Episodes
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2024 was a year of significant transitions – characterised by rapid technological progress, shifting geopolitical landscapes, and ongoing crises and conflicts. In this final episode of the year, we reflect on its defining moments and look ahead to the key trends likely to shape 2025.
As the world becomes increasingly multipolar, the shift towards a more balanced global power structure brings both new perspectives and opportunities for collaboration. But this transition also presents challenges, with competing interests potentially impeding global cooperation. The redistribution of power may also deepen economic inequality and instability, and shift priorities in unexpected ways.In the face of these changes, leading commentators give their take on what to expect from the year ahead.
Guests
Sara Pantuliano (host), Chief Executive, ODI GlobalJeremy Bowen, International Editor of BBC NewsBright Simons, Visiting Senior Fellow, ODI Global and President of mPedigreeLinda Yueh, Fellow in Economics, University of OxfordRelated resources
Rising China-US tensions fuel global economic slowdown ahead of Trump’s inauguration (Insight, ODI Global)
Tens of thousands of people forcibly disappeared: will the international community step up for Syrians? (Insight, ODI Global)
Holding states to account: do humanitarians undermine civil society? (Insight, ODI Global)
Europe and the new world order: an updated approach to foreign engagement (Briefing paper, ODI Global)
Will China’s influence in Africa’s AI revolution undermine its sovereignty? (Insight, ODI Global)
The environmental risks of generative AI: why better global governance is urgently needed (Insight, ODI Global) -
Since April last year, Sudan has been engulfed in a brutal civil war which has claimed over 150,000 lives, displaced over 11 million people and created acute food insecurity.
Sara Pantuliano (host), Chief Executive, ODI GlobalHiba Morgan, Reporter, Al Jazeera EnglishJames Copnall, Newsday Presenter, BBC World ServiceMohanad Hashim, Journalist, BBC World Service
It is arguably the world's most devastating conflict. So why, over 600 days on, is Sudan still not getting the media and international attention it needs? And what can be done to spur more recognition and action for the people of Sudan, at a time when other crises like those in Gaza and Ukraine dominate the headlines?
Journalists from Al Jazeera and the BBC join us to give their take and share lesser reported stories that highlight both the suffering and unwavering strength of Sudanese people.Related resources
Event recap: Sudan’s humanitarian crisis slips further from sight (Event video, ODI Global)
Event recap: Sounding the alarm on Sudan’s hunger crisis (Event video, ODI Global)
Remembering Darfur – marking 20 years of conflict and its fallout (Disasters journal, ODI Global)
The politics of hunger – can famine in Gaza and Sudan be stopped? (Think Change podcast, ODI Global)
Three months into Sudan’s conflict: humanitarian leaders on the violence, the humanitarian response and the future (Event video, ODI Global)
Sudan conflict – how did we get here and what next? (Think Change podcast, ODI Global)
From El-Fasher to Khartoum: The fallout from 20 years of conflict in Darfur (Event video, ODI Global)
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Our new Donors in a Post-Aid World (DPAW) dialogue series provides an informal space for reimagining the functions of Northern bilateral donors in an evolving global landscape. Last month, our first dialogue focused on creating a new narrative for Northern ‘donorship,’ identifying opportunities for a refreshed approach to development cooperation.
This episode discusses key takeaways from the first dialogue. Guests examine the challenges Northern donor institutions face in a post-aid world, and how they might redefine their roles for the future.Why does this matter? Today, Official Development Assistance (ODA) is expected to address a growing array of complex agendas: countering China, managing migration, tackling the climate crisis, and more.
As demands grow for concessional public finance, donors lack the scaffolding of a single 'story' that they once had. What’s more, as the lines between ‘developed’ and ‘developing’ countries blur, and the donor-recipient model of aid as charity is increasingly rejected, the traditional rationale for aid has reached its limits.
In this episode, guests discuss how to navigate these challenges and build momentum for reforms that could influence key global policy processes.
Guests
Sara Pantuliano (host), Chief Executive, ODI GlobalNilima Gulrajani, Principal Research Fellow, ODI GlobalHeba Aly, former CEO of The New HumanitarianFadhel Kaboub, Senior Advisor, Power Shift AfricaOmar Bargawi, Deputy Director and Head of the Development Policy & Partnerships Department, FCDOEngage with us
We want to hear from voices that do not get heard yet have deep insights and knowledge to reimagine donorship for the 21st century. Please do reach out to
Nilima Gulrajani if you have any ideas or would like to write for us.
The second dialogue will take place early in 2025, with four to take place over the next 18 months. Sign up to our Donors in a Post-Aid World newsletter to get updates about the dialogue series.Related resources
Donors in a Post-Aid World (Project, ODI Global)
Dialogue #1: Crafting a new rationale for northern donorship (Summary note, ODI Global)
Should a Northern donor exist in the 21st century? Introducing a new dialogue series (Insight, ODI Global)
Donors In A Post-Aid World – January 2024 update (Insight, ODI Global)
Crafting development power: evolving European approaches in an age of polycrisis (Report, ODI Global)
Boosting gender equality with finance and fiscal policy (Project, ODI Global)Have your say on Think Change
We'd love to get your feedback on the show so we can continue to improve and grow it. Please take this 5 minute survey. -
The world is experiencing significant shifts, and the recent US election stands as one of the most influential. This could introduce a new level of unpredictability to global politics, economic relations and social dynamics worldwide.
Donald Trump’s decisive victory has surprised many, and his re-election raises several important questions about how it will impact on global dynamics. A continued focus on "America First" could strain international alliances and fragment global cooperation, if US interests overshadow multilateral agreements.As Trump prepares to take office for the second time, he may also adopt a more assertive approach to foreign policy, likely impacting NATO relations and potentially intensifying tensions with China, Iran and Russia. His previous scepticism about the climate crisis may see reduced federal action which will hinder global climate agreements and slow carbon reduction efforts.
In this episode guests analyse what to expect from Trump's return to the White House, both for the US and the world, including potential shifts across foreign, security, development, climate and migration policies.
Guests
Sara Pantuliano (host), Chief Executive, ODI GlobalKarin Von Hippel, Director-General, Royal United Services Institute (RUSI)Ramsey Day, ODI Global Washington Board member and former USAID Assistant Administrator for Africa Jeremy Konyndyk, President, Refugees InternationalRelated resources
Managing anti-immigration populism (Insight, ODI Global)
Public narratives and attitudes towards refugees and other migrants: US country profile (Briefing paper, ODI Global)
Four cost-effective ways the U.S. can pay its “fair share” of climate finance (Insight, ODI Global)
Institutional misogyny is a threat to reproductive justice everywhere (Insight, ODI Global)
Global approaches to refugee response: what difference can they make? (Insight, ODI Global)
American journeys (Feature, ODI Global) -
In the wake of our decision at ODI to suspend all activity on X (formerly Twitter), this episode examines the polarisation and hate so prevalent in today’s social media landscape and what is driving it.
Since Elon Musk took ownership of X two years ago there has been a rise of hate speech, mis- and disinformation on the platform. The UK riots, which we dissected in a recent episode, are a case in point. This worrying trend – alongside the commercialisation of its validation functions – led many politicians and organisations to stop using X.But are we just putting plasters on a much deeper issue? To what extent has this divide in society already existed?
This episode examines these questions, and asks what action is needed to build safer, fairer digital societies. Guests explore the potential of social media to tackle subconscious biases, and take a stand against misinformation and online hate.
We hear about the role policy-makers should play in tackling fake news and misinformation as well as social media platforms themselves, and what role AI could play in influencing these dynamics.
Guests
Sara Pantuliano (host), Chief Executive, ODINanjala Nyabola, Kenyan author, political analyst and and activistSandra Pepera, Chief Strategy and Governance Officer, ODIRelated resources
ODI suspends activity on X (Statement, ODI)
Riots, race and misinformation – has alarmist rhetoric on migration gone too far? (Think Change podcast, ODI)
How to tackle mis/disinformation with a human centred approach (Insight, ODI)
10 things to know about misinformation and disinformation (Graphics/Briefing note, ODI)
Has AI ushered in an existential crisis of trust in democracy? (Insight, ODI)
Influencers and incumbency: digital disinformation and discontent in Nigeria's Presidential elections (Insight, ODI)
Misinformation in Brazilian elections: can the judiciary stem the tide of political misinformation? (Insight, ODI)
A war on many fronts: disinformation around the Russia-Ukraine war (Insight, ODI)
How can AI become a force for social good? (Think Change podcast, ODI)
Hidden in plain sight: how social media infrastructure shapes gender norms (Report, ODI/ALIGN) -
Income inequality is high or worsening within many countries globally. This not only raises serious moral concerns. It also contributes to political instability and undermines inclusive economic growth.
Governments can use taxation to reduce inequality. They do this by taxing people fairly and spending a share of the revenue on social safety nets for the poor, sick, unemployed or those most impacted by negative shocks, such as Covid-19 the climate emergency, and by investing in human capital through education and health.
But many lower income countries cannot afford comprehensive social safety nets. Their options are limited because of rising costs of borrowing and narrow tax bases. This means not enough revenue is collected and not everyone pays their fair share.
In this episode, guests examine how lower income countries can build more effective tax and transfer systems that can support fairer, more resilient and sustainable societies.
The episode unpacks what is really meant by tax systems and social spending, why equitable taxation is critical, how governments can go about improving tax and social protection systems in practice.
Guests
Sara Pantuliano (host), Chief Executive, ODIHazel Granger ( Senior Research Fellow, ODI)Professor Andrés Velasco (Dean of the School of Public Policy at the London School of Economics and Political Science, and former Minister of Finance, Chile) Alex Cobham (Chief Executive, Tax Justice Network)Related resources
TaxDev - The centre for tax analysis in developing countries
Income inequality, gender and the role of tax and transfers (Event video and podcast, ODI)
Fiscal policy and gender income inequality: the role of taxes and social spending (Report, ODI)
The problem with tax potential estimates – key considerations to develop sustainable tax systems (Insight, ODI)
Inflation, incomes and inequality – how can lower-income countries use fiscal policy to the greatest effect? (Insight, ODI) -
As conflicts continue to spiral in many parts of the world, from those who dominate the headlines daily to the ones that we barely hear about, global instability is increasing in the context of rising food insecurity, forced displacement, and climate change. We need to step up our collective commitment to building peaceful societies.
In September 2024, the United Nations hosted the Summit of the Future, bringing together world leaders to create a new international consensus on how to address global challenges and create a better future, with the aim to settle conflicts peacefully and expand youth participation in global decision-making, amongst others.
This episode discusses how we can prevent conflict and rebuild solidarity and accountability in a fragmented world. What are the challenges and how can we mitigate against them? How can we involve marginalised groups to build an inclusive global architecture that serves those on the ground working on peacebuilding initiatives?
Disclaimer: This episode was recorded in advance of the Summit.
Guests
Sara Pantuliano (host), Chief Executive, ODI Elizabeth Spehar, Elizabeth Mary Spear, Assistant Secretary-General for Peacebuilding Support, UN Department of Political Affairs Joyce Mendez, United Nations Secretary General's Youth Advisory Group Jago Salmon, Senior Research Associate, Politics and GovernanceResources:
https://www.un.org/peacebuilding/content/2025-review-un-peacebuilding-architecture (Peacebuilding Architecture Review, UN)https://www.un.org/en/summit-of-the-future (Summit of the Future, UN)
https://odi.org/en/insights/a-pact-for-the-future-needs-a-stronger-awareness-of-un-financing-in-the-present/ (Blog, ODI)
https://odi.org/en/events/women-at-the-forefront-the-transformative-impact-of-the-unscr-1325-on-women-peace-and-security/ (Event, ODI)
https://odi.org/en/publications/working-with-humanitarians-is-a-nightmare-dynamics-surrounding-locally-led-peacebuilding-in-somalia/ (Report, ODI)
https://odi.org/en/insights/event-recap-community-engagement-armed-actors/ (Event, ODI)
https://odi.org/en/publications/meeting-report-security-and-climate-change-implications-for-hdp-programmes-in-somalia/ (Meeting Report, ODI)
https://odi.org/en/publications/community-engagement-protection-and-peacebuilding-reviewing-evidence-and-practice/ (Journal article, ODI)
https://odi.org/en/insights/physician-heal-thyself-a-new-agenda-for-peace-must-look-inwards-first-to-address-institutional-obstacles-to-building-and-preventing-peace/ (Expert Comment, ODI)
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The fatal stabbing of three young girls in Southport by 17-year-old Axel Rudakubana back in July ignited riots which have swept across the UK and made global headlines.
What followed from the tragedy was a racist, Islamophobic and anti-migrant campaign fuelled by misinformation and disinformation, which spilled into the streets with targeted attacks on mosques and ethnic minorities.This senseless violence again cast a spotlight on systemic issues of racism and inequality, and highlighted the potentially deadly consequences of our collective failure to tackle false information online, as well as the demonisation of migrants.
This episode dissects these problems, asking what the recent riots reveal about the rise of the far right in the UK and elsewhere, and how to counter alarmist rhetoric on migration. Our guests discuss how we can move forward towards a place of greater solidarity, understanding and trust.
Guests
Sara Pantuliano (host), Chief Executive, ODIAfua Hirsch, JournalistFizza Qureshi, CEO, Migrants’ Rights NetworkMarvin Rees, Visiting Senior Fellow, ODI and former Mayor of BristolKathryn Nwajiaku-Dahou, Director, Politics and Governance programme, ODIRelated resources
Migration and Displacement Hub (ODI)
Migration decision-making: beyond political rhetoric and guesswork (Event, ODI)
As UK public attitudes toward migration are increasingly positive, it’s time for more balanced and evidence-based narratives (Blog, ODI)
Public narratives and attitudes towards refugees and other migrants: UK country profile (Briefing, ODI)
Public and political narratives and attitudes towards refugees and other migrants: implications for action (Project, ODI)
Hearts and minds: How Europeans think and feel about immigration (Data visualisation, ODI)
Why many policies to lower migration actually increase it (Blog, The Conversation)
Humanitarian hypocrisy, double standards and the law in Gaza (Blog, ODI)
Navigating narratives in Ukraine: humanitarian response amid solidarity and resistance (Blog, ODI)
How to tackle mis/disinformation with a human centred approach (Blog, ODI)
10 things to know about misinformation and disinformation (Briefing, ODI) -
This episode examines the challenges leaders at the forefront of tackling today’s multiple crises are facing, and the leadership skills and approaches desperately needed to navigate these uncertain times.
We are teaming up with Tandem for this episode – ODI's Global Executive Leadership Programme. Tandem is building a community of humanitarian and development leaders around the world, equipping them with the skills and connections to address today’s most pressing global challenges and build a brighter future for all.
Fresh from graduating from the Tandem programme, two inspirational leaders join our host Sara Pantuliano to reflect on the unique challenges facing humanitarian leaders today – at a time when political instability, conflicts, geopolitical tensions and climate crisis are all creating increasingly complex operating environments.
We hear about what their experiences with Tandem over the past nine months have taught them, and how these are reshaping their own approach to leading in crisis settings.
Guests
Sara Pantuliano (host), Chief Executive, ODISasha Kapadia, Director of Global Advisory, ODIGaurav Ray, Head of the Bangladesh Office, German Red CrossLisa Jean, Iraq Country Director, Mines Advisory GroupRelated resources
Tandem Leadership LinkedIn page
Tandem website
Leading through crisis: what works and what doesn’t (event video/podcast)
Better leadership, better world: introducing Tandem (ODI blog)
Humanitarian leadership: learning from the past and directions for the future (Tandem/ODI paper)
Refugee leadership – how do we move from talk to action? (Think Change podcast) -
To mark World Humanitarian Day, this episode examines how the rules of war have changed in our increasingly polarised world and asks how we can better protect the delivery of life-saving humanitarian assistance.
World Humanitarian Day recognises and raises awareness of the courageous work of humanitarians around the world. It was established by the UN to commemorate the anniversary of a bomb attack on UN headquarters in Baghdad on 19 August 2003, which killed 22 humanitarian workers including the UN’s chief humanitarian in Iraq Sergio Vieira de Mello.Last year was the deadliest on record for humanitarian workers, and 2024 could be even worse. The past few months have seen egregious attacks against aid workers in Gaza and in lesser reported conflicts, including in Sudan and South Sudan. International Humanitarian Law – designed to protect aid workers and civilians – has been repeatedly flouted.
This episode puts these crises under the spotlight. We reflect on what these worrying trends reveal about the humanitarian aid system and the evolution of armed conflict today, as well as state of our global rules-based order.
Guests
Sara Pantuliano (host), Chief Executive, ODISorcha O’Callaghan, Director of the Humanitarian Policy Group, ODIAbby Stoddard, Partner, Humanitarian OutcomesOla Mohammed, Gaza Programme Manager, Muslim AidRelated resources
Humanitarians in the line of fire: when acting for humanity proves deadly
The meeting of humanitarian and civic space in Sudan: lessons for localisation
Event recap: Sounding the alarm on Sudan’s hunger crisis
Whatever happens now, South–South solidarity with Gaza has already exposed the West
Gaza: a litmus test for the humanitarian sector’s commitment to decolonisation?
Humanitarian hypocrisy, double standards and the law in Gaza -
We are taking a break from our regular schedule this month to look back on some of the most popular episodes released since Think Change first aired back in March 2022.
This episode revisits a conversation we released last year, and the halfway point of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals deadline to end poverty and reduce inequalities.We asked what poverty really means today, and if old notions of ending poverty simply by increasing individual income above an arbitrary line are even useful anymore.
This year we have looked closely at trends across a range of issues – both globally and by region – which has revealed just how much effort is needed if we want to meet these targets by 2030, with no one left behind.
With the so-called ‘polycrisis’ pushing more people into poverty, and the World Bank’s Poverty and Inequality Platform’s global poverty estimates at 712 million people living below the $2.15 per day poverty line, we asked our guests how we define and fight poverty today.
Guests
Sara Pantuliano (host), Chief Executive, ODIRathin Roy, Visiting Senior Fellow and former Managing Director, ODIYamini Aiyar, President and Chief Executive, Centre for Policy ResearchRicardo Fuentes-Nieva, Chief Economist for DataPop Alliance and former Director of the Equity and Social Policy Programme, ODI -
This episode revisits some of our favourite conversations since the first Think Change podcast aired back in March 2022.
Since that time we have released over 50 episodes and been lucky to host some brilliant guests, who have shared their analysis and stories with us on a range of critical global issues – from MDB reform and the debt crisis in the Global South to the future of the Africa-China relationship and the latest concerning developments in Gaza.The themes examined across all episodes are incredibly diverse, but they share a focus on reimagining a new vision for international cooperation in our polarised world – and a hope for building a more equal, peaceful and resilient planet.
Browse and listen back to all episodes of the Think Change podcast.
Sara Pantuliano (host), Chief Executive, ODIAchim Steiner, UNDP AdministratorIan Bremmer, President and Founder, Eurasia GroupKathryn Nwajiaku-Dahou, Director, Politics and Governance programmeAlexis Akwagyiram, Managing Editor, Semafor AfricaMavis Owusu-Gyamfi, Executive Vice President, African Center for Economic TransformationArancha González, Dean of the Paris School of International AffairsLinda Calabrese, Research Fellow, ODIYunnan Chen, Research Fellow, ODIRonak Gopaldas, Director, Signal RiskAlex de Waal, Executive Director, World Peace Foundation
GuestsRelated resources
ODI in conversation with Achim Steiner
Think Change episode 22: On borrowed time? The sovereign debt crisis in the Global South
Think Change episode 25: Africa-China – where is the relationship heading?
Think Change episode 37: what trends will shape 2024? Part 1
Think Change episode 38: what trends will shape 2024? Part 2
Think Change episode 31: what do borrowing countries think of MDB reform?
Think Change episode 40: will the ICJ ruling change anything for Gaza? -
The impacts of the climate crisis are widely known and have rightfully spurred international action, but the hastening collapse of global biodiversity receives far less attention.
Biodiversity is the life support system of our planet. We also depend on intact ecosystems for our food and water supplies, medical advances and disease prevention, climate stability, shelter and so much more.In financial terms, a staggering 55% of global GDP depends on high-functioning biodiversity.
But nearly all species on earth are currently undergoing population declines, at speeds far quicker than scientists would expect.
Reversing the decline of nature depends on international cooperation. The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework represents a watershed moment for multilateral governance and action to conserve biodiversity and restore ecosystems. One of the goals of the framework is to "invest and collaborate", but currently, the biodiversity finance gap stands at $700 billion a year.
So what can be done to mobilise resources to ensure the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity? Experts examine ways forward and reflect on what must be done to reduce the harmful incentives that fuel biodiversity loss.
Guests
Sara Pantuliano (host), Chief Executive, ODILaetitia Pettinotti, Research Fellow, ODIAnaid Velasco, Environmental Lawyer and Mexico Director, Climate Finance Group for Latin America and the CaribbeanJeremy Eppel, Co-Founder, Eppel Sustainability and Senior Adviser, Nature FinanceRelated resources
A fair share of biodiversity finance: apportioning responsibility for the $20 billion target by 2025
Biodiversity finance in Mexico
Biodiversity finance in Nepal
Biodiversity finance in Namibia
What do we have to lose? Understanding and responding to climate-induced loss of biodiversity and ecosystem services -
The recent European elections came at a pivotal time for Europe and its relations with the rest of the world. In the continent, the economic squeeze, along with the public’s concern around security and migration, drove the outcome of the elections.
Across the world, the rise in protectionist and nationalist ideology threatens the future of the multilateral system. At risk is the global commitment to the climate crisis and human rights.
The Brussels policy debate is highly Eurocentric, but has extraterritorial impact, often with unanticipated consequences, across the globe. There is an urgent need for European Institutions and Member States to navigate these challenges effectively, to shape a European response.
In this episode of the Think Change podcast we discuss the outcome of the European elections and how this will influence the EU’s foreign policy; the future of the multilateral system; and how dialogue and more equal partnerships with the rest of the world is essential to maintain Europe’s standing in the world.
Sara Pantuliano, Chief Executive, ODI
Guests:
Ambassador João Vale de Almeida, previously Ambassador of the European Union to the United Nations; Ambassador of the European Union to the United States; and following Brexit, the first head of the future EU delegation to the UK.
Professor Carlos Lopes, Honorary Professor at the Nelson Mandela School of Public Governance Faculty of Commerce at the University of Cape Town
Suzanne Lynch, journalist and author of POLITICO’s Global Playbook
Where next for feminist foreign policy on funding feminist movements?Supporting Ukraine is costly – but Europe should be clear on the risks of letting Russia winCan the Displaced Talent for Europe pilot address green skills shortages in Europe?Can ‘the West’ be trusted? The future of European humanitarian aidReflection on what’s next for EU policy on migration and developmentWhatever happens now, South–South solidarity with Gaza has already exposed the West
Related resources: -
Small island developing states (SIDS) suffer disproportionately from external shocks. They face an existential threat from the climate emergency, while global economic uncertainty and geopolitical shifts have derailed recent progress that SIDS have made towards achieving growth and resilience.
That’s why governments of SIDS and their international partners met in Antigua and Barbuda a fortnight ago for the SIDS4 conference, which aimed to formulate a 10-year action plan intended to chart ‘the course toward resilient prosperity’ for small island nations.In this episode, guests review this seminal conference, setting it in context of the unique challenges that SIDS face. We hear about the strengths of the Antigua and Barbuda Plan (ABAS) that emerged from it and what is missing from this framework. Guests outline reforms that are urgently needed to drive meaningful change for SIDS.
Guests
Sara Pantuliano, Chief Executive, ODIAmbassador Walton Webson, Permanent Representative of Antigua and Barbuda to the UNEmily Wilkinson, Senior Research Fellow, ODIJean-Paul Adam, Director for Technology, Climate Change and Natural Resources Management in the UN Economic Commission for AfricaRelated resources
Resilient and Sustainable Islands Initiative (RESI)
Small Islands Big Picture podcast: Will the 4th UN International Conference on SIDS generate ‘resilient prosperity’?
Small Islands Big Picture podcast (all episodes)
The SIDS Future Forum 2024: Shaping the future of Small Island Developing States
Preparatory meetings for the Fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States: participation, priorities and outcomes
Financing resilient prosperity in SIDS
Why small islands need their own Marshall Plan -
Time is running out to keep the climate goals set out in the Paris Agreement within reach. Wealthy countries have introduced new industrial and green trade policy measures, but there are concerns that some of these are having adverse effects – hitting countries that have contributed the least to the climate crisis the hardest.
This episode examines the concept of the ‘green squeeze’ – the notion that climate-related trade policies are negatively impacting low-income countries, unfairly putting the burden of adjustment on them. We ask what the ‘green squeeze’ means, both at a broader policy level and on the ground for producers having to adapt to these new trade measures.What can be done to help exporting countries navigate such measures? Would the Villars Framework enable a more equitable way forward?
At a time when geopolitical tensions are running high and countries are fighting for leadership on green technology, guests discuss what action is needed to drive fair and sustainable progress on green trade.
Guests
Sara Pantuliano, Chief Executive, ODIFaizel Ismail, Director of the Nelson Mandela School of Public Governance, University of Cape TownJan Yves Remy, Director of the Shridath Ramphal Centre for International Trade Law, Policy and Services (the SRC), University of the West IndiesJodie Keane, Senior Research Fellow, ODIRelated resources
New EU trade rules could put poor countries in a billion dollar ‘green squeeze’ (ODI blog)
The ‘green squeeze’: an explainer (ODI paper)
Navigating green trade measures: avoiding a “green squeeze” (ODI event video)
Leading experts gather at ODI to reimagine global trade for a sustainable future (ODI statement)
COP28 side event | Enabling a “green seize” of new trade opportunities for LDCs: learning from the Covid-19 response to address the climate emergency (ODI event video)
Avoiding a “green squeeze” and advancing new trade opportunities for LDCs (ODI event video)
Africa’s green trade opportunities: policy insights for aligning trade and climate action (ODI blog and event video)
Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanisms: clarity needed on support for adjustment (ODI blog)
Air Miles 2.0? How to ensure Africa is not penalised by net-zero policy spillovers (ODI blog) -
The Declaration on Climate, Relief, Recovery and Peace was signed last year at COP28 in Dubai. This recognised the unique challenge of addressing the climate emergency in areas affected by conflict and fragility, and called for “bolder, collective action” to support them.
But what does this look like in practice?Despite being among the most vulnerable to climate change, conflict-affected countries receive just a fraction of the climate finance that is allocated to more stable regions.
As we build up to the UN Summit for the Future and COP29, this episode examines what can be done to address this critical conflict blind spot in climate action.
Guests assess the security impacts of the climate crisis, and the urgent need to scale up funding and support where it is most needed to avoid deepening instability.
Guests
Sara Pantuliano (host), Chief Executive, ODIHanna Serwaa Tetteh, UN Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for the Horn of AfricaKatarina Kertysova, Climate Security Officer, NATORosita Najmi, Co-Founder, CIFAR and ODI Board MemberResources
COP28 Declaration on Climate, Relief, Recovery and PeaceClimate Innovations for Adaptation and Resilience (CIFAR) AllianceCall to Action: Responsible Digital Payments to Accelerate Climate Action (Better Than Cash Alliance)Bolstering Women’s Climate Resilience and Adaptation through Financial Services (CGAP)Climate Landscape Series (BFA Global)COP28 finally shines a spotlight on conflict-affected countries (ODI blog)Building Forward Better: a pathway to climate-resilient development in fragile and conflict-affected situations (ODI report)Climate adaptation in no-man's land: research bridging the conflict-climate gap (ODI report)What the case of Somalia can show us about financing climate action in conflict-affected countries (ODI blog)A New Agenda For Peace (UN brief) -
The question of how multilateral development banks need to reform themselves so they are fit to face today's global challenges was again high on the agenda at the recent World Bank/IMF Spring Meetings in Washington, D.C.
These debates and recommendations for reform can be technical and complex, but what do the people these financial institutions were set up to serve think about what changes are needed?This episode, which was recorded from the sidelines of the Spring Meetings in Washington, D.C., considers whether development finance is really reaching those who need it most. We ask how we can harness recent trends and technological advances so they work for – rather than against – the most vulnerable.
Guests
Sara Pantuliano (host), Chief Executive, ODILiesbet Steer, President and CEO of the Education Development Center & Chair of the ODI North America BoardAndrew Herscowitz, Executive Director, ODI North AmericaSheila Warren, CEO, Crypto Council for Innovation and ODI North America Board MemberRelated resources
ODI's Spring Meetings resources hubHow to better reach underserved borrowers (ODI event)Towards an MDB agenda for reform in FCV (ODI paper)Navigating fragility: the new multilateral agenda (ODI event)Matching finance to need (ODI event)Do we need a new Bretton Woods agreement for the post-Covid era? (Think Change podcast)Will early blooms bear fruit? Key takeaways from the 2024 World Bank Spring Meetings (ODI blog)MDB Insights: 2024 Spring Meetings previewed (ODI blog) -
The crises of hunger in Sudan and Gaza are grave humanitarian emergencies with profound consequences for affected communities.
A recent UN briefing to the Security Council stated that Sudan is set to face the “world’s worst hunger crisis”, while an international committee of experts issued a dire warning that famine is not only imminent in Northern Gaza, but a risk across the entire territory.While man-made famine continues to be used as a weapon of war for political gain, the prevailing response from international humanitarian agencies is to provide food aid. But is this really the solution? And how does it affect local humanitarian efforts?
This episode dives into these questions and seeks to hold those responsible for these hunger crises to account.
Guests
Sara Pantuliano (host), Chief Executive, ODIAlex de Waal, Executive Director of the World Peace FoundationOmima Omer Jabal, Khartoum State ERR Jabal Awliya Program OfficeHamish Young, Senior Emergency Coordinator in Gaza, State of PalestineNuha Yousif, ERR Sennar state, Programme officeRelated resources
Sounding the alarm on Sudan’s hunger crisis (ODI event recap)
Sudan conflict – how did we get here and what next? (Think Change podcast)
From El-Fasher to Khartoum: The fallout from 20 years of conflict in Darfur (ODI event)
Sudan’s humanitarian crisis slips further from sight (ODI event recap)
Humanitarian hypocrisy, double standards and the law in Gaza (ODI blog)
Will the ICJ ruling change anything for Gaza? (Think Change podcast) -
Global public debt is at unprecedented levels. The UN has reported that nearly half of the world’s population lives in countries that spend more paying off debts to other countries than they spend on healthcare for their own people.
While needs soar as countries try to address the impact of the poly-crisis and invest significantly to transform their economies and societies, economic growth is in sharp retreat in many nations in the Global South.The World Bank is calling for donor governments to step up. They have put ‘IDA replenishment’ top of the agenda at this month’s Spring Meetings in Washington, D.C.
But why is the World Bank calling for this record replenishment? Join us as we explore the case for the IDA to become more effective and efficient at a time of soaring needs.
Guests
Sara Pantuliano (host), Chief Executive, ODIAnnalisa Prizzon, Principal Research Fellow, ODISeynabou Sakho, Director of Strategy and Operations for the World Bank Office of the Managing Director of OperationsGregory Chen, MD of Ultra-Poor Graduation Initiative, BRAC InternationalRelated resources
ODI on multilateral development banksODI Day at the 2024 Spring Meetings Bigger, but also better: why MDB reform must go further (ODI blog)One year on, the World Bank must focus on how to implement its Evolution Roadmap (ODI blog)Matching finance to need (Davos 2024 event video)Strengthening MDBs: the triple agenda (Annual Meetings 2023 event video)What do borrowing countries think of MDB reform? (Think Change podcast) - Show more
