-funded assets.“A stop work order is not a termination. If partners start liquidating assets without approval, they risk severe compliance violations,” Katherine cautioned.Subcontractors, many of whom are small businesses, are particularly vulnerable when stop work orders take effect. Some prime contractors have refused The podcast is sponsored by DevelopmentAid. Procurement notices, funding and grants to opportunities, lists of potential partners, insights into market trends, databases of development professionals, webinars, latest news, and much more. Stay informed and connected. Subscribe and Stay Connected 

Guest Description: Isam Khatib, Human Rights & Sustainable Development Specialist. Expert in foreign policy strategies, international development, and human rights advocacy, with a special focus on the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Episode Description:In this episode of DevelopmentAid Dialogues, host Hisham Allam examines the growing trend of global government cuts to development aid budgets and their profound implications for humanitarian organizations and vulnerable communities. Joining the discussion is Isam Khatib, an expert in foreign policy strategies, international development, and human rights advocacy, with a special focus on the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.Khatib brought a lot of expertise to the table having earned a master's degree in sustainable development from the University of Sussex and years of experience working with esteemed organizations, including USAID, GIZ, AFD, and SIDA. His work bridged development aid with policy frameworks to tackle regional challenges and foster sustainable solutions. His work bridged development aid with policy frameworks to tackle regional challenges and foster sustainable solutions.The discussion began with the Netherlands' recent decision to reduce its aid budget by $2.4 billion over three years, which Khatib described as "a seismic shift in global development priorities." He stressed the magnitude of the loss, indicating that partnerships with NGOs were going to shrink dramatically—from $1.4 billion to $400 million—resulting in a historic financial shortage."This was not just a budgetary adjustment," Khatib said. "It was a statement about how nations were rethinking their global responsibilities, often at the expense of the most vulnerable."Khatib placed this decision within a larger trend that began in 2022, when countries such as the United Kingdom, Germany, Switzerland, and France implemented similar changes. He emphasized the cumulative impact of these cuts, which threatened to undermine global development goals, particularly in the Global South.The rationale for these aid cuts emerged as a constant subject in the conversation. Khatib noted parallels with former US President Donald Trump's ideologically driven foreign aid policy. Similarly, European politicians such as Liesje Schreinemacher, the Netherlands' Minister of Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation, have suggested that NGOs should lessen their reliance on government support.But Khatib resisted this narrative. "Governments were essentially outsourcing their responsibilities to NGOs," he said. "But the truth was, if governments were doing their job properly—investing in sustainable systems and addressing root causes—we wouldn’t need such heavy reliance on humanitarian interventions."Khatib underlined the terrible consequences of these cuts, especially in areas like Syria that are impacted by violence. "When you slashed funding for healthcare, education, and rebuilding infrastructure, you were not just delaying recovery—you were prolonging suffering and creating fertile ground for instability," he stated.He also underscored how reduced aid could exacerbate migration crises. "People didn’t leave their homes unless they had no choice," Khatib explained. "If international support dried up, refugees wouldn’t return to rebuild their communities—they would seek survival elsewhere, adding strain to already overwThe podcast is sponsored by DevelopmentAid. Procurement notices, funding and grants to opportunities, lists of potential partners, insights into market trends, databases of development professionals, webinars, latest news, and much more. Stay informed and connected. Subscribe and Stay Connected 

Guest Description: Carmelo Troccoli, the General Director of Campania Amica Foundation and the World Farmers Market Coalition & Kyle Newell, Managing director at The Aspen Institute, a global leader in connecting smallholder farmers to commercial value change.Episode Description:In this episode of DevelopmentAid Dialogues, Hisham Allam invited 2 renowned pioneers in sustainable agriculture to discuss the delicate balance between ethical goals and practical challenges. The discussion focused on ethical certifications, sustainable farming techniques, and the role of legislation in influencing agriculture's future.  Carmelo kicked off the conversation by addressing the complexities of open markets in Europe. While free trade agreements have increased worldwide market access, he highlighted the underlying inequities: "European farmers face stringent quality standards, but similar rules are rarely enforced for imported products." This absence of reciprocity places a major burden on our farmers." He emphasized the necessity of adding environmental and social factors into trade deals, using the EU-Mercosur deal as an example. "A fair trade system must ensure that imported goods adhere to the same standards we impose on our farmers," he told reporters. Kyle Newell discussed the influence of ethical certifications like Fair Trade and Rainforest Alliance on smallholder farmers. While these certificates provide access to premium markets, they also present substantial hurdles. "Currently, they apply to only about 0.5% of global agriculture," he told me. "The high upfront costs often make them inaccessible to small-scale farmers." Newell recommended realistic measures like cutting certification fees and acknowledging existing sustainable activities. "In Sub-Saharan Africa, many smallholder farmers already plant organically because they cannot afford chemical inputs. However, the expense of organic certification frequently outweighs the benefits for them," he added, emphasizing the need to close this gap. Drawing on his experience with farmers' markets in Italy, Carmelo emphasized the transforming power of direct ties between producers and customers. "When small-scale farmers interact directly with consumers, trust replaces bureaucracy. "They don't need certification to demonstrate their quality," he explained. Carmelo discussed the success of Campagna Amica, a network that connects 50,000 small farmers with consumers every week. "This model enables small farmers to compete effectively with larger operations, fostering resilience and community engagement," according to him. Climate change, soil degradation, and water scarcity were among the topics covered during the conversation. Kyle underlined the importance of a hybrid strategy that incorporates both old and new methodologies. "High-tech solutions are valuable, but sometimes the most impactful changes come from optimizing existing practices," he observed. He also referenced a stark financial reality: agriculture in the Global South requires an estimated $400 billion annually for climate adaptation, far exceeding current commitments. Carmelo underscored the urgency of preservinThe podcast is sponsored by DevelopmentAid. Procurement notices, funding and grants to opportunities, lists of potential partners, insights into market trends, databases of development professionals, webinars, latest news, and much more. Stay informed and connected. Subscribe and Stay Connected 

In this episode of DevelopmentAid Dialogues, host Hisham Allam delves into the consequences of the United States’ recent aid cuts, including their catastrophic impact on the global aid sector and vulnerable people. These decisions, mostly influenced by the Trump administration’s foreign aid policy, have resulted in far-reaching changes, such as funding freezes, program suspensions, and withdrawal from major global projects such as the World Health Organization (WHO).Download the transcript of this episode.Director of the Euro-Gulf Information Center Matthew Robinson, a seasoned specialist in development, humanitarian advocacy, and foreign policy, joined the conversation. Robinson’s impressive record includes serving as a Brussels and Strasbourg advisor on international trade, foreign affairs, and humanitarian issues. His background includes work with significant international organizations, including the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, where he also contributed to strategies for global development.The discussion began with an overview of the United States aid cuts, including a 90-day suspension of all foreign assistance programs pending reviews. According to Robinson, this is “a pivotal moment that redefines the role of the United States in global development.” He emphasized the magnitude of the cuts, which will have an immediate impact on initiatives promoting disaster relief, education, health, and anti-corruption.Robinson emphasized that these decisions have a human cost, particularly in conflict zones such as Syria and Sub-Saharan Africa. He stated that when critical aid initiatives are halted, millions of people lose access to clean water, healthcare, and education, as well as financial support.See also: Kenya’s 2024 humanitarian aid landscape: Impact of US 90-day aid suspensionThere was also discussion about how the United States’ decision to withdraw from the WHO would affect global health. The organization’s ability to respond to medical emergencies and pandemics is jeopardized due to the significant funding shortfall caused by this decision, Robinson stated.“The withdrawal didn’t just undermine global health systems—it weakened the international community’s ability to work together during crises,” he said.The effect on refugee and migration programs was another area of interest. Resettlement efforts have been hampered by the funding freeze, leaving thousands of families in a precarious situation.“Refugees are being forced to wait indefinitely for safety and stability,” Robinson stated. “This fuels instability not only in host countries but also globally.”Robinson promoted creative solutions in the face of these obstacles, asking NGOs to adjust by emphasizing localization and forming alliances with impacted communities.“Empowering local actors and leveraging their expertise is key to creating sustainable solutions,” he sThe podcast is sponsored by DevelopmentAid. Procurement notices, funding and grants to opportunities, lists of potential partners, insights into market trends, databases of development professionals, webinars, latest news, and much more. Stay informed and connected. Subscribe and Stay Connected 

Guest Description: Dr. Eefje De Volder, a leading expert in human trafficking and co-founder of IMPACT. Dr. De Volder also co-owns Rwandan Empowerment Coffee, a social enterprise empowering female survivors of sexual violence in Rwanda. Episode Description: Dr. De Volder is highlighting the broad scope of human trafficking, defined under the Palermo Protocol. While traditionally associated with sexual exploitation, trafficking encompasses forced labor, organ removal, and now, as recognized by the EU in 2024, forced surrogacy, forced marriage, and illegal adoption. The ethical and legal conundrums regarding forced marriage and forced surrogacy came up for consideration. Dr. De Volder clarified that forced surrogacy frequently functions under the pretense of commercial surrogacy, stressing the importance of differentiating between exploitative and consenting arrangements. Similarly, it is difficult to prosecute forced marriage since it is entwined with cultural customs. She pointed out that victims find it difficult to speak out against their relatives, saying:"The social pressures within communities often blur the line between arranged and forced marriages."Dr. De Volder disclosed the crucial role corruption plays in illicit adoption. She emphasized how systemic problems sustain exploitation, from forged documents to forced child surrender. She noted that corruption not only makes these crimes easier to do, but it also makes it very difficult for adoptive parents to recognize the exploitation that goes on behind the scenes.The economic foundations of human trafficking were also discussed. The desire for cheap labor and goods fosters exploitation, and trafficking thrives on global disparities and unregulated capitalist institutions, Dr. De Volder stressed. She urged consumers to think about the human cost of their purchases and advocated for communal accountability.Dr. De Volder highlighted the transformative influence of her social venture, Rwandan Empowerment Coffee. The idea establishes long-term livelihoods by paying survivors fairly and giving them ownership holdings."It's not just about empowering individuals but challenging exploitative supply chains," she told me.She also emphasized the significance of multi-stakeholder engagement in combating trafficking. Dr. De Volder applauded initiatives in the hospitality industry to train hotel staff to spot and report indicators of human trafficking."Partnerships among governments, NGOs, and businesses are key to meaningful change," she told the audience.Looking ahead, Dr. De Volder pushed for prevention by addressing underlying issues such as poverty and inequality. She advocated for comprehensive awareness efforts geared to varied cultures, as well as early education on social norms."Preventing trafficking requires a long-term, multifaceted approach, but the impact is worth the investment," she told the audience.Dr. De Volder's observations highlight the necessity of resilience, teamwork, and systemic change in understanding and addressing the intricacies of human trafficking.Subscribe and Stay ConnectedThe podcast is sponsored by DevelopmentAid. Procurement notices, funding and grants to opportunities, lists of potential partners, insights into market trends, databases of development professionals, webinars, latest news, and much more. Stay informed and connected. Subscribe and Stay Connected 

Guest Description:  Brian Anderson Director of Finance and Operations, worked with major food and agriculture corporations  and Kyle Newell, Director of Aspen Institute, a global leader in connecting smallholder farmers to commercial value chains.Episode outline: At a crossroads, modern agriculture must strike a balance between environmental sustainability, economic growth, and food security. Hisham Allam, host of DevelopmentAid Dialogues, had an interesting discussion with agricultural experts Brian Anderson and Kyle Newell about how new farming methods and regulations are creating a sustainable future. Brian, an agricultural economist, and Kyle, who has extensive experience working with smallholder farmers in Africa, shared ideas on empowering farmers, utilizing technology, and creating resilient agricultural systems.Kyle underlined the need for straightforward, doable concepts, particularly for farmers in the Global South. "The simplest solutions are frequently the best in the Global South," he stated. By focusing on basic needs and developing tools that align with farmers' everyday challenges, he and his team have pushed for more beneficial agricultural innovations.Brian described the development of precision agriculture, which uses data to increase farming output, from a technology perspective. "We've talked about precision farming for decades, but only now is the technology becoming accessible," he stated. He did point out, though, that contemporary technology like drones and the Internet of Things are often unsuitable, especially on smaller farms. "We need to make sure the technology is scalable and useful on the ground," he stated.Smallholder farmers, who produce 80% of the world's food, are critical to ensuring food security. Kyle explained that, while these farmers contribute significantly to the world food supply, they frequently work with little resources and outmoded tools. "In many emerging markets, the agricultural workforce is vast—yet the resources are minimal," he remarked, underlining the need for stronger policies and investments.One difficulty is how to boost production without displacing employees. Kyle proposed a balanced approach: "The goal is to increase productivity while keeping people employed in agriculture," he stated. This balance is especially critical in areas where agriculture is the primary source of income and high-tech investments are sometimes prohibitively expensive.Although switching to these approaches may initially cut yields, they eventually make farms more robust.Brian noted that shifting consuming habits are also necessary for resilience. "Eating lower on the food chain and reducing food waste are big steps," he said. He underlined that when these adjustments are made collectively, they can lessen the negative environmental effects of food production, particularly in wealthy nations with high rates of food waste.Kyle and Brian emphasized the necessity for scalability even though cutting-edge technologies have the potential to completely transform agriculture. "Tractors are still considered a luxury in some parts of the world," Brian said. He supports little, reasonably priced innovations that can result in significant productivity gaiThe podcast is sponsored by DevelopmentAid. Procurement notices, funding and grants to opportunities, lists of potential partners, insights into market trends, databases of development professionals, webinars, latest news, and much more. Stay informed and connected. Subscribe and Stay Connected 

Guest Description: Angie Staley, an expert in anti-human trafficking and transitional housing. Episode description: Human trafficking is a complex global crisis impacting millions, each survivor’s journey marked by resilience in the face of unimaginable hardship. Angie Staley, with over 12 years of experience in residential coordination, offers essential support to survivors, helping them heal and rebuild.In this episode, Angie shares her human-centered approach to recovery, where each step—no matter how small—brings survivors closer to lasting change. Her method goes beyond one-time interventions, focusing on a sustained commitment to understanding and supporting each individual’s needs. By fostering a space of trust and presence, Angie helps survivors feel seen and empowered.Yet, working in such a challenging field brings ethical dilemmas, where resources are limited, and the right course of action isn’t always clear. Angie’s story reveals the power of persistence and compassion in navigating these crossroads and advocating for the dignity of every survivor.Listen to our latest podcast for more on Angie Staley’sSubscribe to our podcast series and do not miss an important dialogue. The podcast is sponsored by DevelopmentAid. Procurement notices, funding and grants to opportunities, lists of potential partners, insights into market trends, databases of development professionals, webinars, latest news, and much more. Stay informed and connected. Subscribe and Stay Connected 

Guest Description: Phil Mason a leading player in the global fight against corruption. Mr. Mason has over 20 years of experience at the UK's Department for International Development (DFID) and a long history of international anti-corruption operations.Episode Description: In this episode, we discuss the systemic threat of corruption in international development. Phil Mason discusses the internal challenges within development agencies in adopting a holistic strategy to tackle corruption, often seen as a niche issue rather than one that spans sectors like health, education, and infrastructure. Mason stresses that separating corruption from broader development efforts weakens anti-corruption strategies.Mason also highlights the external pressures agencies face, especially when working with governments. "How do you combat corruption when those you're working with are complicit?" he asks, highlighting the complexities of international collaboration. He advocates for a unified, all-of-government approach, where diplomacy and trade policy play key roles in anti-corruption efforts, not just development agencies.The episode explores solutions that have proven effective in reducing corruption over the past two decades, including transparency measures like open procurement, e-governance, and asset declarations. Mason explains how these tools reduce opportunities for corruption by increasing the risk of being caught. Additionally, he discusses the transformative role of big data in tracking corruption in real time.However, Mason cautions that technology alone isn’t enough. He emphasizes the need for follow-through when corruption is exposed, using India's "I Paid a Bribe" campaign as an example of a well-intentioned effort that lacks enforcement. "It’s cathartic to report, but if nothing happens afterward, the impact is lost," he says.Mason reflects on the personal resilience required to fight corruption, noting that progress is often slow, and the battles are long-term. He also criticizes the constraints of rigid development timelines, arguing that corruption is a generational problem that can't be solved in typical three- to five-year project cycles.As he concludes, Mason urges development agencies to break free from traditional structures and invest in long-term strategies if they're serious about tackling corruption.The podcast is sponsored by DevelopmentAid. Procurement notices, funding and grants to opportunities, lists of potential partners, insights into market trends, databases of development professionals, webinars, latest news, and much more. Stay informed and connected. Subscribe and Stay Connected 

Guest Description: Jennie King, Director of Climate Disinformation Research and Policy at the Institute for Strategic Dialogue (ISD). Ms. King provided crucial insights into the dynamics of climate disinformation and the larger online information ecology. She stressed that “climate disinformation is being deployed strategically to undermine urgent environmental action,” and that misinformation campaigns frequently exploit legitimate worries about energy security and food supply to stymie climate efforts. This tactic, she explained, is intended to cause confusion and delay decisive policy decisions.Ms. King also highlighted ISD’s comprehensive research, which tracks both overt and covert disinformation campaigns on major digital platforms. For example, she pointed to a study conducted by ISD and the Conscious Advertising Network, which revealed that mainstream advertisers often unknowingly fund websites that propagate false climate narratives.“It’s a systemic issue where advertisers may not realize that their dollars are supporting disinformation,” she explained.A substantial chunk of the conversation focused on the urgent need for regulation. Ms. King called for strong legislative frameworks, such as the European Union’s Digital Services Act, which requires corporations to examine and minimize the risks connected with their online platforms.“Regulation is essential to create the enabling environment for better scrutiny and accountability of the private sector,” she asserted.According to Ms. King, this regulatory strategy will encourage a more transparent digital world by limiting harmful content and rewarding platforms to promote meaningful conversation rather than controversy.The podcast also touched on the role of social media in climate debates, with Ms. King outlining how algorithms “create perverse incentives that are built around outrage and division” rather than encouraging informed, evidence-based discussions. As a response, she argued for the demonetization of deceptive content, claiming that “once you remove that profit motive, many actors will leave this space.”In her closing remarks, Ms. King struck a hopeful tone, encouraging listeners to remain engaged in the fight against climate disinformation. She emphasized the progress made in just a few years, with climate disinformation now firmly on the agendas of governments, multilateral bodies, and environmental organizations.“This is a solvable issue.”“This is a solvable issue,” she affirmed, reminding the audience that momentum is building towards meaningful action that could reshape the online information space in favor of climate solutions.The podcast is sponsored by DevelopmentAid. Procurement notices, funding and grants to opportunities, lists of potential partners, insights into market trends, databases of development professionals, webinars, latest news, and much more. Stay informed and connected. Subscribe and Stay Connected 

Our guest: Sean Furey, the Secretariat Director of the Rural Water Supply Network (RWSN). During the episode, Mr. Furey shared insights with podcast host Hisham Allam into the vast network of community organizations managing water systems and the challenges they face. Highlighting a recent example from Ecuador, he illustrated the extensive scale of these operations, supported by thousands of community boards and municipalities.A key focus of RWSN’s work is leveraging technology to connect people and disseminate crucial information.Mr. Furey emphasized the potential of online tools, such as WhatsApp and AI, to provide valuable services and facilitate connections among water professionals.He underscored the importance of local and national level collaboration in addressing complex issues like climate change and water resource management.One notable shift in the sector is the adoption of solar-powered groundwater pumping technologies. Mr. Furey discussed how solar pumps outperform typical hand pumps or diesel-powered systems, especially in rural and small-town settings. However, he also emphasized the risks of over-extraction of groundwater resources, particularly in agricultural sectors.According to a study carried out among RWSN members, hand pumps will continue to be essential in distant, low-income communities even though solar pumping is thought to be the way of the future.Given the challenging conditions and logistical challenges associated with providing service to remote places, manufacturers face a challenge in striking a balance between price, quality, and reliability.In Sub-Saharan Africa, groundwater management remains a critical issue.Mr. Furey drew attention to the need for a deeper understanding of groundwater resources, which are anticipated to become even more crucial due to climate change.He discussed research program findings that demonstrate increased groundwater recharge in dryland Africa, providing a positive outlook for future water management.Additionally, the private sector’s contribution to rural water provision was discussed. While acknowledging the challenge of attracting private capital due to the low financial returns, Mr. Furey highlighted the potential of public-private partnerships (PPPs) to improve sustainability and service delivery, as demonstrated by a titanium mine project in Kenya.Another important topic is RWSN’s approach to professional development and capacity building.Mr. Furey elaborated on their initiatives to elevate rural water supply as a career, supporting individuals through online education and mentoring programs, and advocating for greater representation of women in leadership positions in the industry.He emphasized the value of collective ownership and the necessity of addressing concerns related to land and water rights governance.Finally, Mr. Furey cited a quotation from the Greek philosopher Heraclitus to discuss the importance of adapting to change. He highlighted the value of flexibility and learning in the face of rapid changes and promoted teamwork in the water industry to solve problems and innovate.The podcast is sponsored by DevelopmentAid. Procurement notices, funding and grants to opportunities, lists of potential partners, insights into market trends, databases of development professionals, webinars, latest news, and much more. Stay informed and connected. Subscribe and Stay Connected 

In the realm of humanitarianism and disaster response, Dr. Manu Gupta shines as a guiding light of unwavering dedication and passionate advocacy. With over three decades of experience, his journey from volunteer work to founding SEEDS (Sustainable Environment and Ecological Development Society) reflects a profound commitment to empowering communities and building resilience in the face of adversity.A recent interview with Development Aid Dialogues sheds light on Dr. Gupta's remarkable journey and the invaluable lessons he has gleaned along the way. From his early experiences as a relief worker to his pivotal role in shaping disaster risk reduction efforts, Dr. Gupta's insights offer a roadmap for effective humanitarian action in a rapidly changing world.Reflecting on his formative years, Dr. Gupta recalls a transformative moment during the 2001 Gujarat earthquake. Witnessing the devastating impact of the earthquake firsthand, he was struck by the realization that many lives could have been saved with stronger, more resilient infrastructure. This experience sparked a lifelong commitment to disaster risk reduction and post-disaster recovery efforts aimed at building safer, more resilient communities."A post-disaster response is usually the actions taken by humanitarians such as us to respond to the needs of people who have been hit by crisis," Dr. Gupta emphasizes.One of the key lessons Dr. Gupta has learned is the importance of restoring agency to affected communities in the aftermath of a disaster. He emphasizes the need for communities to be actively involved in their own recovery, stating, "When the most affected people are at the center of post-disaster recovery, the intervention not only stays with them but then they also innovate, they also evolve.""We felt that at this time, when we do the rebuilding work in the same communities, the houses need to be strong enough... People should know the potential impact of an earthquake," Dr. Gupta explains.Community-based disaster management lies at the core of SEEDS' approach, with a focus on empowering local leaders and engaging communities in resilience-building efforts. Dr. Gupta highlights the crucial role of local knowledge and leadership in mitigating the impact of disasters and facilitating recovery efforts, stating, "The most affected family and their own friends and neighbors really can reach out before anyone else can in an emergency.""Awareness is the ownership and the agency of affected people themselves that has sustained throughout no matter what kind of disaster has hit people," he adds."Investing in communities, when enabled properly, with the right kind of knowledge, with the right kind of support, can help scale the kind of impact we want to create," Dr. Gupta believes.In addition to his work on the ground, Dr. Gupta has been instrumental in cofounding alliances and collaborative initiatives focused on adaptation and disaster risk reduction. Recognizing the importance of collective action, he underscores the need for partnerships and alliances to address the increasingly complex challenges posed by climate change and natural disasters."There is so much suffering as we see in the world today, and I just feel this is something that is needed by many more of us," he reflects.Looking ahead, Dr. Gupta remains steadfast in his commitment to building a more resilient world. Despite the daunting challenThe podcast is sponsored by DevelopmentAid. Procurement notices, funding and grants to opportunities, lists of potential partners, insights into market trends, databases of development professionals, webinars, latest news, and much more. Stay informed and connected. Subscribe and Stay Connected 

Guest Description: Tatiana Kotlyarenko, Expert on GBV and Human TraffickingEpisode sneak peak: In the latest DevelopmentAid Dialogues podcast, Tatiana Kotlyarenko, a human rights defender, discusses the complexities of human trafficking with Hisham Allam. She emphasizes that trafficking involves organized crime and corruption, complicating efforts to combat it. Kotlyarenko shares her experience evacuating at-risk individuals from Afghanistan, highlighting the importance of international solidarity.She dispels myths about trafficking, noting its evolution to include domestic and online exploitation, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Kotlyarenko stresses the need for parental vigilance and the role of educational institutions in prevention. She also highlights technology’s role, citing projects like Racknet and Thorne, which use tech to protect children from trafficking.Kotlyarenko’s journey from Ivy League education to grassroots activism underscores the need for a holistic approach that combines academic knowledge with practical experience to develop effective human rights policies.The podcast is sponsored by DevelopmentAid. Procurement notices, funding and grants to opportunities, lists of potential partners, insights into market trends, databases of development professionals, webinars, latest news, and much more. Stay informed and connected. Subscribe and Stay Connected 

Yemen grapples with a staggering humanitarian crisis, leaving millions dependent on aid for survival. Delivering that assistance, however, is fraught with challenges.In this episode of DevelopmentAid Dialogues, Ibrahim Elhadhad, a UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) official, offers alongside Hisham Allam a firsthand look at the complexities of navigating aid delivery in Yemen and the unwavering commitment to helping those most in need.OCHA plays a central role in coordinating the response. Elhadhad explains a standardized framework used to identify the most vulnerable populations – a crucial step when resources are limited. Tough decisions are inevitable, but Elhadhad emphasizes that even those who don't receive direct aid benefit from a more streamlined response.The volatile security situation creates significant dangers for aid workers. Elhadhad acknowledges the ever-present threat of assassinations, detentions, and kidnappings. OCHA implements safety measures, analyzing the presence of armed actors, securing facilities, and obtaining movement permits. Elhadhad uses the example of curfews to illustrate the constant need to navigate the complexities on the ground.Reaching the most vulnerable people - women, children, and the displaced - is a continuous priority. Elhadhad describes how OCHA achieves this by gathering data broken down by gender, age, and susceptibility. This data, along with a comprehensive monitoring system, enables transparent reporting and verification of aid delivery. Despite these efforts, the magnitude of the situation is enormous. Millions of people are denied access to crucial help due to funding shortfalls. Elhadhad underlines the urgent need for more donor support.The podcast is sponsored by DevelopmentAid. Procurement notices, funding and grants to opportunities, lists of potential partners, insights into market trends, databases of development professionals, webinars, latest news, and much more. Stay informed and connected. Subscribe and Stay Connected 

Guest description: Dr. Kerstin Danert, the founder and director of Ask for Water. Ask for Water works collaboratively with governments, NGOs, and research institutions. They focus not just on the technical aspects of borehole drilling, but also on building capacity, ensuring quality control, and implementing sustainable practices.Episode Description: In this episode, we discuss water access in low- and middle-income countries with Dr. Danert. Hey journey began in Uganda, where she witnessed firsthand the struggles of communities relying on unsafe water sources. She emphasizes the  importance of having qualified professionals engaged into projects as well as proper techniques in borehole drilling. Dr. Danert emphasizes that "a borehole is much more than a hole in the ground." Ask for Water champions responsible practices that ensure long-term functionality and prevent well failure.The heart of the episode lies in the human stories. Dr. Danert shares a moving story about a Ugandan woman whose life was transformed by having access to clean water at home. This simple act brought dignity, freed her from arduous journeys to distant springs, and empowered her to participate more fully in her community. This story exemplifies the ripple effect of water access projects, impacting health, education, and gender equality.The episode doesn't shy away from the challenges. Dr. Danert expresses concern about the current emphasis on drilling quantity over long-term project sustainability. She stresses the importance of responsible planning, cost analysis, and community involvement to ensure projects continue to provide clean water for years to come."From Rainwater Tanks to Dignity" is an inspiring exploration of Ask for Water's impactful work. It leaves us with a renewed appreciation for the life-changing power of clean water access and the dedication of organizations like Ask for Water who are committed to finding innovative and sustainable solutions.The podcast is sponsored by DevelopmentAid. Procurement notices, funding and grants to opportunities, lists of potential partners, insights into market trends, databases of development professionals, webinars, latest news, and much more. Stay informed and connected. Subscribe and Stay Connected 

Guest description: Sandra Méndez F. is an experienced expert and project developer, and coordinator at Skat. Episode description: In this episode of DevelopmentAid Dialogues, we explore the current state of waste management in Latin America and the innovative solutions emerging across the region.Dr. Fagrado paints a vivid picture of the waste management landscape, highlighting the predominance of landfilling without separation. She emphasizes that over 50% of waste comprises organics, presenting significant environmental concerns.From large-scale composting facilities to community-driven programs, a shift towards sustainable waste management is underway in Latin America. Colombia's Green Terrace project exemplifies this movement, aiming to create a closed loop between organic waste and healthy food production through composting and urban agriculture.The path towards sustainable waste management isn't without its bumps. Dr. Fagrado pinpoints limited technical knowledge and time constraints as key obstacles for residents. However, she remains optimistic, underlining the power of education and awareness campaigns to drive cultural change. "Environmental education activities and information campaigns are very important," Dr. Fagrado emphasizes, highlighting the need for comprehensive solutions.Dr. Fagrado's insights paint a hopeful picture: waste management in Latin America is evolving from disposal to opportunity. Innovation, education, and collaboration are paving the way for a sustainable future. Projects like Green Terrace illuminate this shift, showcasing how waste can be transformed into a resource.The podcast is sponsored by DevelopmentAid. Procurement notices, funding and grants to opportunities, lists of potential partners, insights into market trends, databases of development professionals, webinars, latest news, and much more. Stay informed and connected. Subscribe and Stay Connected 

Our Guest: Kim Eric Bettcher, a leading expert from CIPE's Policy and Program Learning department, specializing in democratic governance and international partnerships. Episode Description: In this episode, we discuss the role of partnerships and knowledge management in advancing global development goals. Our guest,  Kim Bettcher believes that collaboration can bring about significant change and views partnerships as crucial catalysts for systemic transformation.  He also emphasizes the importance of inclusive conversation and involvement in promoting sustainable development. He believes that "voice is essential" and advocates for empowering underprivileged populations to influence development goals. This underlines the necessity of including multiple voices and perspectives in decision-making processes.Regarding technology in development, Bettcher stresses the importance of finding a balance that prioritizes human needs. He suggests, "Partnerships should leverage technology," emphasizing that technology should support rather than overshadow the core principles of collaboration. This highlights the need to use technology as a tool to improve communication, data sharing, and project effectiveness.Additionally, Bettcher emphasizes the necessity of fostering a culture of learning and adaptability within partnerships. He points out, "It's all about mindset, not just resources," emphasizing the importance of embracing a mindset focused on continuous learning and innovation. This underscores the significance of being flexible and resilient in navigating the ever-changing landscape of development cooperation.As the global community endeavors to achieve sustainable development goals, Kim Eric Bettcher's insights offer invaluable guidance for forging effective partnerships and driving meaningful change. By embracing collaborative innovation, centering inclusive participation, balancing technological advancements, and nurturing a culture of learning, we can collectively build a more resilient and equitable world.The podcast is sponsored by DevelopmentAid. Procurement notices, funding and grants to opportunities, lists of potential partners, insights into market trends, databases of development professionals, webinars, latest news, and much more. Stay informed and connected. Subscribe and Stay Connected 

Guest Description: Scott Filler, Senior Disease Coordinator at the Global Fund, a worldwide movement to defeat HIV, TB and malaria. Episode description: In this episode, we discuss Dr. Filler's journey, from a personal encounter with the disease to spearheading innovative initiatives. This profound sense of purpose fuels Dr. Filler's tireless advocacy for equal access to healthcare, regardless of birthplace. He asserts, "No child should have to face the devastating consequences. They didn't choose where they were born."Throughout the podcast, Dr. Filler navigates the complex landscape of malaria control and elimination with clarity and insight.  He discusses innovative initiatives like the Regional Artemisinin-resistance Initiative (RAI) and addresses the disruptive impacts of climate change, offering a comprehensive understanding of the challenges at hand.  Dr. Filler emphasizes the critical importance of international cooperation, knowledge sharing and the need for a unified response, stating, "Malaria doesn't respect borders.  A strategy for drug resistance requires a regional approach where we discuss all anti-malarias entering a particular region." Dr. Filler's insights illuminate the interconnected nature of the fight against malaria, transcending geographical boundaries in pursuit of a common goal.The podcast is sponsored by DevelopmentAid. Procurement notices, funding and grants to opportunities, lists of potential partners, insights into market trends, databases of development professionals, webinars, latest news, and much more. Stay informed and connected. Subscribe and Stay Connected 

Guest Description: Dr. K. Ganapathy is a professor, neurosurgeon, the first Ph.D. in neuroimaging in South Asia, and a strong advocate for telehealth. www.kganapathy.in Episode Description: in this episode, we discuss revolutionizing the healthcare - the concept of  telemedicine. Dr. Ganapathy explains how telemedicine breaks geographical barriers, providing specialist care to remote areas and bridging urban-rural healthcare gaps, particularly in countries like India. He discusses the empowerment of specialists to virtually visit patients, reducing travel costs and time. While highlighting telemedicine's potential, Dr. Ganapathy addresses concerns about patient privacy and data security, citing India's Digital Personal Data Protection Bill. He also discusses AI and ML integration in telemedicine at Apollo Hospitals, envisioning personalized healthcare based on individual genomes. Dr. Ganapathy stresses the importance of data security and political support for universal health coverage and telemedicine adoption.The conversation concludes with Dr. Ganapathy acknowledging challenges due to India's diversity, emphasizing customized healthcare delivery and fair compensation for healthcare professionals. His insights on DevelopmentAid Dialogues highlight telemedicine's transformative impact on global healthcare access and outcomes.The podcast is sponsored by DevelopmentAid. Procurement notices, funding and grants to opportunities, lists of potential partners, insights into market trends, databases of development professionals, webinars, latest news, and much more. Stay informed and connected. Subscribe and Stay Connected 

Guest Description: Dara Johnston, UNICEF's Chief of Section for Climate-Resilient Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) in South Sudan.Episode Description:In this episode, we discuss the crisis faced by millions in developing countries: climate change's impact on clean water and sanitation access. Our guest, Dara Johnston, brings over 35 years of expertise in addressing WASH challenges, currently serving as Chief of the Climate-Resilient WASH Section at UNICEF.We explore UNICEF's strategies in adapting WASH programs to climate change realities, focusing on regions like South Sudan grappling with floods and droughts disrupting sanitation systems. Dara shares insights into climate-resilient WASH practices, highlighting how UNICEF navigates challenges like flooded infrastructure and inaccessible water sources.Moreover, we examine the interplay between safe water, sanitation, poverty alleviation, and gender equality. Dara elaborates on how improved WASH access empowers women and families, breaking the cycle of poverty.The conversation extends to community involvement and capacity building, showcasing UNICEF's collaborative efforts with local communities in sustaining WASH solutions. Dara sheds light on policy formulation and advocacy, detailing her experiences in advocating for WASH at national and international forums.  The podcast is sponsored by DevelopmentAid. Procurement notices, funding and grants to opportunities, lists of potential partners, insights into market trends, databases of development professionals, webinars, latest news, and much more. Stay informed and connected. Subscribe and Stay Connected