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Squid Game is back—and this time, the knives are out. In the thrilling Season 3 premiere, Player 456 is spiraling and a brutal round of hide-and-seek forces players to kill or be killed. Hosts Phil Yu and Kiera Please break down Gi-hun’s descent into vengeance, Guard 011’s daring betrayal of the Game, and the shocking moment players are forced to choose between murdering their friends… or dying. Then, Carlos Juico and Gavin Ruta from the Jumpers Jump podcast join us to unpack their wild theories for the season. Plus, Phil and Kiera face off in a high-stakes round of “Hot Sweet Potato.” SPOILER ALERT! Make sure you watch Squid Game Season 3 Episode 1 before listening on. Play one last time. IG - @SquidGameNetflix X (f.k.a. Twitter) - @SquidGame Check out more from Phil Yu @angryasianman , Kiera Please @kieraplease and the Jumpers Jump podcast Listen to more from Netflix Podcasts . Squid Game: The Official Podcast is produced by Netflix and The Mash-Up Americans.…
Content provided by Development Policy Centre and ANU. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Development Policy Centre and ANU or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://ppacc.player.fm/legal.
Devpolicy Talks brings you interviews, event recordings and in-depth documentary features relating to the topics we research at the Development Policy Centre. The Centre, part of the Australian National University’s Crawford School of Public Policy, works on Australian aid, development in Papua New Guinea and the Pacific, and regional and global development issues. It is host to the Devpolicy Blog (devpolicy.org) and a range of public events including the annual PNG Update, the Pacific Update and the Australasian Aid and International Development Conference.
Content provided by Development Policy Centre and ANU. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Development Policy Centre and ANU or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://ppacc.player.fm/legal.
Devpolicy Talks brings you interviews, event recordings and in-depth documentary features relating to the topics we research at the Development Policy Centre. The Centre, part of the Australian National University’s Crawford School of Public Policy, works on Australian aid, development in Papua New Guinea and the Pacific, and regional and global development issues. It is host to the Devpolicy Blog (devpolicy.org) and a range of public events including the annual PNG Update, the Pacific Update and the Australasian Aid and International Development Conference.
Former US Ambassador Judith Cefkin provides a sobering assessment of how the Trump administration's foreign policy shifts are reshaping American engagement with Pacific Island nations. Drawing on her 35-year diplomatic career and experience as US Ambassador to Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Tonga and Tuvalu from 2015-2018, Cefkin warns that the administration's withdrawal from the Paris Agreement, dismantling of USAID, and proposed 85% cuts to international affairs funding threaten to undermine decades of carefully built relationships. She contrasts America's retreat from soft power engagement with China's consistent approach to the region, while noting that some programs like the Millennium Challenge Corporation's work in Kiribati may survive. Overall, the US’s trajectory represents a dramatic scaling back at precisely the moment when strategic competition in the Pacific is intensifying. The conversation opens with Cefkin outlining the fundamental challenges facing US-Pacific relations under the second Trump administration. She identifies two immediate concerns that have deeply unsettled Pacific Island nations: the US withdrawal from the Paris Agreement, which she describes as a "bitter pill" for countries that view climate change as their primary security threat, and the freeze on aid programs coupled with the dismantling of USAID. These moves come after years of increased American attention to the region that began during the first Trump administration and accelerated under President Biden, making the reversal particularly jarring for Pacific partners who had grown accustomed to expanded US engagement. Cefkin provides stark details about the scale of proposed cuts to American foreign assistance. The administration has requested a 49% reduction in the International Affairs Budget for fiscal year 2026, while simultaneously attempting to claw back funding already appropriated for the current fiscal year. If both measures succeed, the result would be an unprecedented 85% cut to programs that fund both diplomatic operations and development assistance. While these are global figures that don't specify Pacific impacts, Cefkin emphasises that competition for increasingly scarce resources will make it difficult for Pacific programs to maintain funding levels. The human cost extends beyond aid recipients to include a brain drain within the State Department itself, as experienced professionals retire early or leave government service just when their expertise is most needed. The discussion reveals how comprehensively the cuts would affect US engagement tools in the Pacific. Educational exchange programs face potential budget reductions of up to 93%, threatening scholarships that bring Pacific students to American universities and short-term training programs that have built people-to-people connections for decades. The East-West Center in Honolulu, which Cefkin describes as "a vital platform for convening US and Pacific Island officials and citizens," faces existential threats from budget cutbacks. Even successful programs aren't immune — while the Millennium Challenge Corporation's threshold program in Kiribati continues to help young people develop workforce skills, the institution itself was targeted for elimination by the administration's efficiency commission, though it has survived thus far. Geopolitical implications emerge as a central concern throughout the conversation. Cefkin notes that China has already begun capitalising on perceived American disengagement, with the Chinese foreign minister recently hosting officials from eleven Pacific Island countries in Beijing where he "painted the United States as being disengaged and disinterested" while announcing new assistance programs. She describes China's approach as consistent and long-term, contrasting it with what Fiji's former ambassador to the US termed America's "stop-start relationships" that Pacific nations find deeply frustrating. This dynamic plays out against a backdrop of increasing Chinese economic leverage, with 2025 marking a critical year when ten Pacific Island countries must make record-high debt repayments to China based on loans accepted in the 2010s. The interview explores the unique relationships with the Freely Associated States — Federated States of Micronesia, Palau, and the Marshall Islands — which receive the bulk of US assistance to the Pacific. Cefkin explains how these countries maintain sovereignty while granting the US defence rights in exchange for substantial financial support administered through multiple federal agencies rather than traditional foreign aid channels. She expresses concern about implementation capacity as the agencies managing these programs face their own staff and budget reductions, though the compact funding itself appears more secure than other assistance programs. The discussion also touches on the stalled US tuna treaty, which remains stuck in Congress despite its economic importance to Pacific Island nations and symbolic value as a concrete expression of partnership. Military engagement emerges as the one area where US involvement continues to grow, with Cefkin acknowledging the strategic importance of defence partnerships while warning against an overly militarised approach. She describes valuable programs like ship-rider agreements that help Pacific nations patrol their vast maritime territories and counter illegal fishing that costs them millions in lost revenue. However, she emphasises that military cooperation alone cannot substitute for the comprehensive engagement that includes development assistance, educational exchanges, and diplomatic presence. The shift from soft power to hard power tools risks making the US a less attractive partner for Pacific nations seeking balanced relationships that address their development needs while respecting their sovereignty. The conversation concludes with Cefkin's reflections on the future of US-Pacific relations and the role of Congress in potentially moderating the administration's approach. She notes that bipartisan support for Pacific engagement has traditionally transcended party lines, citing testimony before Congress where both Democratic and Republican members expressed strong interest in strengthening regional relationships. Her hope is that Congress will recognise that maintaining Pacific programs requires relatively modest investments that yield disproportionate benefits for US interests. However, she acknowledges the fluid and uncertain nature of the current situation, with much depending on how Congress responds to the administration's budget requests and whether traditional supporters of Pacific engagement can make their voices heard above competing priorities. Read and subscribe to our daily blogs at devpolicy.org. Learn more about our research and join our public events at devpolicy.anu.edu.au. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram for latest updates on our blogs, research and events. You can send us feedback, and ideas for episodes too, to devpolicy@anu.edu.au.…
Christina Marau, Director for Labour Mobility at the Solomon Islands Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, provides an insider's perspective on how Pacific labour mobility schemes operate in practice. Drawing on her experience managing a system that handles thousands of applications and maintains a database of 6,500 work-ready candidates, Marau explains how Solomon Islands has become one of the most successful participants in Australia's Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme and New Zealand's Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) program. She discusses the economic imperative driving participation — with remittances reaching $475 million SBD in 2024 — while addressing practical challenges from managing worker expectations to preventing absconding. Marau then shares her vision for expanding labour mobility opportunities throughout the Pacific region. The episode opens with Marau explaining why labour mobility has become a national priority for Solomon Islands. With a minimum wage of just $8 SBD (approximately A$1.60) and the government struggling to create sufficient employment for trained youth, the opportunity to work in Australia and New Zealand at vastly higher wages represents a transformative economic opportunity. This economic imperative drives remarkable participation rates — when Solomon Islands opened recruitment for just two weeks in 2023, it received 12,000 applications, eventually registering 8,000 into its "work-ready pool" database that now holds 6,500 candidates. Marau outlines how Solomon Islands has developed one of the most systematic approaches to labour mobility in the Pacific. Unlike countries relying on agents or direct recruitment, Solomon Islands uses a centralised government-managed system supported by Australian government funding through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. This includes face-to-face interviews, biometric data collection and careful screening — a labour-intensive process that took two years to complete for the 2023 cohort but ensures transparency and maintains the country's strong reputation with employers. The system has evolved since Solomon Islands joined Australia's seasonal worker program in 2012 and New Zealand's RSE in 2008, with particular growth during COVID when the country's lack of community transmission allowed continued worker mobilisation. Economic impact emerges as a central theme, with remittances reaching $475 million SBD in 2024. However, Marau expresses concern about avoiding a "remittance trap", noting that returning workers tend to invest in basic ventures like transport services rather than larger businesses due to limited financial management skills and a challenging business environment. Other persistent challenges include low female participation at just 14% across programs, managing the tension between international opportunities and domestic labour needs, and preventing worker absconding which threatens Solomon Islands' reputation. The conversation reveals how Solomon Islands navigates the complex governance of these schemes. While supporting the single-employer model in Australia's PALM scheme for long-term placements, Marau sees merit in New Zealand's more flexible joint ATR [Agreement to Recruit] system for seasonal work. She describes engaging with Australian and New Zealand governments through multiple channels — from day-to-day dialogue with DFAT posts to formal processes like the Pacific Labour Mobility Annual Meeting that Solomon Islands will host in November 2025. Policy changes require patience as proposals work through multiple bureaucratic levels. Looking forward, Marau discusses an ambitious growth target of 16,000 workers by 2028 and emerging opportunities beyond traditional markets. Solomon Islands has pioneered an intra-Pacific labour mobility pilot with Niue and sees potential for formal arrangements with other Pacific nations where workers already go informally. She emphasises the importance of maintaining program integrity through careful pre-departure briefings and support systems while acknowledging ongoing challenges like helping workers access Australian superannuation and creating pathways for skills gained abroad to benefit the domestic economy. The episode concludes with Marau's reflections on research and evidence-building, advocating for locally engaged research that provides essential context for policy decisions. Her team of 20 staff (split between the labour mobility unit and DFAT-funded support program) represents a significant investment in managing these transformative but complex schemes that she describes as providing opportunities that are literally changing lives across Solomon Islands. Read and subscribe to our daily blogs at devpolicy.org. Learn more about our research and join our public events at devpolicy.anu.edu.au. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram for latest updates on our blogs, research and events. You can send us feedback, and ideas for episodes too, to devpolicy@anu.edu.au.…
In this episode, we delve into the life and work of Rimon Rimon, a dynamic i-Kiribati citizen who has shaped both the public narrative in his own country and the evolution of independent journalism in the Pacific. Rimon’s career began in education and government service, but it was his appointment as Lead Communications and Public Relations Adviser to President Anote Tong that placed him at the centre of Kiribati’s international engagement. For over a decade, Rimon was responsible for crafting and communicating Kiribati’s message to the world — most notably on the existential threat of climate change. He managed media campaigns, coordinated public diplomacy and represented the country at major global forums, building a reputation as a skilled and trusted communicator. After leaving government, Rimon turned to independent journalism, founding the Kiribati Newsroom and contributing to regional and international outlets. His reporting has tackled corruption, misinformation and the everyday realities of life in one of the world’s most remote nations. Rimon’s advocacy extends beyond the newsroom: he is active in anti-corruption networks, mentors young journalists and has helped develop resources to strengthen Pacific media. Throughout the conversation, Rimon reflects on the pressures facing journalists in small island states, the lessons he learned working alongside President Tong and the ongoing struggle for press freedom and public accountability. He shares his vision for a Pacific where independent media is empowered to inform, challenge and connect communities, and where journalists can collaborate to defend democracy and drive development. Devpolicy Talks is the podcast of the Australian National University’s Development Policy Centre. Our producers are Robin Davies, Amita Monterola and Finn Clark. Read and subscribe to our daily blogs at devpolicy.org. Learn more about our research and join our public events at devpolicy.anu.edu.au. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram for latest updates on our blogs, research and events. You can send us feedback, and ideas for episodes too, to devpolicy@anu.edu.au.…
The episode opens with Deputy Prime Minister Biman Prasad reflecting on his transition from academia to politics. Born in Dreketi, Vanua Levu, in a rice farming area that benefited from Australian aid programs in the 1970s, Prasad rose through the academic ranks to become Professor of Economics and Dean of the Faculty of Business and Economics at the University of the South Pacific. He left academia in 2014 to lead the National Federation Party, entering politics during what he describes as a challenging period following the 2006 coup and years of military rule. Prasad characterises the government that ruled from 2014 to 2022 as an "elective dictatorship," noting that despite elections being held, strict media censorship, restrictions on freedom of speech, and draconian laws carried over from the military regime created an undemocratic environment. His eight years in opposition taught him valuable lessons about the tension between good economics and good politics — a perspective he now applies as Finance Minister in Fiji's first coalition government in over 30 years. The conversation explores Fiji's economic recovery from COVID-19, when the country experienced the fourth-largest economic contraction globally with GDP falling by almost 20%. While acknowledging IMF concerns about the pace of fiscal consolidation, Prasad defends the government's approach of balancing debt reduction with continued social spending. He highlights the decision to write off $650 million in student debt — replacing it with merit-based scholarships — as an example of necessary post-COVID support that the IMF might not fully appreciate. Prasad outlines ambitious targets for Fiji's economic future, including becoming a high-income country by 2050, which would require sustained growth of 4-5% annually. The government has reduced the debt-to-GDP ratio from 90% to 78% since taking office and aims to bring it below 60% over the next 15 years. However, he emphasises that this must be achieved through economic growth rather than excessive spending cuts, which could be counterproductive. A significant portion of the discussion focuses on regional integration, with Prasad articulating his vision for visa-free travel throughout the Pacific, including Australia and New Zealand. He argues this would represent Australia's "century in the Pacific," creating deeper unity and common purpose across the region. While acknowledging this cannot happen overnight, he points to recent improvements in visa processing times and growing support from Pacific leaders as evidence of progress. The interview addresses current challenges including the 32% US tariff on Fijian exports — the highest in the Pacific — which particularly affects Fiji Water. Prasad expresses disappointment but remains optimistic about negotiations, while warning about the broader risks of global trade wars potentially affecting tourism and remittances if major economies slow down. On climate finance, Prasad advocates for what he calls "decolonising climate finance", arguing that Pacific Island countries need urgent support for adaptation and loss and damage rather than just mitigation. He criticises the application of the same funding rules to small island states as to large countries like Indonesia or India, calling for recognition of the unique vulnerabilities and limited fiscal capacity of Pacific nations. The episode also examines Fiji's complex relationship with development assistance. While the reduction in US aid presence is manageable given USAID had only recently re-established operations, Prasad sees the current global funding constraints as potentially beneficial, forcing African countries in particular to reduce aid dependence and take greater control of their health systems. He notes that Pacific countries, unlike many African nations, have largely avoided becoming overly dependent on external funding. Throughout the conversation, Prasad emphasises the importance of technical education in addressing labour shortages, particularly in tourism. He acknowledges that many trained Fijians will migrate to Australia and New Zealand but sees this as part of a broader regional integration that benefits Fiji through remittances. The government is investing heavily in technical education infrastructure that was neglected by the previous administration. The discussion concludes with Prasad's reflections on governance and democratic institutions. He notes with pride that the current coalition is the first in Fiji's 54-year history where a government has changed hands democratically and lasted more than a year. The immediate repeal of media restrictions, including the draconian Media Industry Development Act, and the restoration of academic freedom, represent fundamental changes. While acknowledging that "no government gets everything right", he believes they have established a solid foundation for democracy that augurs well for Fiji's future stability and prosperity. Read and subscribe to our daily blogs at devpolicy.org. Learn more about our research and join our public events at devpolicy.anu.edu.au. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram for latest updates on our blogs, research and events. You can send us feedback, and ideas for episodes too, to devpolicy@anu.edu.au.…
The episode opens with Leith Greensalde recounting her journey from rural Queensland to international global health work. After starting her career as a political adviser to senior Labor politicians including Brian Howe, she moved to the United States for graduate study at the Harvard Kennedy School prior to Labor's anticipated 1996 election loss. Following a brief and unsatisfying return to work with Labor in opposition, and business studies in Hong Kong during the handover to China, she eventually settled in New York to work in global health during what she describes as the "golden era" of funding and institution-building in the 2000s. Her work with major institutions including the Gates Foundation, Gavi and the Global Fund gave her a front-row seat at the creation of the modern global health architecture but also left her frustrated by what she saw as narrow focus and bureaucratic limitations. This led her to found Just Actions, a platform focused on ten high-impact but neglected issues, with childhood pneumonia as the flagship cause. Leith explains that pneumonia has been the leading infectious killer of children for decades, claiming approximately 500,000 lives annually — more than HIV, malaria, and tuberculosis combined. Yet it has consistently been overlooked by global health agencies and funders. She attributes this neglect to several factors: children in low-income countries who are most affected have no political voice, the disease has multiple causes with no single solution, and unlike other major diseases, pneumonia lacks a dedicated global fund or agency to coordinate efforts. The conversation explores the multiple barriers children face throughout what Leith calls the "pneumonia journey." Many families do not recognise the symptoms or understand the urgency of seeking care — in many countries there isn't even a word for pneumonia. When children do reach health facilities, diagnosis is difficult without rapid tests that can differentiate bacterial from viral pneumonia. Essential treatments like amoxicillin dispersible tablets (child-friendly antibiotics) and medical oxygen are frequently unavailable due to market failures and the absence of coordinated procurement systems. Leith's advocacy during the COVID-19 pandemic brought the issue of medical oxygen to global attention. She describes families across Latin America, Asia and Africa being forced to source oxygen on black markets while the global health community was slow to respond. Her work with the Every Breath Counts Coalition and the subsequent Lancet Global Health Commission on Medical Oxygen Security revealed that 70% of people worldwide who need oxygen do not receive it — a gap far greater than for other essential medicines like HIV/AIDS or malaria treatments. The discussion turns to regional issues, with Leith noting that Asia is actually the worst-affected region for respiratory conditions when including India, driven by pollution, crowding and smoking. She acknowledges the particular vulnerability of Pacific Island countries, which experienced oxygen shortages during COVID-19, while praising the support provided by the Australian government and universities in the region. She highlights the work of Professor Fiona Russell at Murdoch Children's Research Institute as an exemplary case of Australian leadership in pneumonia prevention. Despite the challenges, the conversation includes discussion of promising innovations. New RSV vaccines and monoclonal antibodies could potentially eliminate RSV as a childhood killer, while WHO's recent Integrated Lung Health Resolution represents the first coordinated approach to addressing both infectious and chronic respiratory conditions together. The episode also examines the current global health funding crisis, which Leith views not as a catastrophe but as an opportunity for necessary reform of what she sees as an unsustainable system built in the 2000s. She argues that the proliferation of large international organisations created inefficient “middleman” layers while fostering unhealthy dependence, particularly in African countries where entire health systems became reliant on external funding. The current constraints may force more effective prioritisation and potentially allow countries to regain greater control over their health systems. Leith remains optimistic about achieving the Sustainable Development Goal of ending preventable child deaths by 2030. She notes that global child mortality has already halved from 12 million to 5 million deaths annually, and believes that with focused effort on diseases like pneumonia that kill the most children, the world could achieve what she describes as guaranteeing the survival of most children regardless of where they are born — something our species has never accomplished before. Devpolicy Talks is the podcast of the Australian National University's Development Policy Centre. Our producers are Robin Davies, Amita Monterola and Finn Clark. You can read and subscribe to our daily blogs on aid, international development, and the Pacific at devpolicy.org. Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Twitter. Send feedback or episode ideas to devpolicy@anu.edu.au. Join us again in a fortnight for the next episode of Devpolicy Talks. Resources and Further Reading Every Breath Counts Coalition Lancet Global Health Commission on Medical Oxygen Security Just Actions World Health Assembly Integrated Lung Health Resolution (2025) Read and subscribe to our daily blogs at devpolicy.org. Learn more about our research and join our public events at devpolicy.anu.edu.au. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram for latest updates on our blogs, research and events. You can send us feedback, and ideas for episodes too, to devpolicy@anu.edu.au.…
The episode opens with Helen describing her unexpected route into humanitarian law, beginning as a labour lawyer before being drawn into international work through her involvement with women from the former Yugoslavia in the 1990s. Her early efforts to help establish rape as a war crime led her to gather evidence for war crimes tribunals and pursue a PhD on the laws of war, focusing on the prosecution of sexual violence and the impact of civil society on legal change. Helen recounts her experiences working at the grassroots level in Thailand and the Pacific, where she learned the importance of listening to affected communities and adapting legal frameworks to local realities. She reflects on her time at the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), where she became the first woman and first non-Swiss to lead the International Law and Policy department. Helen discusses the cultural and gender dynamics she navigated, the need for a more open and solution-oriented approach, and her efforts to highlight the effectiveness of international humanitarian law in practice. A major focus of the conversation is Helen’s role in global treaty-making and legal reform. She shares insights from her work on the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, her advocacy for new norms on autonomous weapons, and her push for stronger compliance mechanisms within international humanitarian law. Helen also discusses the challenges of promoting legal accountability in an era of shifting geopolitics and the rise of non-state armed groups. Turning to her current role, Helen outlines her vision for RedR Australia : building a robust, sovereign capacity for deploying skilled professionals to crises both internationally and domestically. She emphasises the value of practical training, the importance of maintaining expertise within Australia, and the organisation’s expanding partnerships with government departments and emergency agencies. The episode concludes with Helen’s reflections on the paradoxes of humanitarian action, the ongoing need for political solutions, and her cautious optimism for the sector’s capacity to adapt and make a difference. She also highlights her involvement with Geneva Call , a Geneva-based humanitarian organisation that engages armed groups to improve the protection of civilians in conflict zones. Read and subscribe to our daily blogs at devpolicy.org. Learn more about our research and join our public events at devpolicy.anu.edu.au. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram for latest updates on our blogs, research and events. You can send us feedback, and ideas for episodes too, to devpolicy@anu.edu.au.…
The interview opens with Postma reflecting on his career trajectory, from senior roles at the United Nations and the Dutch Ministry of Justice and Security to founding Justice for Prosperity. He explains how the organisation operates at the intersection of intelligence and advocacy, using advanced technologies — including AI-driven tools — to map and counter the tactics of anti-rights actors. Postma describes how his team supports at-risk groups such as LGBTIQ+ individuals, activists, and journalists, not only by sharing intelligence but also by providing training in physical and cyber security. A central focus of the discussion is the recent intelligence assessment conducted by Justice for Prosperity and the International Planned Parenthood Federation, covering ten countries in the region. Postma reveals how anti-rights actors — ranging from authoritarian states to ultra-conservative religious groups and populist alliances — manipulate cultural narratives and exploit societal divisions. He highlights how issues as diverse as vaccine scepticism, climate change, and demographic decline are weaponised to advance exclusionary and often destructive agendas. The report’s findings underscore the deliberate and interconnected nature of these movements, and the urgent need for early detection and coordinated responses across governments and civil society. Postma provides concrete examples from the region, such as the role of faith leaders in spreading disinformation about sexual and reproductive health, and the targeting of marginalised groups through lobbying, strategic alliances, and discriminatory legislation. He also discusses the economic and political motivations underpinning these campaigns, including the pursuit of influence, funding, and power. The conversation touches on the challenges of combating corruption and the blurred lines between legal and illegal activities, as seen in cases like Vanuatu’s passport sales to Russian nationals. The interview concludes with Postma’s vision for Justice for Prosperity and the broader fight to defend democracy in the Asia-Pacific. He emphasises the importance of cross-sectoral collaboration, intelligence sharing, and solidarity among rights movements, health networks, and climate advocates. Postma calls for governments — including Australia’s — to recognise these threats as matters of national security, not just health or human rights, and to break down silos in their policy responses. He stresses that only by understanding and exposing the complex, covert tactics of anti-rights actors can societies build effective, long-term defences. Download the Subversive Powers report . Read and subscribe to our daily blogs at devpolicy.org. Learn more about our research and join our public events at devpolicy.anu.edu.au. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram for latest updates on our blogs, research and events. You can send us feedback, and ideas for episodes too, to devpolicy@anu.edu.au.…
This special episode is a joint production of the Australian National University’s Development Policy Centre , the Australian Council for International Development , the International Development Contractors Community and the Safer World for All Campaign . The episode opens with Minister Pat Conroy outlining Labor’s record and vision for Australia’s international development program. He highlights the government’s significant increases to the Official Development Assistance (ODA) budget, surpassing $5 billion for the first time in over a decade, and emphasises reforms to policy performance, gender equality, disability inclusion, and transparency. Conroy frames Australia’s aid as both a moral obligation and a matter of national interest, particularly as other donors withdraw from the region. He points to the importance of partner-led approaches, long-term indexation of the aid budget, and new mechanisms such as the Australian Development Investments vehicle. On humanitarian funding, Conroy acknowledges rising global needs but argues that the government’s overall humanitarian spending far exceeds the fixed $150 million Humanitarian Emergency Fund, with total humanitarian outlays projected at $859 million in the coming year. He also stresses the need for flexibility in policy settings to respond to evolving challenges and partner priorities, underpinned by ongoing sector consultation. Senator Mehreen Faruqi presents the Greens’ vision for a “bigger and better” aid program grounded in solidarity, global justice and climate justice. She critiques traditional aid paradigms based on charity or narrow national interest, advocating instead for needs-based, partnership-driven assistance that addresses historical injustices and centres the rights and voices of recipient communities. Faruqi calls for Australia to increase its aid budget to 0.7% of GNI over ten years, as recommended by the UN, and to provide additional climate finance in recognition of Australia’s role as a major fossil fuel exporter. She proposes an independent development oversight agency to improve accountability and ensure aid is not captured by commercial interests. Faruqi is critical of the government’s approach to climate change, arguing that continued fossil fuel expansion undermines claims of climate leadership. On humanitarian crises, she calls for increased support, particularly in the face of funding shortfalls caused by US and UK aid cuts, and highlights the need for Australia to play a constructive role in addressing global inequality and conflict. Independent MP Zali Steggall argues that strong international development is essential for both regional stability and Australia’s national security. She supports calls to restore the aid budget to 1% of federal expenditure, noting that current levels are well below public expectations and international standards. Steggall emphasises the importance of climate resilience, both domestically and regionally, and advocates for a $10 billion Climate Resilience Fund domestically with similar investments regionally. She frames aid not as a “nice-to-have” but as a strategic investment in Australia’s future, particularly as global leadership from traditional donors wanes. Steggall also calls for a reassessment of DFAT’s Humanitarian Emergency Fund, which has remained static despite rising needs, and urges a more humane and consistent approach to refugee policy, including clearer pathways for those fleeing conflicts such as Gaza. She sees a leadership opportunity for Australia, especially in partnership with Pacific nations, to advance climate and humanitarian objectives. Throughout the episode, all three interviewees respond to the withdrawal of major donors like the US and UK, agreeing that Australia must step up its support for the region and beyond. While there is consensus on the need for increased aid and a focus on climate resilience, the parties differ on the scale of ambition, the role of commercial interests, and the mechanisms for delivering and overseeing aid. The discussions also highlight broader themes of national interest, moral responsibility, and the interconnectedness of security, development, and climate action. Devpolicy Talks is the podcast of the Australian National University’s Development Policy Centre. The producers of this episode were Robin Davies, Amita Monterola and Cameron Hill. Music by Finn Clarke. Visit the Australian Aid Tracker at devpolicy.org/aidtracker . Read and subscribe to our daily blogs at devpolicy.org. Learn more about our research and join our public events at devpolicy.anu.edu.au. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram for latest updates on our blogs, research and events. You can send us feedback, and ideas for episodes too, to devpolicy@anu.edu.au.…
In this episode of Devpolicy Talks, Robin Davies interviews Stefan Schmitz, Executive Director of the Global Crop Diversity Trust. The conversation begins with a discussion of the Svalbard Global Seed Vault in Norway. Often called the "Doomsday Vault", it actually serves as a safety backup for the world's 800+ gene banks, protecting against localised mishaps like civil wars, fires, or natural disasters. Stefan explains how this resource proved invaluable during the Syrian Civil War, allowing the International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA) to retrieve its vital seed collection and resume research in Morocco after its Aleppo headquarters was looted. Stefan details the practical aspects of the Vault's operations — its Arctic location provides natural cooling advantages, reducing operational costs while offering geological stability. Currently holding about one-third of its 4.5 million seed sample capacity, the Vault aims to fill the remaining chambers over the next 10 to 20 years. Beyond Svalbard, Stefan outlines the Crop Trust's broader mission to support gene banks worldwide through its endowment fund and technical assistance. He emphasises that gene banks aren't static museums but innovation hubs crucial for agricultural development. The Trust helps gene banks collect, characterise and distribute crop diversity to researchers and farmers, particularly focusing on developing varieties that can withstand climate change and provide improved nutrition. The discussion also covers the Trust's information systems work, including the Genesis platform that now catalogues 75% of all registered crop accessions globally. Stefan highlights the Trust's emergency response efforts in conflict zones like Ukraine and Sudan, where it helps secure threatened seed collections. Looking to the future, Stefan acknowledges funding challenges in the current climate of shrinking support for development programs and multilateral organisations, though 2024 was the Trust's most successful year for resource mobilisation. He outlines the Trust's 2030 strategy, which shifts from supporting individual gene banks to building a more integrated global system with better coordination and information sharing. The interview concludes with discussions about the Crop Trust's work in the Asia-Pacific region, including projects with the The Pacific Community in Fiji and prospects for deeper collaboration with Australia. Read and subscribe to our daily blogs at devpolicy.org. Learn more about our research and join our public events at devpolicy.anu.edu.au. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram for latest updates on our blogs, research and events. You can send us feedback, and ideas for episodes too, to devpolicy@anu.edu.au.…
In this episode of Devpolicy Talks, Amita Monterola speaks with Dr Cameron Hill and Honorary Professor Robin Davies about Australia's 2025-26 aid budget. The conversation reveals two competing narratives within the budget: Australia's repositioning in an uncertain global environment alongside its role as a stable and reliable partner during turbulent times. The analysis shows that despite rhetoric about reprioritisation, the budget largely maintains stability in allocations. The Pacific continues to receive the largest share at 42% of total aid, followed by Southeast Asia at 25%, with minimal changes from previous patterns. The governance sector remains the predominant focus, while health expenditure stays relatively low at 13% of the aid budget. Robin Davies provides concerning projections for global aid volumes, suggesting a potential decline of at least 25% in international aid by 2027. This reduction is driven primarily by significant cuts from three major donors: the United States, the United Kingdom and Germany. The discussion details the chaotic implementation of US aid cuts, with approximately 25-50% of US aid dollars being cancelled across various sectors. The conversation also examines the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific (AIFFP), revealing that despite being conceived primarily as a loan facility, it has relied heavily on its grant component. With 84% of its grant funding already committed but only a third of its available loans utilised, the facility faces challenges due to Pacific nations' limited capacity to take on non-concessional debt post-COVID. The timing of this budget is particularly significant as Australia heads into a federal election on 3 May. The discussion concludes with insights into how Devpolicy will cover the intersection of aid policy and election campaigning, noting that a change in government would render the current budget null and void and potentially signal shifts in Australia's approach to international aid. 2025 Australian aid update by Stephen Howes Burden-shedding: the unravelling of the OECD aid consensus by Robin Davies 2025 aid budget breakfast recording 2025 aid budget breakfast slides Australian Aid Tracker Further reading: Cheques and (power) balances: aid in a post-liberal world by Cameron Hill USAID Cuts: New Estimates at the Country Level by Justin Sandefur and Charles Kenny How many lives does US foreign aid save? by Justin Sandefur and Charles Kenny Read and subscribe to our daily blogs at devpolicy.org. Learn more about our research and join our public events at devpolicy.anu.edu.au. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram for latest updates on our blogs, research and events. You can send us feedback, and ideas for episodes too, to devpolicy@anu.edu.au.…
In this episode of Devpolicy Talks, Robin Davies interviews Asif Saleh, the Executive Director of BRAC, one of the world’s largest and most influential non-governmental organisations. Asif reflects on BRAC’s remarkable evolution from a post-war relief organisation in Bangladesh to a global leader in tackling poverty, health, education and social innovation. Under his leadership, BRAC has identified and addressed emerging challenges such as urban poverty, youth unemployment and climate adaptation. Asif begins by recounting BRAC’s origins in the aftermath of Bangladesh’s War of Independence in 1971. Initially focused on refugee rehabilitation, the organisation quickly pivoted to long-term development solutions, recognising the multidimensional nature of poverty. Over the years, BRAC has pioneered scalable models in microfinance, health care, education, and social enterprises. It has also developed a unique ecosystem that integrates livelihood programs with market connections through its social enterprises, including a dairy company and a rural artisan fashion brand. The conversation explores Asif’s personal journey from investment banking at Goldman Sachs to development leadership at BRAC. He describes how his work with human rights advocacy among Bangladeshi diaspora communities inspired his transition to development. Since joining BRAC in 2011, Asif has leveraged his private sector expertise to drive innovation within the organisation, launching initiatives like the Social Innovation Lab and programs targeting urban poverty and youth skills development. Asif discusses BRAC’s current priorities, which reflect the pressing challenges facing Bangladesh today. Rapid urbanisation, climate-induced migration, and underemployment among young people are at the forefront of BRAC’s agenda. He highlights how climate adaptation is intertwined with poverty alleviation, as many displaced individuals come from Bangladesh’s poorest regions. BRAC is working to develop scalable solutions that enable vulnerable populations to remain in their communities while building resilience against climate shocks. The interview also touches on political changes in Bangladesh and their impact on BRAC’s operations. Asif explains how the organisation navigates political transitions while maintaining partnerships with governments to deliver essential services. He emphasises the importance of fostering collaboration between civil society, government, and the private sector to address systemic challenges. A key focus of the discussion is BRAC’s globally acclaimed Graduation Model for poverty reduction. This two-year program targets ultra-poor households with asset transfers, coaching, and skill-building to help them achieve sustainable livelihoods. Asif explains how this model has been rigorously tested and adapted across diverse contexts worldwide, becoming a gold standard for addressing extreme poverty. Looking ahead, Asif outlines BRAC’s strategic vision for addressing future challenges. The organisation aims to scale its Graduation Model globally while reimagining microfinance for a digital age and expanding initiatives in climate adaptation and youth employment. He underscores the need for innovative partnerships that leverage public and private sector strengths to tackle complex development issues. Read and subscribe to our daily blogs at devpolicy.org. Learn more about our research and join our public events at devpolicy.anu.edu.au. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram for latest updates on our blogs, research and events. You can send us feedback, and ideas for episodes too, to devpolicy@anu.edu.au.…
In this episode of Devpolicy Talks , Robin Davies interviews Nina Schwalbe about the dramatic shifts in US global health policy under the Trump administration and their far-reaching consequences. As founder of Spark Street Advisors and a global health expert with extensive experience in multilateral organisations, Nina provides a sobering account of how these changes are reshaping international development assistance. The conversation begins with an exploration of the US withdrawal from WHO and its freezing of foreign assistance payments. Nina highlights how these actions have crippled WHO’s core finances and programs in immunisation, maternal health, non-communicable diseases and emergency response. She also discusses the removal of CDC secondees from WHO offices worldwide, further weakening global health capacity. The discussion then turns to other multilateral organisations like the Global Fund and Gavi. While Gavi is less reliant on US funding, the Global Fund faces existential risks due to uncertainty about unpaid commitments and potential conditionalities tied to future funding. Nina explains how these developments are undermining critical programs for HIV/AIDS, TB, and malaria. On the pandemic treaty negotiations, Nina offers cautious optimism. She notes progress in areas like vaccine production regionalisation and surveillance but acknowledges that key issues – such as equitable vaccine distribution and financial mechanisms – remain unresolved. She emphasises that while the treaty may lack strong commitments now, it provides a framework for future improvements. The interview concludes with a reflection on broader risks to global health security. Nina warns that US disengagement is occurring against a backdrop of ongoing outbreaks – from Ebola to H5N1 – underscoring that another pandemic is not a matter of if but when . She also shares her personal observations on the devastating impact of mass layoffs at USAID and other agencies on public servants dedicated to improving global health. Read and subscribe to our daily blogs at devpolicy.org. Learn more about our research and join our public events at devpolicy.anu.edu.au. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram for latest updates on our blogs, research and events. You can send us feedback, and ideas for episodes too, to devpolicy@anu.edu.au.…
The Australasian AID Conference (AAC), held annually in partnership with The Asia Foundation, has become an integral part of the Australian and regional aid calendar. We are pleased to announce ACC2025 will be held from Wednesday 3 to Friday 5 December at the Australian National University in Canberra. The aim of the conference is to bring together researchers from across Australia, the Pacific, Asia, and beyond who are working on aid and international development policy (the AID in the conference title) to share insights, promote collaboration, and help develop the research community. In this episode, we feature three speakers from the 2024 conference held in December: Phoury Bun, Research Fellow, Cambodia Development Research Institute >> conference presentation Ruth Honculada-Georget, Social Policy and Program Coordinator, United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization >> conference presentation Jack Hennessy, PhD candidate, Centre for Health Economics, Monash University and Health Economist, Fred Hollows Foundation >> conference presentation >> Devex news article View other AAC2024 presentations and selected sessions on Devpolicy YouTube . Plus we talk to the Development Policy Centre’s Senior Research Officer Cameron Hill about how you can apply to speak at this year’s event and support available for early career researchers based in Australia and developing countries. Visit the 2025 Australasian AID Conference webpage . Read and subscribe to our daily blogs at devpolicy.org. Learn more about our research and join our public events at devpolicy.anu.edu.au. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram for latest updates on our blogs, research and events. You can send us feedback, and ideas for episodes too, to devpolicy@anu.edu.au.…
Robin Davies speaks with Dr Agnes Kalibata, who has led the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa for the past decade and previously served as Rwanda's Minister of Agriculture, in which role she helped achieve remarkable reductions in poverty and malnutrition. In this discussion, Kalibata explains AGRA's evolution as a bridge between research organisations, funders and rural communities. She emphasises the importance of developing locally-appropriate solutions rather than attempting to replicate European (or Australian) agricultural models. AGRA's focus on building sustainable ecosystems through small-scale enterprises worth $100,000-$200,000 has been crucial in transforming rural communities. Kalibata discusses how AGRA works across 15 countries, particularly in Eastern and Southern Africa, to improve access to improved seeds, fertilisers and agricultural technologies. She highlights the organisation's success in helping governments design nationwide programs that can reach millions of farmers simultaneously. The interview explores the significant challenges posed by climate change, which she identifies as becoming "real" for African agriculture from 2015, and the need to adapt farming practices accordingly. Looking ahead to COP31 — potentially hosted by Australian together with the Pacific island countries — Kalibata emphasises the critical importance of addressing climate change impacts on African agriculture and calls for leadership in supporting those most affected by climate challenges. Read and subscribe to our daily blogs at devpolicy.org. Learn more about our research and join our public events at devpolicy.anu.edu.au. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram for latest updates on our blogs, research and events. You can send us feedback, and ideas for episodes too, to devpolicy@anu.edu.au.…
Robin Davies speaks with Sir Masood Ahmed, the distinguished international economist whose career spans over 35 years at the forefront of international development. Up to July 2024, Ahmed served as President of the US-based Center for Global Development for seven years, following influential roles at the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank and the UK's Department for International Development. Born in Pakistan and educated at the London School of Economics, Masood has been instrumental in shaping global economic policies, particularly in the areas of debt relief, aid effectiveness, and poverty reduction. In this wide-ranging interview, Masood discusses the evolving landscape of development cooperation and the challenges facing the multilateral system. He addresses the pressing need to reform multilateral development banks, the complexities of climate finance, and the changing nature of official development assistance. Masood particularly emphasises the importance of rethinking how we approach international development funding, arguing for a clearer distinction between solidarity-based aid and spending on global public goods. He also explores the challenges of maintaining traditional development objectives in an era increasingly dominated by geopolitical considerations and competing priorities. Masood delivered the Mitchell Oration at the 2024 Australasian AID Conference. Watch the full speech. Devpolicy Talks is the podcast of the Australian National University’s Development Policy Centre. Our producers are Robin Davies, Amita Monterola and Jackie Hanafie. You can read and subscribe to our daily blogs on aid, international development and the Pacific at devpolicy.org, and you can follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and Twitter. You can send us feedback, and ideas for episodes too, to devpolicy@anu.edu.au. Read and subscribe to our daily blogs at devpolicy.org. Learn more about our research and join our public events at devpolicy.anu.edu.au. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram for latest updates on our blogs, research and events. You can send us feedback, and ideas for episodes too, to devpolicy@anu.edu.au.…
Gavi is a unique global health partnership that has revolutionised access to vaccines in lower-income countries since 2000. Working with governments, UN agencies, private sector partners and civil society, Gavi has helped immunise more than one billion children, averted 18 million deaths and generating over US$200 billion in economic benefits. The organisation is known for its efficiency, keeping operational costs below 3%, and employs an innovative co-financing model where recipient countries gradually increase their contribution as their economic capacity grows, eventually becoming self-sustaining. Gavi’s CEO Dr Sania Nishtar discusses the organisation’s evolving role in global health, from its traditional focus on childhood immunisation to new challenges in vaccine delivery post-COVID. Topics include the concerning rise in "zero-dose" children who haven't received any vaccines, Gavi's expanded mandate in emergency response and vaccine manufacturing, and its upcoming strategy for 2026-2030 which aims to vaccinate another billion children in half the time it took for the first billion. The conversation also explored Gavi's work in the Pacific region, particularly the challenges faced in places like Solomon Islands, and the organisation's upcoming replenishment campaign seeking $9 billion in funding. Dr Nishtar is a cardiologist by training and has built an extraordinary career spanning medicine, civil society, and government. Before joining Gavi in March 2024, she served as a Senator in Pakistan and as Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Poverty Alleviation, overseeing the implementation of Pakistan's largest social protection program, which reached around 15 million households. She founded Heartfile, an influential health policy think tank in Pakistan, and has chaired numerous high-level international commissions for organisations like WHO and the World Economic Forum. In 2017, she was one of three finalists for the position of WHO Director-General. Devpolicy Talks is the podcast of the Australian National University’s Development Policy Centre. Our producers are Robin Davies, Amita Monterola, Jackie Hanafie and Finn Clarke. Read and subscribe to our daily blogs at devpolicy.org. Learn more about our research and join our public events at devpolicy.anu.edu.au. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram for latest updates on our blogs, research and events. You can send us feedback, and ideas for episodes too, to devpolicy@anu.edu.au.…
It’s the eve of COP29, the global climate change conference in Baku, Azerbaijan. In this episode, with thanks to the Australian Museum, we rebroadcast the 2024 Talbot Oration, delivered by Cynthia Houniuhi. You'll hear how a small group of committed Pacific law students transformed their classroom project into a global movement for climate justice, demonstrating the power of determined advocacy to shape international law and policy. Cynthia Houniuhi has emerged as one of the Pacific's most compelling voices on climate justice. Growing up on the remote Reef Islands in the Solomons, Cynthia developed a profound connection to land and sea that would shape her future activism. She serves as president of Pacific Islands Students Fighting Climate Change, an organisation that began with just 27 law students at the University of South Pacific and has grown into a globally recognised advocacy group with members from every Pacific nation. Her personal awakening to the climate crisis came through witnessing the gradual disappearance of Fanalei Island in South Malaita, where rising seas forced residents to abandon their homes. This led her to study law, specialising in environmental issues, and ultimately to help launch a groundbreaking campaign in 2019 seeking an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice – the ICJ or the “World Court” – on nations’ climate protection obligations. The campaign has achieved remarkable success. The United Nations General Assembly endorsed the initiative on 29 March 2023, with approximately 130 member states signing on to a resolution calling for the ICJ to consolidate and clarify the legal obligations of States to protect the climate system and to outline the legal consequences for causing harm to member states. The ICJ is expected to deliver its first-ever opinion on climate change responsibilities in the coming months. Devpolicy Talks is the podcast of the Australian National University’s Development Policy Centre. Our producers are Robin Davies, Amita Monterola, Jackie Hanafie and Finn Clarke. Read and subscribe to our daily blogs at devpolicy.org. Learn more about our research and join our public events at devpolicy.anu.edu.au. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram for latest updates on our blogs, research and events. You can send us feedback, and ideas for episodes too, to devpolicy@anu.edu.au.…
In this episode, Robin Davies speaks with Dr Aly Abousabaa, the Director General of the International Centre for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA). This is the final in a three-part series on the CGIAR network of agricultural research centres. You can hear Robin’s interview with the Executive Managing Director of CGIAR, Dr Esmahane Elouafi, in episode 320, and his interview with Dr Bram Govaerts, Director General of CIMMYT, in episode 321. ICARDA is a non-profit research organisation focused on improving agriculture and livelihoods in dry regions and is one of the 15 research centres that make up the CGIAR network. ICARDA operates across 16 countries in North Africa, the Middle East, and Central and West Asia, with a decentralised structure and key locations in Morocco, Egypt, Tunisia, Ethiopia, Lebanon, and India. The centre conducts research on crops like barley, chickpea, lentil, and wheat, as well as livestock and water management, aiming to develop climate-resilient solutions for dryland farming. Aly Abousabaa has served as ICARDA's Director General for almost eight years. He brings over 25 years of experience from the African Development Bank, where he worked across 36 African countries in various fields including water resources, agriculture, and climate change. Abousabaa has a background in civil engineering and water resources management. In the interview, Abousabaa discussed ICARDA's unique role in dryland agricultural research and its partnerships with countries like Australia. He highlighted the centre's valuable gene bank of 155,000 plant accessions, efforts to help farmers adapt to climate change, and the potential for collaboration with Australian institutions like the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation and the Grains Research and Development Corporation. Abousabaa also touched on ICARDA's strategy to reach $80 million in funding by 2030, the challenges of operating in conflict-affected regions like Lebanon, and opportunities to leverage new technologies like artificial intelligence in agricultural research. Read and subscribe to our daily blogs at devpolicy.org. Learn more about our research and join our public events at devpolicy.anu.edu.au. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram for latest updates on our blogs, research and events. You can send us feedback, and ideas for episodes too, to devpolicy@anu.edu.au.…
In this episode, Robin Davies speaks with Dr Bram Govaerts, the Director General of the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT). This is the second in a three-part series on the CGIAR network of agricultural research centres. You can hear Robin’s interview with the Executive Managing Director of CGIAR, Dr Esmahane Elouafi, in episode 320, and his interview with Dr Aly Abousabaa, Director General of ICARDA, in episode 322. CIMMYT is a non-profit research organization dedicated to improving livelihoods through maize and wheat science and is one of the 15 research centres that make up the CGIAR network. With a focus on developing countries, CIMMYT works to enhance food security, nutrition, and agricultural sustainability. The centre is renowned for its vast gene bank, housing over 28,000 maize and 140,000 wheat varieties, and its pivotal role in the Green Revolution. Govaerts brings a wealth of experience in agricultural innovation and sustainable farming practices. With a PhD in Bioscience Engineering and Soil Science from KU Leuven in Belgium, Govaerts has been instrumental in developing and implementing transformative agricultural strategies. His work has earned him several accolades, including the Norman Borlaug Award for Field Research and Application in 2014. In this episode, Govaerts discusses CIMMYT's 2030 strategy, which focuses on nutrition, resilience, and system-wide approaches to agriculture. He highlights the organisation's efforts in climate adaptation, including the development of drought-tolerant maize varieties and conservation agriculture practices. Govaerts also emphasises the importance of gender equity and youth empowerment in agriculture, and the need for increased investment in agricultural research to address global food security challenges in the face of climate change. Devpolicy Talks is the podcast of the Australian National University’s Development Policy Centre. Our producers are Robin Davies, Amita Monterola, Jackie Hanafie and Finn Clarke. Read and subscribe to our daily blogs at devpolicy.org. Learn more about our research and join our public events at devpolicy.anu.edu.au. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram for latest updates on our blogs, research and events. You can send us feedback, and ideas for episodes too, to devpolicy@anu.edu.au.…
In this episode, Robin Davies speaks with Dr Ismahane Elouafi, the Executive Managing Director of CGIAR. CGIAR (formerly the Consultative Group for International Agricultural Research) is a global partnership that unites international organisations engaged in research about food security. CGIAR's mission is to deliver science and innovation that advance the transformation of food, land, and water systems in a climate crisis. Dr Elouafi discusses the structure and governance of CGIAR, its achievements, and current challenges. She emphasises the importance of addressing climate change, improving food security and nutrition, and adapting agricultural practices to changing conditions. Dr Elouafi highlights the need for more flexible funding models and diversification of donors to allow CGIAR to address pressing issues in agriculture and food systems. She also discusses promising new technologies in agricultural research, including genomics and big data analysis, and the importance of understanding synergies in nature to produce more with fewer resources. The interview touches on the connections between agriculture, climate change and health security, and Dr Elouafi outlines her aspirations for her three-year term, which include harmonising research portfolios, increasing impact in low-income countries, and simplifying CGIAR's structure to better connect with various stakeholders in the agricultural sector. Dr. Elouafi took up her position in December 2023. Prior to joining CGIAR, she served as Chief Scientist at the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations from 2020 to 2023. Dr. Elouafi has nearly two decades of experience in agricultural research and development across Asia, Africa and the Middle East. She previously led the International Centre for Biosaline Agriculture and held senior scientific positions with the Canadian government. Dr. Elouafi is known for her work promoting neglected crops, non-freshwater use in agriculture, and empowering women in science. She holds a PhD in genetics from the University of Cordoba, Spain. Devpolicy Talks is the podcast of the Australian National University’s Development Policy Centre. Our producers are Robin Davies, Amita Monterola, Jackie Hanafie and Finn Clarke. You can read and subscribe to our daily blogs on aid, international development and the Pacific at devpolicy.org, and you can follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and Twitter. You can send us feedback and ideas for episodes to devpolicy@anu.edu.au. Read and subscribe to our daily blogs at devpolicy.org. Learn more about our research and join our public events at devpolicy.anu.edu.au. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram for latest updates on our blogs, research and events. You can send us feedback, and ideas for episodes too, to devpolicy@anu.edu.au.…
In this episode, Robin Davies speaks with Dr Fiona Hukula, the Gender Specialist at the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat. Dr Hukula is a social anthropologist with a Doctorate from the University of St Andrews. Over more than 20 years, she has dedicated her career to policy and social research, focusing on gender-based violence, urban issues, and socio-legal studies in the Pacific region. Prior to her current role, she was a Senior Research Fellow and Program Leader at the Papua New Guinea National Research Institute. Dr Hukula emphasizes the importance of understanding and integrating traditional Pacific cultural values into frameworks for addressing gender-based violence. She discusses the Pacific Leaders Gender Equality Declaration (PLGED), a significant regional commitment aimed at advancing gender equality and women's empowerment, which was revitalised in 2023 to include broader commitments and accountability mechanisms. The updated declaration reflects the diverse priorities of the 18 member countries, addressing issues such as technology-facilitated violence and women's leadership across various sectors. Dr Hukula also emphasises the need for inclusive approaches that engage men and boys as allies, and highlights the role of the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat in supporting member countries and civil society organizations, providing a platform for coordination and policy development. Devpolicy Talks is the podcast of the Australian National University’s Development Policy Centre. Our producers are Robin Davies, Amita Monterola, Jackie Hanafie and Finn Clarke. You can read and subscribe to our daily blogs on aid, international development and the Pacific at devpolicy.org, and you can follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and Twitter. You can send us feedback and ideas for episodes to devpolicy@anu.edu.au. Read and subscribe to our daily blogs at devpolicy.org. Learn more about our research and join our public events at devpolicy.anu.edu.au. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram for latest updates on our blogs, research and events. You can send us feedback, and ideas for episodes too, to devpolicy@anu.edu.au.…
In this episode, Robin Davies speaks with the distinguished Australian journalist and researcher Nic Maclellan. Over the years, Nic has extensively covered the political and social dynamics of New Caledonia, providing unique insights into its complex relationship with France and the ongoing independence movement. New Caledonia is going through a period of substantial unrest and tension, largely driven by the contentious self-determination referenda under the Nouméa Accord. The third referendum, held in December 2021, was marred by controversy due to low participation from the indigenous Kanak community, who largely boycotted the vote. This has led to increased polarization and calls for a more inclusive and legitimate political process. Nic has received several honours and awards for his contributions to journalism. In 2020, he received the Walkley Foundation Sean Dorney Grant for Pacific Journalism, which supports journalists in producing significant content on Pacific issues. And in 2015 he was awarded the 'Outstanding Contribution to the Sector' award by the Australian Council for International Development (ACFID) in recognition of his extensive work on issues relating to the environment, development, decolonization, and demilitarization in the Pacific. Devpolicy Talks is the podcast of the Australian National University’s Development Policy Centre. Our producers are Robin Davies, Amita Monterola and Jackie Hanafie. You can send us feedback, and ideas for episodes too, to devpolicy@anu.edu.au. Read and subscribe to our daily blogs at devpolicy.org. Learn more about our research and join our public events at devpolicy.anu.edu.au. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram for latest updates on our blogs, research and events. You can send us feedback, and ideas for episodes too, to devpolicy@anu.edu.au.…
Robin Davies speaks with Daisy Plana, CEO of Femili PNG, together with in-house lawyer Delwyn Dau and caseworker Elly Toimbo, on the occasion of the organisation’s tenth anniversary. Femili PNG is a pioneering organisation dedicated to supporting survivors of family and sexual violence in Papua New Guinea through its case management centres in Lae, Port Moresby, and Goroka, as well as a safe house in Port Moresby. Since its establishment in 2014, Femili PNG has provided comprehensive support to over 7,400 survivors, including food, clothing, legal advice, counseling, and safe transport, while also facilitating access to specialised services like emergency accommodation and legal protection. A new video illustrates their mission of supporting survivors: Femili PNG Youtube . As Femili PNG celebrates its 10th anniversary, it continues to evolve and improve its services. The organization has strong data collection and management systems to support tracking of services and outcomes. To that end, Stephen Howes and Estelle Stambolie from the Development Policy Centre have undertaken a comprehensive analysis of survivor data from Femili PNG’s first decade. Their report examines client demographics, types of abuse, services provided, and outcomes across Femili PNG's three case management centres in Lae, Port Moresby, and Goroka. You can download the report here: Survivor Data from the First Decade of Femili PNG Devpolicy Talks is the podcast of the Australian National University’s Development Policy Centre. Our producers are Robin Davies, Amita Monterola and Jackie Hanafie. You can read and subscribe to our daily blogs on aid, international development and the Pacific at devpolicy.org, and you can follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and Twitter. You can send us feedback, and ideas for episodes too, to devpolicy@anu.edu.au. Read and subscribe to our daily blogs at devpolicy.org. Learn more about our research and join our public events at devpolicy.anu.edu.au. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram for latest updates on our blogs, research and events. You can send us feedback, and ideas for episodes too, to devpolicy@anu.edu.au.…
Robin Davies speaks with Dr Ruth Goodwin-Groen, an Australian financial inclusion specialist who recently stepped down from her position as founding Managing Director of the Better than Cash Alliance, a position in which she served for over a decade. Ruth has devoted much of her working life to furthering the idea that digital payment systems, well managed, can be swifter, safer, more transparent and more inclusive than cash. The Better Than Cash Alliance is a global partnership hosted by the United Nations Development Programme in New York that was established in 2012 to accelerate the transition from cash to responsible digital payments worldwide. It brings together over 80 members, including governments, companies, and international organizations, with the aim of advancing the Sustainable Development Goals through financial inclusion. It provides advisory services, conducts research, facilitates peer learning, and advocates for the responsible adoption of digital payment systems. The World Bank’s Global Findex Database that Ruth mentions in this interview can be found here: https://www.worldbank.org/en/publication/globalfindex/Data This is episode seven in our 2024 season, which is a new beginning for the podcast after a hiatus of two years. We're bringing you a mix of interviews, event recordings, and in-depth documentary features relating to the topics we research at the centre – Australia's overseas aid, development in Papua New Guinea and the Pacific, and Indo-Pacific regional and global development issues. Read and subscribe to our daily blogs at devpolicy.org. Learn more about our research and join our public events at devpolicy.anu.edu.au. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram for latest updates on our blogs, research and events. You can send us feedback, and ideas for episodes too, to devpolicy@anu.edu.au.…
Development Policy Centre Deputy Director Ryan Edwards and Dung Doan, an Economist in the World Bank's Social Protection and Jobs team, discuss the Pacific Labour Mobility Survey, which was conducted between 2020 and 2023. Edwards and Doan explain how the joint research project between the Australian National University and the World Bank was a comprehensive study of Pacific migrants working in Australia and New Zealand. They discuss that although migrants and their families perceived migration as beneficial to Pacific communities, the survey identified several issues that need to be addressed. Read the survey report, The gains and pains of working away from home . Read the Devpolicy Blog series related to the survey. The Development Policy Centre received funding from Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade for the Pacific Labour Mobility Survey Wave One through the Pacific Research Program. ------------- Welcome to Devpolicy Talks, the podcast of the Development Policy Centre. We’re part of the Crawford School of Public Policy at the Australian National University, on Ngunnawal and Ngambri country in Canberra. This is episode six in our 2024 season, which is a new beginning for the podcast after a hiatus of two years. We're bringing you a mix of interviews, event recordings, and in-depth documentary features relating to the topics we research at the centre – Australia's overseas aid, development in Papua New Guinea and the Pacific, and Indo-Pacific regional and global development. Read and subscribe to our daily blogs at devpolicy.org. Learn more about our research and join our public events at devpolicy.anu.edu.au. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram for latest updates on our blogs, research and events. You can send us feedback, and ideas for episodes too, to devpolicy@anu.edu.au.…
Helder Lopes, Governor of Timor-Leste’s Central Bank, spoke with Robin Davies when he visited Australia in May 2024 under the Special Visits Program of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The Central Bank of Timor-Leste is a young institution, established in 2011. It combines some of the responsibilities of our own reserve bank with those of the Australian Securities and Investments Commission and the Australian Prudential Regulatory Authority, and it manages Timor-Leste's sovereign wealth fund, the Petroleum Fund. Helder is only the Central Bank’s second Governor, and is six months into a six-year term. He talks about the need to put Timor-Leste’s Petroleum Fund on a sustainable footing, accelerate private sector development, harness the benefits of remittances from its citizens working in countries such as Australia, the UK and South Korea, expand the range and reach of financial services, and carefully review the pros and cons of continuing to use the US dollar as the country’s national currency. ------------- Welcome to Devpolicy Talks, the podcast of the Development Policy Centre. We’re part of the Crawford School of Public Policy at the Australian National University, on Ngunnawal and Ngambri country in Canberra. This is episode five in our 2024 season, which is a new beginning for the podcast after a hiatus of two years. We're bringing you a mix of interviews, event recordings, and in-depth documentary features relating to the topics we research at the centre – Australia's overseas aid, development in Papua New Guinea and the Pacific, and Indo-Pacific regional and global development. Read and subscribe to our daily blogs at devpolicy.org. Learn more about our research and join our public events at devpolicy.anu.edu.au. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram for latest updates on our blogs, research and events. You can send us feedback, and ideas for episodes too, to devpolicy@anu.edu.au.…
Dr Christos Christou, International President of Médecins sans Frontières (MSF), spoke with Robin Davies when he visited Canberra to meet senior government figures and speak at both the National Press Club and the Development Policy Centre. Christos was appointed to his current role in mid-2019. He has been with MSF in many capacities since 2002, including as director of the organisation’s Greek chapter, and has had field assignments in Zambia, South Sudan, Iraq, and Cameroon. Born and educated in Greece, he trained as a general and emergency surgeon and also holds a Masters degree in International Health from the University of Athens, where he is a faculty member. Christos talks about the shrinking of the humanitarian space in which MSF and other humanitarian organisations operate, through restrictions on access to emergency situations, direct attacks on humanitarian workers, and the criminalisation of humanitarian efforts. He also discusses the role of MSF in protracted crises, the organisation’s ambitions for the pandemic treaty or agreement, policy responses to the plight of the Rohingyas in Cox’s Bazar, and his legacy objectives as he enters the final year of his term. This is episode four in our 2024 season, which is a new beginning for the podcast after a hiatus of two years. We're bringing you a mix of interviews, event recordings, and in-depth documentary features relating to the topics we research at the centre – Australia's overseas aid, development in Papua New Guinea and the Pacific, and Indo-Pacific regional and global development. Read and subscribe to our daily blogs at devpolicy.org. Learn more about our research and join our public events at devpolicy.anu.edu.au. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram for latest updates on our blogs, research and events. You can send us feedback, and ideas for episodes too, to devpolicy@anu.edu.au.…
On 14 May 2024, the Australian government delivered its first budget since the release of the 2023 international development policy and DFAT’s review of development finance. Professor Stephen Howes and Dr Cameron Hill expand on Devpol's 2024 budget breakfast to give an update on recent developments in aid volume and performance, plus upcoming multilateral replenishments. You can find Devpol's full analysis at the links below: >> view the 2024 aid budget breakfast presentation >> download the presentation slides >> read the blog >> view the Australian Aid Tracker Speakers: Professor Stephen Howes is Director of the Development Policy Centre and Professor of Economics at the Crawford School of Public Policy, The Australian National University. Dr Cameron Hill is a Senior Researcher at the Development Policy Centre. Photo credit: Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Read and subscribe to our daily blogs at devpolicy.org. Learn more about our research and join our public events at devpolicy.anu.edu.au. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram for latest updates on our blogs, research and events. You can send us feedback, and ideas for episodes too, to devpolicy@anu.edu.au.…
Alvaro Lario, President of the International Fund for Agricultural Development , together with his colleague Ron Hartman, spoke with Robin Davies when they visited Australia in March 2024 to encourage the Australian Government to rejoin the Fund. Lario explains IFAD’s distinctive role in supporting small-scale farming to reduce rural poverty and boost economic growth in the Asia-Pacific region. Hartman, IFAD’s Head of Global Engagement, Partnerships and Resource Mobilization, describes IFAD’s work in Papua New Guinea and Indonesia, showing how IFAD funding can leverage domestic and private investment. This is the second episode in our 2024 season, which is a new beginning for the podcast after a hiatus of two years. We're bringing you a mix of interviews, event recordings, and in-depth documentary features relating to the topics we research at the centre – Australia's overseas aid, development in Papua New Guinea and the Pacific, and regional and global development issues. Read and subscribe to our daily blogs at devpolicy.org. Learn more about our research and join our public events at devpolicy.anu.edu.au. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram for latest updates on our blogs, research and events. You can send us feedback, and ideas for episodes too, to devpolicy@anu.edu.au.…
Helen Clark sat down with Robin Davies on her March 2024 visit to the Australian National University to talk about whether governments and global institutions are ready to change the way they respond to pandemics. Clark has had a long career in public service as New Zealand’s Prime Minister, Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme and Co-Chair of the Independent Panel on Pandemic Preparedness and Response. With this episode, we're relaunching our podcast after a more than two-year hiatus. In this new season, we'll bring you a mix of interviews, event recordings, and more in-depth documentary features relating to the topics we research at the centre, namely Australia's overseas aid, development in Papua New Guinea and the Pacific, and regional and global development issues. You can also listen to a public lecture that Helen Clark delivered at the ANU by visiting our sister Crawford School of Public Policy podcast, Policy Forum Pod . Helen Clark will return to Australia to address the 2024 World Health Summit Regional Meeting , which will be held in Melbourne from 22 - 24 April 2024. Download the transcript. Photo credit: David Fanner / ANU. Read and subscribe to our daily blogs at devpolicy.org. Learn more about our research and join our public events at devpolicy.anu.edu.au. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram for latest updates on our blogs, research and events. You can send us feedback, and ideas for episodes too, to devpolicy@anu.edu.au.…
On the eve of the 2021–22 Federal Budget, Stephen Howes set out three tests for Australia’s aid budget: Will there be any further increases in aid next year? Will the government sustain any aid increases beyond this year and next? Will the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade provide an estimate of this year’s and next year’s Official Development Assistance (ODA)? In this ninth edition of Devpolicy’s aid budget breakfast, he answers those questions, provides analysis on the broader budget context and compares aid and defence spending. He also looks at specific aid updates, including how the Pacific Step-up has been funded, regional and sectoral trends, multilaterals and NGO aid. The analysis finishes with a look at some of the major aid initiatives in response to COVID-19 and Australian aid in the global context over the past decade. >> view presentation >> read blog Speaker: Professor Stephen Howes is Director of the Development Policy Centre and Professor of Economics at the Crawford School of Public Policy, The Australian National University. Photo credit: Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Read and subscribe to our daily blogs at devpolicy.org. Learn more about our research and join our public events at devpolicy.anu.edu.au. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram for latest updates on our blogs, research and events. You can send us feedback, and ideas for episodes too, to devpolicy@anu.edu.au.…
The Australia Pacific Training Coalition (APTC) is a major Australian government foreign aid initiative that commenced in 2008, that has spent over $350 million, and that has turned out over 15,000 graduates with Australian qualifications. In a recent Devpolicy Discussion Paper , Richard Curtain and Stephen Howes analyse graduate tracer surveys and show that employment outcomes for APTC graduate job-seekers have worsened over the last decade. This is mainly because of falling demand for the trades and hospitality qualifications APTC has offered since inception. They suggest a more demand-led approach to course selection and a greater focus on promoting international migration opportunities to improve employment outcomes for APTC graduates. In a related Policy Brief they propose that APTC should redirect its labour mobility efforts and focus on the Temporary Skill Shortage visa and those graduates who are eligible to migrate to Australia as skilled workers. >> view presentation >> view Discussion Paper >> view Policy Brief Speakers: Dr Richard Curtain is a Research Fellow specialising in Pacific labour mobility at the Development Policy Centre, The Australian National University. Professor Stephen Howes is Director of the Development Policy Centre and Professor of Economics at the Crawford School of Public Policy, The Australian National University. Chair: Sadhana Sen is Regional Communications Adviser at the Development Policy Centre, The Australian National University. Photo credit: Flickr/DFAT Read and subscribe to our daily blogs at devpolicy.org. Learn more about our research and join our public events at devpolicy.anu.edu.au. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram for latest updates on our blogs, research and events. You can send us feedback, and ideas for episodes too, to devpolicy@anu.edu.au.…
Australian foreign aid has changed considerably in the last 20 years. Dr Terence Wood discusses the findings of a recently published report that examines the changing nature of Australian government aid through the lens of publicly available data on aid flows, which provide evidence of change and allow direct comparisons between Australia and other OECD Development Assistance Committee donors. These comparisons help highlight where Australian aid conforms with international norms of good giving, where Australia lags behind the global community, and where it is a global leader. Speaker: Dr Terence Wood is a Research Fellow at the Development Policy Centre. His research focuses on the domestic political economy of aid in donor countries, public opinion about aid, NGOs, aid effectiveness in poorly governed states, and Melanesian electoral politics. >> view presentation >> view report Chair: Ashlee Betteridge, Manager, Development Policy Centre, The Australian National University Photo Credit: DFAT/Timothy Tobing/CC BY 2.0 Read and subscribe to our daily blogs at devpolicy.org. Learn more about our research and join our public events at devpolicy.anu.edu.au. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram for latest updates on our blogs, research and events. You can send us feedback, and ideas for episodes too, to devpolicy@anu.edu.au.…
Charles Scheiner presents the 2021 economic survey of Timor-Leste, outlining the current economic situation, particularly in relation to the state budget, and the dominance of the Petroleum Fund in state finances. He also looks at future oil and gas possibilities, including Greater Sunrise and the Tasi Mane petroleum infrastructure project, and argues regardless of the paths Timor-Leste chooses to follow, investing in its people – through education, health and nutrition – is essential. The presentation is a draft of a forthcoming paper in the Pacific Survey series, published in the Asia & the Pacific Policy Studies journal. Speaker: Charles Scheiner is a researcher at La’o Hamutuk , the Timor-Leste Institute for Development Monitoring and Analysis, an independent, non-partisan, Timorese civil society research organisation. He specialises in the effects of oil and gas extraction, including on economics, governance, environment and revenue management. >> view presentation >> view presentation with notes Chair: Professor Stephen Howes, Director, Development Policy Centre, The Australian National University Photo credit: Charles Scheiner Read and subscribe to our daily blogs at devpolicy.org. Learn more about our research and join our public events at devpolicy.anu.edu.au. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram for latest updates on our blogs, research and events. You can send us feedback, and ideas for episodes too, to devpolicy@anu.edu.au.…
The economic costs of COVID-19 continue to mount, globally and in the Pacific. But what is the damage in the Pacific, and how are Pacific governments responding? In this webinar, panellists explore the economic damage caused by COVID-19 and the responses Pacific governments are taking. Professor Stephen Howes presents an overview based on the Pacific Covid Economic Database compiled by the Development Policy Centre. Dr Jenny Gordon, Chief Economist at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, assesses pathways to recovery post COVID-19 in Pacific Island economies. Dr Neelesh Gounder and Maholopa Laveil present their perspectives on Fiji and PNG, respectively. Panellists: Professor Stephen Howes, Director, Development Policy Centre, The Australian National University » view presentation Dr Jenny Gordon, Chief Economist, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade » view presentation Dr Neelesh Gounder, Senior Lecturer in Economics, University of the South Pacific Maholopa Laveil, Lecturer in Economics, University of Papua New Guinea » view presentation Chair: Sadhana Sen, Regional Media Adviser, Development Policy Centre, The Australian National University Photo credit: Gail Hampshire on Flickr (CC BY 2.0) Read and subscribe to our daily blogs at devpolicy.org. Learn more about our research and join our public events at devpolicy.anu.edu.au. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram for latest updates on our blogs, research and events. You can send us feedback, and ideas for episodes too, to devpolicy@anu.edu.au.…
Historically, Australia has lacked a coherent policy to attract immigrants with less extensive formal training and education, despite the needs of its ageing population and labour market. The Center for Global Development has recently concluded a project with the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, which has produced two papers. Michael Clemens outlines the findings of the first paper, which estimates the demand for vocational workers in Australia by 2050 will exceed native supply by over two million. While there will be ample skilled labour available within Pacific Island countries, facilitating this movement in a managed way that maximises the development potential of migration will be key. To that end, Satish Chand discusses the second paper, which proposes the development of a ‘Pacific Skills Partnership’, a model that would facilitate skills creation across 14 low-income Pacific Island countries, with the greatest development potential lying in Papua New Guinea. Speakers: Michael Clemens is Director of Migration, Displacement, and Humanitarian Policy and a Senior Fellow at the Center for Global Development, where he studies the economic effects and causes of migration around the world. >> Related paper: Skill Development and Regional Mobility: Lessons from the Australia-Pacific Technical College – Working Paper 370 Satish Chand is a Professor of Finance in the School of Business at the University of New South Wales and based at the Australian Defence Force Academy in Canberra. He is also an Adjunct Professor at the Crawford School of Public Policy at The Australian National University. His research interests include labour migration, fragile states, and the challenges of development. >> View presentation >> Related paper: A Pacific Skills Partnership: Improving the APTC to Meet Skills Needed in the Region Chair: Dr Ryan Edwards, Deputy Director, Development Policy Centre, The Australian National University Photo: Hohola Youth Development Centre, PNG (DFAT/Flickr CC BY 2.0) Read and subscribe to our daily blogs at devpolicy.org. Learn more about our research and join our public events at devpolicy.anu.edu.au. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram for latest updates on our blogs, research and events. You can send us feedback, and ideas for episodes too, to devpolicy@anu.edu.au.…
It is time to fundamentally reframe the research agenda on migration, remittances, payments and development. Many policymakers in the developing world, and researchers, tend to view migrant remittances as windfall income, rather than as returns on investment, which is how families with migrants tend to see remittances. Migration is thus, among other things, a strategy for financial management in poor households: location is an asset, migration an investment. Some of the most basic questions about remittances and their effects remain inadequately answered, in part because of a blinded research agenda. Asking better questions is a step towards better policies, programs and regulations and, above all, to enable people on low incomes to improve their lives. In this webinar, based on the article “ Migration and household finances: How a different framing can improve thinking about migration ”, Timothy Ogden discusses some of the new and alternative research questions that emerge from the shift of perspective on remittances – from windfall to return on investment. Speaker: Timothy Ogden is Managing Director of the Financial Access Initiative, a research centre housed at New York University’s (NYU) Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service focused on how financial services can better meet the needs and improve the lives of low-income households. >> view presentation Chair: Dr Ryan Edwards, Deputy Director, Development Policy Centre, The Australian National University Photo credit: AU/UN Ist Photo/Stuart Price (Flickr CC0 1.0) Read and subscribe to our daily blogs at devpolicy.org. Learn more about our research and join our public events at devpolicy.anu.edu.au. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram for latest updates on our blogs, research and events. You can send us feedback, and ideas for episodes too, to devpolicy@anu.edu.au.…
In this panel event at the 2020 Australasian AID conference, John Langmore makes the case for stronger government and civil society commitment to conflict prevention and peacebuilding. Joanna Pradela argues that Australia should adopt a feminist approach to foreign policy, one that is grounded in gender equality. Pierre van der Eng analyses the rapid expansion of Australia’s foreign aid to Indonesia during the 1960s and 1970s in the context of Australia’s evolving foreign policy towards Asia. And Dave Green and Kaisha Crupi report on their analysis of Aid Program Performance Reports, including their purpose, how well they deliver on their purposes, the challenges associated with balanced public reporting on program performance, and the tension between public diplomacy and performance management objectives. Presenters: Security through sustainable peace (at 2:50 in) Professor John Langmore AM, School of Social and Political Sciences, University of Melbourne, and Dr Tania Miletic, Research Fellow, Melbourne School of Government, University of Melbourne Feminist foreign policy: A new approach for a new era (at 15:38 in) Joanna Pradela, Director, Knowledge Translation, International Women's Development Agency (IWDA), and Alice Ridge, Research Policy and Advocacy Adviser, IWDA >> view presentation ‘Send them a shipload of rice’: Food aid and Australia-Indonesia bilateral relations, 1960s–70s (at 29:35 in) Dr Pierre van der Eng, Associate Professor, Research School of Management, The Australian National University >> view presentation Where’s the dirty laundry? DFAT APPRs and the public diplomacy imperative (at 44:24 in) Dave Green, Principal Consultant, Clear Horizon and Kaisha Crupi, Consultant, Clear Horizon >> view presentation Chair: Professor Caitlin Byrne, Director of the Griffith Asia Institute, Griffith University Read and subscribe to our daily blogs at devpolicy.org. Learn more about our research and join our public events at devpolicy.anu.edu.au. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram for latest updates on our blogs, research and events. You can send us feedback, and ideas for episodes too, to devpolicy@anu.edu.au.…
In the Pacific over the past three decades, women’s domestic violence services have led advocacy for policy for increased gender equality, women’s human rights and in engaging men and boys as allies and advocates in prevention of violence against women. In partnership with regional governments, development partners and Australia’s aid and development resources, this model has provided agency, leadership and generated a significant shift towards building support and a more strategic approach. This panel of experts discuss their views on how best to engage men and boys for primary prevention of violence against women. Panellists: Melkie Anton, male advocate for ending violence against women and development project adviser Abigail Erikson, Program Specialist, UN Women Amy Gildea, Managing Director Asia and Pacific, Coffey International Development H.E. John Kali CMG OBE, High Commissioner for Papua New Guinea to Australia Chair: Glenn Davies, Director, Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion Asia and Pacific, Coffey International Development Read and subscribe to our daily blogs at devpolicy.org. Learn more about our research and join our public events at devpolicy.anu.edu.au. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram for latest updates on our blogs, research and events. You can send us feedback, and ideas for episodes too, to devpolicy@anu.edu.au.…
In November 2018, the Australian Government announced the Pacific step-up, taking its engagement with the Pacific to a new level. Despite this shift, new research finds that many people in the Pacific are concerned Australia does not know how to engage successfully as part of the Pacific community. This panel event at the 2020 Australasian Aid Conference outlines the key findings of research commissioned by the Whitlam Institute on the views of Pacific islanders from Fiji, Vanuatu, and the Solomon Islands on their countries’ and region’s future place in the world. The panel explore how these three island nations perceive Australians and the government’s policies and interventions in the Pacific, and makes some recommendations. >> Read the research report here Panellists: Dr Tess Newton-Cain, Principal, TNC Pacific Consulting James Cox, Executive Director, Peacifica Dr Geir Henning Presterudstuen, Lecturer, Anthropology, Western Sydney University Linda Kenni, Local Consultant, Vanuatu Chair: Leanne Smith, Director, Whitlam Institute Read and subscribe to our daily blogs at devpolicy.org. Learn more about our research and join our public events at devpolicy.anu.edu.au. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram for latest updates on our blogs, research and events. You can send us feedback, and ideas for episodes too, to devpolicy@anu.edu.au.…
The welfare gains from increasing cross-border labour mobility are likely to be several times larger than those from complete trade liberalisation, offering significant benefits to migrants, receiving, and sending countries. This panel outlines the case for international labour mobility, summarises the lessons learned from the first year of Australia’s new Pacific Labour Scheme, and provides an overview and initial assessment of recent recruitment reforms in Papua New Guinea. Panellists: Farah Hani, Senior Policy Analyst, Labor Mobility Partnerships team, Center for Global Development >> view presentation slides Danielle Heinecke, First Assistant Secretary, Pacific Operations and Development, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Dr Matthew Dornan, Senior Economist, World Bank >> view presentation slides Chair: Dr Ryan Edwards, Senior Policy Fellow, Development Policy Centre, The Australian National University Read and subscribe to our daily blogs at devpolicy.org. Learn more about our research and join our public events at devpolicy.anu.edu.au. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram for latest updates on our blogs, research and events. You can send us feedback, and ideas for episodes too, to devpolicy@anu.edu.au.…
Offering social assistance programs has become an increasingly prominent strategy to alleviate poverty in many parts of the developing world, including in Indonesia. Drawing on Indonesia’s decades-long experience in developing social assistance programs, government officials and a leading evidence-based policy research institution, The Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab Southeast Asia (J-PAL SEA), highlight proven methods to address key emerging challenges and improve anti-poverty programs. Panellists: Dr Vivi Yulaswati, Senior Advisor to the Minister of National Development Planning for Social Affairs and Poverty Reduction of Indonesia (Bappenas) >> view presentation slides Dr Elan Satriawan, Chief of Policy Working Group, National Team for the Acceleration of Poverty Reduction (TNP2K) of Indonesia >> view presentation slides Lina Marliani, Executive Director of The Abdul Latief Jameel Poverty Action Lab Southeast Asia (J-PAL SEA) >> view presentation slides Chair: Professor Budy Resosudarmo, Crawford School of Public Policy, The Australian National University Read and subscribe to our daily blogs at devpolicy.org. Learn more about our research and join our public events at devpolicy.anu.edu.au. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram for latest updates on our blogs, research and events. You can send us feedback, and ideas for episodes too, to devpolicy@anu.edu.au.…
The language and theory of ‘aid’ is outdated. But something like it is still needed as the world faces huge common challenges, new and old. In this keynote address, Jonathan Glennie sets out a new approach for the 21st century: global public investment. He proposes five paradigm shifts for the future of concessional international public finance, as the world of international development moves on from an old-fashioned ‘aid’ mentality. Keynote speaker: Jonathan Glennie, Principal Associate at the Joep Lange Institute, and writer and researcher on poverty and human rights Chair: Elizabeth Peak, First Assistant Secretary, Human Development and Governance Division, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Introduced by: Professor Stephen Howes, Director, Development Policy Centre, The Australian National University Read and subscribe to our daily blogs at devpolicy.org. Learn more about our research and join our public events at devpolicy.anu.edu.au. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram for latest updates on our blogs, research and events. You can send us feedback, and ideas for episodes too, to devpolicy@anu.edu.au.…
In this keynote address delivered on 19 February at the 2020 Australasian AID Conference, Alex Hawke, Minister for International Development and the Pacific, outlines the key trends in the Indo-Pacific region affecting Australia’s development partners and shaping its new international development policy. He also discusses Australia’s longstanding commitment to the region and its Pacific step-up, and how Australia will continue to support the region and keep it strong. Minister Hawke is introduced by Helen Sullivan, Director of the Crawford School of Public Policy at The Australian National University. Keynote speaker: Alex Hawke, Minister for International Development and the Pacific Chair: Helen Sullivan, Director of the Crawford School of Public Policy, ANU College of Asia & the Pacific, The Australian National University Read and subscribe to our daily blogs at devpolicy.org. Learn more about our research and join our public events at devpolicy.anu.edu.au. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram for latest updates on our blogs, research and events. You can send us feedback, and ideas for episodes too, to devpolicy@anu.edu.au.…
Australia’s aid program to PNG is its biggest, its highest profile and most controversial. In this insightful keynote panel at the 2020 Australasian AID conference, Jonathan Pryke outlines the findings of his research into Australia’s aid program to PNG, His Excellency John Kali CMG OBE discusses key changes in the way Australian assistance is being delivered, Terence Wood presents the findings of the third Australian aid transparency audit, and Stephanie Copus Campbell reflects on the panel’s perspectives on delivering development outcomes in PNG. Panellists: Jonathan Pryke, Director, Pacific Islands Program, Lowy Institute >> view presentation Dr Terence Wood, Research Fellow, Development Policy Centre >> view presentation H.E. John Kali CMG OBE, High Commissioner for Papua New Guinea to Australia >> view transcript (check against audio recording) Stephanie Copus Campbell, CEO, Oil Search Foundation Chair: Anthea Mulakala, Senior Director for International Development Cooperation at The Asia Foundation https://crawford.anu.edu.au/devpolicy/events Read and subscribe to our daily blogs at devpolicy.org. Learn more about our research and join our public events at devpolicy.anu.edu.au. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram for latest updates on our blogs, research and events. You can send us feedback, and ideas for episodes too, to devpolicy@anu.edu.au.…
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