Devex Podcasts

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We're the world’s leading independent news organization covering global development.

  1. Special Episode: Visionomics - How Eyeglasses Drive Economic Growth

    7H AGO

    Special Episode: Visionomics - How Eyeglasses Drive Economic Growth

    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.

    22 min
  2. Global Progress in the AI Era: The future of AI will be decided by small choices with big stakes

    20H AGO

    Global Progress in the AI Era: The future of AI will be decided by small choices with big stakes

    In this episode of Global Progress in the AI Era, a government minister and tech entrepreneur argue that the future of AI will be determined by thousands of small choices.

    30 min
  3. This Week in Global Dev: #141: Inside the World Bank Spring Meetings

    4D AGO

    This Week in Global Dev: #141: Inside the World Bank Spring Meetings

    Against the backdrop of the World Bank and IMF Spring Meetings, Devex reporters Adva Saldinger, Michael Igoe, and Ayenat Mersie dissect the stories they’ve been hearing on the ground this week. That includes the latest OECD figures showing a staggering 25% drop in official development assistance, the ripple effects of the conflict in the Middle East, and a newfound focus on rebuilding public consensus. The discussion also looks at the World Bank’s bold new “sector-first” strategy, highlighted by the launch of Water Forward — an ambitious initiative aiming to provide one billion people with access to clean water through country-led compacts. The return of African trade corridors enters the discussion as well, along with the International Monetary Fund’s scramble for concessional funding. To dig into these stories, listen to this episode of This Week in Global Development.

    27 min
  4. Special Episode: Every Crisis is Political - Redefining Humanitarian Response

    APR 14

    Special Episode: Every Crisis is Political - Redefining Humanitarian Response

    Special Episode: Every Crisis is Political - Redefining Humanitarian Response by Devex

    44 min
  5. This Week in Global Dev: #140: A look at the United States' new foreign aid strategy

    APR 9

    This Week in Global Dev: #140: A look at the United States' new foreign aid strategy

    This week, we discuss the United States’ new highly targeted approach to humanitarian aid, showcased in a $2 billion agreement with the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, or OCHA. Designed for rapid impact, the funds are strictly earmarked for direct, lifesaving assistance over a short six-month window across 18 crisis-affected countries. We explore the implications of this strategy, which signals a significant shift in U.S. foreign aid toward fast-tracked, tightly scoped interventions focused on immediate survival. During the conversation, we also take a look at the details of the Trump administration’s budget request, which calls for a 30% cut to foreign affairs spending and increased funding to rebuild and secure critical mineral supply chains. To dig into these stories, and others, Devex Business Editor David Ainsworth sits down with Adva Saldinger and Elissa Miolene for the latest episode of our weekly podcast series. To find out more about how the U.S. budget works, check out our special explainer episode: https://www.devex.com/news/special-episode-the-us-budget-deadlock-explained-110787 Sign up to the Devex Newswire and our other newsletters: https://www.devex.com/account/newsletters

    33 min
  6. Special episode: Breast cancer as a global development challenge

    APR 8

    Special episode: Breast cancer as a global development challenge

    In this special episode of This Week in Global Development, we explore breast cancer not just as a health challenge, but as a critical development challenge. In low- and middle-income countries, or LMICs, a breast cancer diagnosis can have a devastating ripple effect that extends far beyond the clinic, impacting households, communities, and entire systems. Hosted in partnership with The Pfizer Foundation, Devex Executive Vice President and Executive Editor Kate Warren speaks with Darren Back, Dr. Loice Sitienei, and Dr. Patrick Loehrer to explore why integrated breast cancer care strengthens both health systems and economic resilience, ultimately improving outcomes for women facing this disease. The conversation underscores the systemic barriers to breast cancer care in LMICs, where limited infrastructure and high costs often lead to delays in diagnosis. The Pfizer Foundation's Action and Impact initiative, a philanthropic investment now totaling $25 million across five sub-Saharan African countries, aims to expand access to timely breast cancer diagnosis, treatment, and care. By supporting partners working with local and national governments to advance access to care, the initiative seeks to not only improve breast cancer outcomes but also strengthen overall health systems and long-term prosperity.

    33 min
  7. This Week in Global Dev: #139: Unpacking UK’s new aid strategy and World Bank’s approach to water

    APR 3

    This Week in Global Dev: #139: Unpacking UK’s new aid strategy and World Bank’s approach to water

    We dig into the key findings of a report published by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development on philanthropic funding. As traditional donors continue to slash their aid budgets, we examine where philanthropy can help plug the global development funding gap and provide resources for areas the private sector is not focusing on. We also discuss the United Kingdom’s new aid strategy. As the country looks to cut official development assistance spending to 0.3% of its gross national income, the government plans to shift from a donor role to an investor role, while focusing its aid on fragile and conflict-affected states. As we look ahead to the World Bank and International Monetary Fund Spring Meetings this month, we explore the former’s new water strategy, which aims to shift away from a narrow focus on infrastructure toward a broader, more integrated approach. To discuss these stories, and others, Senior Reporter Adva Saldinger sits down with Managing Editor Anna Gawel and Global Development Reporter Danielle Kaye for the latest episode of our weekly podcast series. Sign up to the Devex Newswire and our other newsletters: https://www.devex.com/account/newsletters

    26 min
  8. #138: PEPFAR, Global Fund, and the future of HIV care

    MAR 31

    #138: PEPFAR, Global Fund, and the future of HIV care

    In the latest episode of our weekly podcast, we examine the funding gaps and implementation challenges facing PEPFAR and the Global Fund as they navigate new bilateral health deals and the impact of the expanded global gag rule.

    31 min
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We're the world’s leading independent news organization covering global development.

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  • Creator
    Devex
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    316
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved
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    Devex Podcasts

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