ODI Global

We’re pleased to announce that economist Amanda Rowlatt has been appointed a Trustee on the ODI Global Board! Amanda currently also serves as Vice Chair of CNWL NHS Health Charity and Deputy Chair of Brunel University of London. She was a Chief Analyst and Chief Economist in the UK Government for over 15 years, working across various departments. With extensive experience of serving in economics-based non-executive and advisory roles, Amanda will help shape our forward-looking agenda for a more just and equitable world. She joins us at a critical juncture for the global economy, and her insights and expertise will prove invaluable. A warm welcome to our Board, Amanda!

For decades, US foreign aid has played a vital role in humanitarian assistance, development and global security. But last month, the US government – the world’s biggest aid donor – announced a sudden 90-day freeze on foreign aid. The brutal shutdown of USAID will have a devastating impact on communities globally who depend on it to survive, as well as the global development sector more broadly. In the days following the decision, the harm was already visible. Reports show that antiretroviral drugs for HIV patients ran out, landmine clearance efforts stopped, and critical humanitarian operations were left in limbo. In a new episode of Think Change, experts formerly at USAID join our host and Chief Executive Sara Pantuliano to discuss implications and what should come next. Featuring Elizabeth Campbell (Executive Director, ODI Global Washington), Sarah Charles (Former Assistant to the Administrator, Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance, USAID) and Kate Almquist Knopf (Former Assistant Administrator for Africa, USAID). Listen here, or find Think Change on your preferred podcast app: https://lnkd.in/eFQKVnPE 🎧 #ThinkChangePodcast #USAID #ForeignAid #GlobalDevelopment

Three days to go! ⏳ On 18 February, we are hosting a High-Level Dialogue with Equal Measures 2030, bringing together a distinguished panel of state actors and gender experts to tackle a critical question: who will lead on global gender rights in a time of backlash? Ahead of CSW69 and the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration, the stakes for gender equality have never been higher. The need for unified, multilateral leadership is more critical than ever. Join us to hear exclusive insights from this timely conversation. 📍 In-person in London | Networking reception to follow 🔗 Register now to secure a final spot: https://buff.ly/41iSkOf #CSW69 #BeijingDeclaration #Beijing30 #WomensRights #GenderEquality

In a year marked by unprecedented elections and escalating threats to democracy, this new research couldn’t be more timely. 🚨 Our Gender Equality & Social Inclusion team has been leading work to examine how the anti-gender backlash and democratic backsliding are deeply intertwined. Whilst much research focuses on how democracies decay, fewer studies explore how democracies survive. This new report by Ayesha Khan and Sam Sharp provides the evidence to show how feminist mobilisations are a critical buffer against authoritarianism – often driving demands to protect democratic principles, promote secularism and build inclusive societies. The research explores how women’s movements in Argentina, Iran, Sudan and Pakistan are on the frontlines of democratic struggles – even in the face of increasing backlash from politicised religion and authoritarian politics. As this backlash intensifies globally, ignoring their role is a failure to understand that women’s movements are not just about gender rights – but about strengthening democracy itself. Download the full paper: https://buff.ly/4gDKsfx 🔗

“Around Palestine and the Middle East, writ large, there's always a lot of external actors who have their solutions and their ideas and their prescriptions.”    The scale of destruction in Gaza is apocalyptic. As decision-makers start to plot a path to recovery, a long-standing pattern persists: external actors dictating the future of Palestinian people, often without considering their aspirations or vision.    In Davos last month, our Chief Executive Sara Pantuliano emphasised the critical need to keep Palestinian voices at the forefront of shaping the path forward, whilst delivering justice and accountability for violations of international law that have taken place.    Watch the full video to hear why the voices of Palestinian civil society, academics, businesses and the diaspora must drive the future of Gaza: https://buff.ly/4gZgeEX 

📢 “So many people around the world depend so much on us, we can’t fail them, and that’s what I intend to do for the next four years, to be truthful and impactful.”   Earlier today ODI Global had the privilege of hosting the first Executive Director of the #LossAndDamageFund, Mr. Ibrahima Cheikh DIONG.   Mr. Diong's leadership comes at a pivotal moment as the Fund, first established at #COP27 in 2022, moves towards becoming fully operational in 2025—marking a critical milestone in addressing climate-related loss and damage 🚨   In an insightful discussion with ODI Global’s Emily Wilkinson, Mr. Diong shared his pragmatic vision for what is needed to respond effectively to #LossandDamage, the key challenges that lie ahead, and the critical action and frameworks needed over the next year to ensure that the developing nations which suffer the most from climate impacts, receive the resources they urgently need.   👉 If you missed it, watch the full event here: https://lnkd.in/efdNBJT2

Gender equality is "an essential lever to effective development work and to tackling poverty", but today women's rights are under attack globally. On our latest Think Change podcast, Sofia Sprechmann Sineiro (Chair of Pledge for Decolonising Aid) highlights how confronting this backlash on rights and advancing gender equality isn't just a moral imperative. It's a cornerstone of growth, and fundamental to eradicating poverty. Listen to the episode for insights on how to fix a system that fuels rampant inequality: https://lnkd.in/eKmNN_9A #ThinkChangePodcast #GenderEquality #Poverty #Inequality

🌍 Africa’s Critical Role in the AI Boom – Time to Leverage its Minerals for Greater Gains ⚡ When we talk about AI, the conversation often centres on cutting-edge software, powerful algorithms, and vast datasets. But what about the hardware that powers these innovations? AI wouldn’t exist without critical minerals – and Africa holds 30% of the world’s reserves while capturing just 10% of the revenue. This is a massive opportunity waiting to be unlocked. While global tech giants race to dominate AI, African nations must seize the moment to negotiate better trade deals, demand investment in local processing, and push for a greater stake in the global supply chain. With the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) in play and rising geopolitical shifts in mineral sourcing, Africa has leverage like never before. 🔹 Should African countries demand on-continent mineral processing before export? 🔹 Can AfCFTA be empowered to negotiate continental trade agreements for critical minerals? 🔹 What role should Western and African Development Finance Institutions play in fostering AI hardware industries on the continent? It’s time to rethink Africa’s place in the AI revolution. Read my full thoughts on how the continent can secure a fairer share of the AI boom here: 👇 https://lnkd.in/eSH2N2RB Let’s discuss! How can Africa turn its mineral wealth into lasting economic power? Drop your thoughts in the comments! ⬇️ #ArtificialIntelligence #AI #Africa #CriticalMinerals #Trade #AfCFTA #Development #TechLeadership

Final chance to sign up to our event about media coverage on migration with the International Broadcasting Trust! Find out more below – and register to join us in person in London (13 February) ⤵️

As this week's AI Paris Summit explores AI’s role in sustainable development, we must acknowledge its dual nature – a powerful tool to combat climate change but one with energy consumption risks. 🤖 Last year we released the 'Silent Crisis' report alongside Internews and StateUp, which highlights how frontline communities urgently need timely, localised information to adapt and survive. AI can help bridge this gap – mapping hyper-local risks, delivering actionable insights, and amplifying community voices. But AI innovation must be ethical, inclusive and grounded in local realities. The report offered five key recommendations to guide this: https://buff.ly/4jTs851 This summit is a chance to ensure AI truly supports a sustainable and equitable future. Let’s not miss it. #AIParisSummit #ResponsibleAI #ClimateResilience #InnovationForGood #SustainableAI