This Week in Global Development

In this special edition of This Week in Global Development, recorded at Davos, we explore a fundamental shift in the development landscape: the move from funding gaps to impact-driven results. As global economic constraints and fragmented cooperation redefine the sector, the conversation is no longer just about how much money can be mobilized, but how leadership and innovation can scale impact in a complex world.

Devex President and Editor-in-Chief Raj Kumar sits down with Jim Larson, managing director and senior partner at BCG, to discuss the “impact pivot” of 2026. Larson outlines how successful players are moving beyond traditional aid by integrating generative artificial intelligence as core infrastructure and restructuring their "capital stacks" through blended finance and private sector partnerships.

From the necessity of market-driven efficiency to the rise of inclusive, localized coalitions, Larson shares case studies on how technology and innovative finance are moving the needle on global health. They also examine the specific characteristics defining successful development leaders in this new era of market imperatives.To hear more about the evolution of the development toolkit, listen to this conversation with Jim Larson on This Week in Global Development.

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This week, we are tuning in from Davos as we report from the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum. With Trump’s attendance and foreign policy dominating the summit, we discuss the most important updates for the global development community, including the Gates Foundation and OpenAI’s $50 million commitment to support AI-infused health programs across Africa.

We examine the year’s defining narratives — specifically the shift toward sovereign, country-led initiatives — and explain why the global development community’s presence at Davos is vital to ensuring these voices shape the new international order.

To bring you the latest from Davos, Senior Editor Rumbi Chakamba sits down with President and Editor-in-Chief Raj Kumar and Global Development Reporter Elissa Miolene for the latest episode of our weekly podcast series. 

During the sponsored segment of This Week in Global Development, brought to you by Pivotal, Catherine Cheney sits down with Action for Women’s Health grantee Naana Otoo-Oyortey, Executive Director at Forward UK, whose leadership brings visibility and sustainable change for women’s Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR). Learn more about the awardees and explore the content series.

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This week, U.S. lawmakers reached a deal on a $50 billion compromise foreign assistance bill. Even though the agreement implements a 16% reduction from what was approved by Congress last year, it defies President Donald Trump’s requested 47.7% gutting of the budget. Beyond the numbers, the bill signals a fundamental overhaul of how foreign assistance accounts are managed and structured.

From its ripple effects across the global health sector to the critical implications for the African Growth and Opportunity Act extension, we analyze the bill’s core priorities and its long-term impact on the global development landscape.

Beyond the U.S. budget, we also dive into a deal between Washington and the United Nations.  A confidential memorandum of understanding secures $2 billion in U.S. commitment for U.N. humanitarian funding through 2026. We explore where that money is going and what it tells us about U.N. priorities.

To dig into these stories, and others, Business Editor David Ainsworth sits down with reporters Adva Saldinger and Colum Lynch for the latest episode of our weekly podcast series.

During the sponsored segment of This Week in Global Development, brought to you by Pivotal, Kate Warren sits down with Action for Women’s Health grantee Tonya Adair, President & CEO at Alternative for Girls, whose leadership addresses the basic needs of women and girls so they can lead healthy lives. Learn more about the awardees and explore the content series: 

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In the first episode of the year, we look ahead to what we expect to happen in 2026 in global development. From more foreign aid cuts by traditional Western donors to a more transactional approach to development, we discuss what trends are set to shape the future of the sector. 

We identify the key players driving this transition from aid to investment, as well as contemplate the conditions necessary for the private sector to step up and fill the gap left by shrinking official development assistance.

Will the world’s billionaires increase their giving? Will development finally be locally led?

To look ahead to what 2026 holds for global development, Devex Senior Editor Rumbi Chakamba sits down with Devex President and Editor-in-Chief Raj Kumar and Managing Editor Anna Gawel for the latest episode of our weekly podcast series.

During the sponsored segment of This Week in Global Development, brought to you by Pivotal, Kate Warren sits down with Action for Women’s Health grantee Sophie Jenkins, International Programs Director at ChildFund Australia, whose leadership brings tailored health approaches throughout individuals’ life stages. Learn more about the awardees and explore the content series. 

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In our final episode of 2025, we discuss a tumultuous year in U.S. foreign assistance. It has not always been clear who is calling the shots in the new world of U.S. development funding, but we break down who we believe are the key players in this moment of uncertainty.

We are also seeing that the State Department is rebuilding its workforce, and across the world, positions are opening up to fill the gaps created by the obliteration of the U.S. Agency for International Development. It’s all part of a messy scramble to reassemble the staff needed to oversee billions in foreign aid — and the first visible sign of a system trying to piece itself back together. 

To piece together these emerging clues about the future, Business Editor David Ainsworth sits down with Senior Reporter Michael Igoe and Global Development Reporter Elissa Miolene for the latest episode of our weekly podcast series. 

During the sponsored segment of This Week in Global Development, Devex's Kate Warren speaks with Terre des Hommes Netherlands' Asia regional director about the organization's commitment to creating systemic change to address the root causes of child exploitation, as well as the importance of a multi-stakeholder protection ecosystem.

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