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This Week in Global Development

This Week in Global Development

By: Devex | Global Development
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 Dive into the week's most critical global development news with the This Week in Global Development podcast.

In each episode, hosts Adva Saldinger, David Ainsworth, and Rumbi Chakamba break down major headlines and invite leading experts for insightful analysis.

Get up-to-date on news regarding foreign aid, humanitarian crises, the U.N.’s Sustainable Development Goals, finance, philanthropy, climate, food systems, global health, and stay informed on the latest trends and policy changes shaping global development.

Episodes are published every Friday and can also be watched on YouTube.

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Episodes
  • Reform or be defunded: The Trump administration’s demands for the UN

    Reform or be defunded: The Trump administration’s demands for the UN
    Apr 30 2026
    In an internal memo seen by Devex, the Trump administration has threatened to withhold hundreds of millions of dollars in funding to the United Nations unless it adopts a slate of nine “quick win” reforms. We break down the demands and what they reveal about the United States’ new road map for multilateral engagement.

    We also received a recent congressional notification which reveals that USAID has up to $19.2 billion to close out terminated foreign assistance awards. We explore what that funding would be spent on.

    To discuss these stories and others, Devex Business Editor David Ainsworth speaks with reporters Colum Lynch and Elissa Miolene for the latest episode of our weekly podcast series.

    During the sponsored segment of the This Week in Global Development podcast, brought to you by The Fred Hollows Foundation, Devex Executive Vice President Kate Warren sits down with Dr. Caroline Casey, president of the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness, to discuss why restoring sight is not just a health intervention, but a critical lever for unlocking women’s economic participation, reducing unpaid care burdens, and accelerating progress on gender equality.

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    34 mins
  • The new world order of aid: Inside the Skoll World Forum

    The new world order of aid: Inside the Skoll World Forum
    Apr 23 2026
    This week, we are on the ground in Oxford for the Skoll World Forum, an annual international convening of social entrepreneurs, philanthropists, and leaders across government and civil society. While the global development community faced significant headwinds from foreign aid cuts this time last year, the atmosphere at this year’s forum remains optimistic and focused on resilient solutions.

    During the conversation, we explore why the forum remains a cornerstone for the global development community, as well as share what we are learning about how philanthropic organizations see their role evolve in the post-aid era.

    To discuss the latest news from the Skoll World Forum, Senior Editor Rumbi Chakamba sits down with Devex President and Editor-in-Chief Raj Kumar and Business Editor David Ainsworth for this edition of our weekly podcast series.

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    28 mins
  • Special edition: Visionomics - how eyeglasses drive economic growth

    Special edition: Visionomics - how eyeglasses drive economic growth
    Apr 21 2026
    In a special edition of the This Week in Development podcast, Devex Executive Vice President Alan Robbins sits down with Ambassador Keisha McGuire, chief global affairs officer at RestoringVision, to explore the profound economic ripple effects of addressing near-vision loss, or presbyopia.

    While often dismissed as a mere "annoyance," age-related vision loss is a significant barrier to global health and economic development. RestoringVision has coined the term "visionomics" to describe the vital intersection of vision, health, and the economy. For millions in low- to middle-income countries, the inability to see clearly can lead to a devastating economic impact on households, communities, and countries.

    The case for investing in vision is mathematically undeniable: For every $1 invested in vision services in these regions, there is a $28 return on investment. Despite this, eye health has historically lagged behind other global health priorities. However, the tide is turning with major new funding commitments and increased political mobilization leading up to the first-ever Global Summit for Eye Health in November 2026 in Antigua and Barbuda. By treating vision not just as a medical cost but as a catalytic investment, organizations can advance at least seven Sustainable Development Goals, proving that a simple pair of reading glasses can be one of the most cost-effective tools for reducing global poverty.

    Listen to this episode of This Week in Global Development to hear the whole discussion.
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    22 mins
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