Center For International Development

This episode of CID Voices explores how development finance institutions have evolved from counter-cyclical lenders during the financial crisis into impact-driven investors operating under mounting fiscal scrutiny. The conversation moves through the tensions shaping DFIs today: the push toward private capital mobilization and what it means for additionality, the segregation of capital pools across risk and return profiles, the challenges of local currency financing in emerging markets, and the growing pressure from governments to instrumentalize DFIs as part of national strategies. It closes on the geopolitical turn in development finance, including the DFC's reframing around national security, and what a future that blends development, climate, and defence finance might look like.

In this CID Voices Road to GEM26 podcast episode, Harvard Kennedy School student Carissa Tridina speaks with Professor Chatib Basri, former Finance Minister of Indonesia and current visiting scholar at CID, about the structural shifts reshaping development and financing today. As global aid shrinks and countries’ debt burdens rise, governments face tighter fiscal space and more complex political trade-offs as they try to build sustained growth. During the episode, we explore how building state capacity in domestic financing, institutional credibility, and leadership is critical. The conversation also looks at Professor Basri’s experience with Indonesia’s political economy reforms, and whether the lessons learned can be applied to the present and across different contexts in an increasingly fragmented global economy. Whether you're interested in international development, financing, or state capacity, this episode offers timely insight into how the shifting landscape affects all development actors.

In this episode CID Voices Road to GEM26 podcast, Harvard Kennedy School student Stuti Goyal speaks with Vishnu Venugopalan, an Indian Administrative Service officer and Practitioner in Residence at the Harvard Center for International Development. Anchored in CID’s research theme of Trade, Growth, and Regional Economics, the conversation explores how countries position themselves within shifting global supply chains. Drawing on his experience leading investment promotion in Tamil Nadu, Venugopalan reflects on the practical realities of industrial policy — from attracting private firms and investment to building the institutional capacity required to sustain manufacturing ecosystems. The discussion moves beyond strategy to implementation: how governments identify binding constraints, coordinate public goods, and translate global ambitions into local economic opportunity. Venugopalan also reflects on workforce development in an era of automation and on his experience deploying digital tools to reduce materna

In this episode of the CID Voices Road to GEM26 podcast, Harvard Kennedy School student, and CID podcast producer, Ritul Madhukar speaks with Michael Croft, UNESCO’s Representative to Mozambique, whose career has spanned crisis and transition contexts in Libya, Nepal and Vietnam. Anchored in CID’s research theme of Culture, Institutions, and History, the conversation explores what it takes to build and sustain trust and strengthen public institutions in fragile environments. Drawing on decades of experience, Croft reflects on the role multilateral organizations play in shaping civic ecosystems, aligning governments and partners, and navigating historical legacies that continue to shape development outcomes. He argues that effective development is less about importing solutions and more about convening coalitions. What does it mean to reimagine development today? And can multilateral institutions adapt to meet the moment?

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

In this episode of Road to GEM, Harvard Kennedy School’s Dr. Aarushi Jain speaks with Dr. Bhaskar Chakravorti, Dean of Global Business at Tufts University’s Fletcher School and Founding Director of Digital Planet, about the uneven global spread of artificial intelligence. While AI holds promise for breakthroughs in healthcare, agriculture, education, and governance, Dr. Chakravorti sounds a note of caution: these benefits are far from equitably distributed. The conversation explores how AI is being built on deeply unequal data, why access and usage remain skewed across geographies, and how business models, environmental costs, and trust deficits might further widen the digital divide. Drawing on insights from the Digital Evolution Index and years of work across policy, tech, and consulting, Dr. Chakravorti outlines six key divides shaping our AI future — data, income, usage, geography, production, and sustainability. He also shares tangible examples where AI can support smallholder farmers, underserved pati

In this episode of the Road to GEM podcast, host Felicity Powell joins a panel of international development and education experts to explore how artificial intelligence could transform education and promote equity. As foreign aid declines and humanitarian challenges grow, the discussion highlights why education remains essential to global equity and revisits past technology initiatives to consider whether AI will help bridge—or deepen—the digital divide. Guests: Dr. Rob Jenkins (Harvard Graduate School of Education, formerly UNICEF), Dr. Chris Henderson (Geneva Graduate Institute), and Ellen Eun (Program Specialist, UNICEF Learning Passport) Student Host: Felicity Powell, Harvard Graduate School of Education

In this episode of Road to GEM, Harvard PhD Student and CID Affiliate Jasmin Higo speaks with Jean-Martin Bauer, Director of Food Security and Nutrition Analysis at the World Food Programme, about how AI is shaping the global response to hunger. With over 700 million people facing chronic food insecurity—and food crises driven by conflict, climate change, and economic instability—this conversation asks a pressing question: can innovation keep pace with the complexity of today’s hunger challenges? They explore how AI is being used to anticipate emergencies, improve decision-making, and reimagine humanitarian response. The conversation also touches on the ethical limits of technology in fragile settings, the shift from rural to urban hunger, and what the future holds for global food systems. Whether you're interested in technology, development, or humanitarian work, this episode offers timely insight into how AI is being deployed—and questioned—in the fight against global hunger.

In this episode of Road to GEM, we explore the transformative role of artificial intelligence in urban planning and climate resilience. Jennifer Hotsko and Betty Chemier from UNDP’s Accelerator Lab in Panama join host Giovanna Lia Toledo, Master in Urban Planning candidate at the Harvard Graduate School of Design, to share real-world projects where AI is being used to visualize climate risks, engage communities in participatory planning, and support more adaptive and equitable cities. From ethical considerations to practical applications, the conversation offers grounded insights into how emerging technologies can strengthen urban futures. Whether you’re a planner, technologist, or simply curious about the intersection of innovation and sustainability, tune in to discover how AI is not just a tool—but a catalyst for building inclusive, climate-resilient cities. Guests: Jennifer Hotsko, Head of Exploration at UNDP’s Accelerator Lab in Panama | Betty Chemier, Head of Experimentation at UNDP’s Accelerator Lab

Artificial Intelligence is transforming humanitarian aid—but what does responsible, community-centered innovation really look like? In this episode we explore how AI is being applied across CARE’s work in humanitarian and development contexts, from real-time needs assessment to amplifying women’s voices during crises. Emily Janoch, with nearly two decades of experience in systems design and evidence-based learning, shares how CARE is using AI to drive dignity-focused development. Joining her is Kalkidan Lakew, whose work emphasizes the importance of data-driven storytelling and community-led response. Together, they shed light on the challenges of bias, access, and misinformation in AI—and what it means to use this powerful tool ethically and inclusively. Whether you're an AI enthusiast, a development practitioner, or simply curious about the intersection of tech and global impact, this conversation offers grounded insights into what “AI for good” really means in practice. Guests: Emily Janoch, Associate

How is AI reshaping Africa's tech landscape? In this episode, Marcelle N. Momha explores this question with Dr. Barbara Glover (African Union Development Agency-NEPAD) and Dr. William Wasswa (Mbarara University of Science and Technology). They discuss the role of AI in tackling African challenges, highlighting projects like Microsoft's investments and AI-driven healthcare innovations. Discover how Africa is poised to transition from an AI consumer to a global tech leader. Whether you're interested in AI or Africa's future, this episode provides valuable insights into the continent's digital transformation journey. Join us for a deep dive into Africa’s AI potential. Guests: Dr. Barbara Glover - African Union Development Agency-NEPAD | Dr. William Wasswa - Mbarara University of Science and Technology Student Host: Marcelle N. Momha - Harvard Kennedy School

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

In this episode, we delve into the complex dynamics between mega-sporting events and human rights. Vijay Simhan from Humanity United offers valuable insights into funding strategies for narrative, research and advocacy, drawing from the foundation's work in the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Thays Prado from the Center for Sport and Human Rights emphasizes the crucial role of centering women and gender minorities in stakeholder engagement throughout the event lifecycle.

Whether as spectators, players, coaches, or executives, sports bring people together and have the potential to drive improvements in education, health, and labor across the globe. In this episode, we explore the transformative power of sports in community building and international development. Mariana Behr Andrade, Global Sports Initiative Fellow at Harvard University’s Weatherhead Center, who spearheaded impact initiatives for the Rio Olympics, discusses how sports can improve education outcomes, while legendary hockey coach Digit Murphy highlights gender representation in athletics.

In this episode, we’re diving into the power of narrative in international development. More than just storytelling, narrative has become a critical tool—from shaping program design to influencing funding decisions. Donors and practitioners alike are recognizing the role of narrative in advancing sustainable development goals. But what exactly does "narrative" mean in this context, and how can we use it effectively to create real change? We'll explore how narrative can be both a means and an end in the push for a more equitable and sustainable world. Joining us to unpack this are Mandy Van Deven, founder of Both/And Solutions and co-lead of Elemental, Chiara Cattaneo, co-lead of Elemental, and Paco Camacho, Director of the Law and Human Rights Program for the Asia Foundation in the Philippines.

In this episode, we dive into reproductive justice—exploring abortion access in Latin America and menstrual rights in India. How can we advance reproductive rights while navigating religious, intergenerational and cultural landscapes? We’ll discuss the intersections of labor, health, and policy. First, we speak with Paula Avila-Guillen, human rights attorney and Executive Director at the Women’s Equality Center, about the ongoing fight for abortion rights in Latin America. Then, we head to India, where Ananya Chaocharia, founder of Paint it Red Foundation, walks us through the movement for menstrual rights.

In this episode, we explore the care economy, delving into the crucial roles of care for children, elders, and others from an economic perspective. Who is truly investing in care, and who benefits from these investments? We’re joined by Nancy Folbre, Professor Emeritus of Economics at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, who analyzes care as an intergenerational exchange and a vital investment. Following her insights, we’ll hear from Ana Fernanda Hierro, Technical Secretary of Consejo Nuevo León, who discusses best practices at the local level in the state of Nuevo León, Mexico.

In this episode, we unpack what “scaling up” truly means in international development—not just expanding for growth’s sake, but doing so with intentionality to maximize impact. We’re joined by Jossie Fahsbender, Senior Program Manager at IMAGO, and Siddhant Gokhale, Senior Knowledge Manager at IMAGO, co-authors of Scaling Up Development Impact alongside Harvard Professor Isabel Guerrero. Jossie and Siddhant share real-world examples of how this approach has empowered agents of change, discuss the challenges of scaling in diverse cultural contexts, and explore how community-centered solutions are shaping the future of development.

In this episode, we explore the dynamic relationship between education policy and human development in the Global South. Dr. Emiliana Vegas, a professor at the Graduate School of Education at Harvard University. She shares her wealth of experience and insights. From advocating for micro-inputs to promoting comprehensive support systems, Dr. Vegas offers valuable perspectives on the evolving landscape of education reform. Tune in as we delve into the crucial role of contextual understanding and collaboration with local leaders in designing effective, culturally relevant, and sustainable education policies. Hosted by Usama Mohammed, a student at Harvard's Graduate School of Education.

In this episode, we explore women's economic empowerment with Diva Dhar from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Varina Winder from the US State Department, and Wendy Teleki from the World Bank. Together, they share their unique approaches to addressing economic opportunities for women, discussing pivotal moments for women in low and medium-income countries, areas of progress, and existing gaps. Discover how inclusive economic growth for women fosters positive impacts on families and communities, along with insights into women's entrepreneurship. Hosted by Priyanka Varma, a student at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government.