Shows
DevelopmentAid DialoguesBeyond the Flames and the Heatwaves: Robin Degron on Europe and the Mediterranean Basin’s Climate CrisisDevastating wildfires and intense heatwaves are sweeping across continents—from Indonesia’s burning rainforests and Canada’s parched woodlands to Latin America and, of course, Europe’s Mediterranean coasts. The scale and frequency of these disasters are reminders that climate change is no longer a distant threat, but a global emergency demanding action at every level. In this episode of DevelopmentAid Dialogues podcast, host Hisham Allam speaks with Robin Degron, Director of Plan Bleu (UN Environment), about the changing climate landscape in the Mediterranean—and what its communities, economies, and ecology can teach the world about adaptation and resilie...
2025-07-3036 min
DevelopmentAid DialoguesCan One Crisis Solve Another? Debt-for-Nature Swaps with Sawsan Bou FakhreddineAs mounting debt strangles public services and climate disasters escalate, a provocative idea is gaining ground: what if countries could trade their debt burdens for environmental action? In this episode of DevelopmentAid Dialogues podcast, host Hisham Allam speaks with Sawsan Bou Fakhreddine, Director General of the Association for Forests, Development and Conservation (AFDC), about debt-for-nature swaps—a mechanism that promises relief for both treasuries and threatened ecosystems. From Lebanon’s crumbling forests to the global search for sustainable finance, Bou Fakhreddine brings rare on-the-ground insight into a tool many see as underused, poorly understood, and urgently needed. At th...
2025-07-2331 min
DevelopmentAid DialoguesThe Aid Localization Mirage: Dr. Duncan Green on Why Shifting Power Means Rethinking Aid“Localization” has become one of the most repeated terms in international development—but is it a genuine shift, or just a new label for old practices? In this episode of DevelopmentAid Dialogues podcast, host Hisham Allam speaks with Dr. Duncan Green, Professor in Practice at the London School of Economics and longtime Oxfam strategist, about why shifting power in aid is harder—and more essential—than most are willing to admit.“Localization means different things to different people,” Green began. “Some define it as simply channeling more funds to local organizations. But that alone won’t fix the system unless...
2025-07-0938 min
DevelopmentAid DialoguesAbandonment at the Breaking Point: Confronting Aid Cuts with Stephen CornishAbandonment at the Breaking Point: Confronting the Aid Cuts with Stephen Cornish By: DevelopmentAid Dialogues In this episode of DevelopmentAid Dialogues podcast, host Hisham Allam speaks with Stephen Cornish, General Director of Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) Switzerland, about the mounting global humanitarian crises—from famine zones in Sudan to the collapse of water systems in Chad—and the devastating impact of frozen aid funding. Cornish, who has spent decades leading humanitarian operations in some of the world’s most volatile regions, did not mince words. “In Sudan we have the world’s g...
2025-06-2534 min
DevelopmentAid DialoguesAid cuts: Gamble on development or risky retreat? Insights from Professor Stefan DerconIn this 26th episode of DevelopmentAid Dialogues podcast, host Hisham Allam interviews Stefan Dercon, Professor of Economic Policy at the University of Oxford and author of Gambling on Development, about the global consequences of recent aid cuts by major donor countries, particularly the United States. As foreign aid budgets shrink and populist politics gain traction, the discussion delved into the complex motivations driving these cuts and their far-reaching consequences for vulnerable communities. Professor Dercon, who has advised multiple governments and development agencies, stressed that the changes underway go far beyond short-term budget adjustments. “This is not just abo...
2025-06-1139 min
DevelopmentAid DialoguesThe War on Global Health | Diagnosing the Impact of Aid Cuts with Lisa HilmiAs foreign aid cuts ripple across donor nations, global health systems are beginning to fracture. In the 25th episode of the DevelopmentAid Dialogues podcast, host Hisham Allam sat down with Lisa M. Hilmi, Executive Director of CORE Group, to discuss the very real and immediate consequences of this funding vacuum. Hilmi, a seasoned public health leader, has spent decades working across Africa, South Asia, and beyond, shaping frontline programs in partnership with governments and grassroots networks. Hilmi swiftly refuted the notion that recent aid reductions have had no human cost. “Children have tragically died from malnutrition due to...
2025-05-2834 min
DevelopmentAid DialoguesUnveiling the aid cuts: Between chaos and power shifts | Rethinking the aid model with Katri BertramAs foreign aid budgets shrink across Western nations, the global development sector is confronting a moment of reckoning. In this episode of DevelopmentAid Dialogues, host Hisham Allam speaks with Katri Bertram—a global health and development expert with two decades of experience spanning international organizations, NGOs, and government institutions. She is currently the International Director of Impact and Advocacy at Light for the World, focusing on disability inclusion and eye health. Her experience at the World Bank, Save the Children, and the German Federal Ministry of Health, informs the critical analysis she shares in this interview, examining how these hi...
2025-05-1430 min
DevelopmentAid DialoguesWater shortage isn't the problem - we are. Navigating the water crisis with David Shackleton.In this episode of DevelopmentAid Dialogues, host Hisham Allam speaks with David Shackleton, CEO of SIS.BIO, about a problem that rarely makes headlines but affects millions every day: water that’s too polluted to use. Shackleton makes a clear distinction—this isn’t a crisis of not having enough water but of failing to protect what we already have. Through SIS.BIO, he’s leading efforts to bring damaged ecosystems in rivers, lakes, and reservoirs back to life so they become renewable and can once again sustain communities and local economies. "This isn't about running out of water...
2025-05-0141 min
DevelopmentAid DialoguesThe Future of Aid, Donald Trump, and the Prisoner’s Dilemma | A dialogue with Dr. Göran HolmqvistWhile the drastic aid cuts announced by the largest donors are making the headlines around the world, a deeper issue may be at stake. In this episode of DevelopmentAid Dialogues, host Hisham Allam speaks to Dr. Göran Holmqvist, perhaps the most prominent voice in the international context of development, about the unprecedented shift in global aid paradigms. With decades of leadership experience, including at SIDA in Sweden, UNICEF's Office of Research in Florence, and the Nordic Africa Institute, Dr. Holmqvist is now a...
2025-04-1626 min
DevelopmentAid DialoguesCorruption in healthcare, education & infrastructure: who pays the price in developing countries? | Dialogue with Jean-Pierre Méan, Attorney-at-lawOne of the biggest barriers to sustainable development is still corruption, which undermines confidence in institutions, damages economies, and especially affects the most vulnerable. Host Hisham Allam talked with Dr. Jean-Pierre Méan, a well-known anti-corruption specialist and former president of Transparency International Switzerland, in this episode of DevelopmentAid Dialogues about the ongoing difficulties in the battle against corruption and the pressing need for systematic transformation.Dr. Méan brings decades of expertise in anti-corruption law and corporate compliance sy...
2025-04-0336 min
DevelopmentAid DialoguesInternational Development Exodus: Who Pays the Price When the U.S. Pulls Out? discussion with Felix GnehmIn this episode of DevelopmentAid Dialogues, host Hisham Allam confronted the seismic repercussions of the United States’ decision to slash USAID funding—a policy shift that destabilized the global aid sector and left vulnerable communities worldwide in peril. The cuts didn’t just trim budgets; they severed lifelines, strained alliances, and reshaped geopolitical power dynamics.Felix Gnehm, President of Alliance Sud and Director of Solidar Suisse, joined the discussion with stark warnings. A veteran of humanitarian crises—from post-earthquake recovery in Pakistan to U.N. policy advocacy—Gnehm minc...
2025-03-0632 min
DevelopmentAid DialoguesSurviving USA Stop Work Orders: recovery tactics and legal recourse with Katherine Gentic a Government Compliance, Contracts and Pricing SpecialistThis episode of DevelopmentAid Dialogues examines the rising trend of USAID stop work orders and the difficulties they pose for implementing partners. These unexpected pauses in project activity have left organizations struggling with the urgent need to continue essential development work, financial uncertainty, and compliance challenges. Stop work orders (SWOs), which USAID has been using more frequently lately, have left partners juggling compliance, financial survival, and the urgent need to continue essential projects.To discuss this pressing issue, our host Hisham Allam is joined by Katherine Gentic...
2025-02-1825 min
DevelopmentAid DialoguesThe Hidden Cost of Ethical Farming: Are Fair Trade and Organic Myths? | A dialogue with Carmelo Troccoli and Kyle NewellGuest Description: Carmelo Troccoli, the General Director of Campania Amica Foundation and the World Farmers Market Coalition & Kyle Newell, Managing director at The Aspen Institute, a global leader in connecting smallholder farmers to commercial value change.Episode Description:In this episode of DevelopmentAid Dialogues, Hisham Allam invited 2 renowned pioneers in sustainable agriculture to discuss the delicate balance between ethical goals and practical challenges. The discussion focused on ethical certifications, sustainable farming techniques, and the role of legislation in influencing agriculture's future. Carmelo kicked off the conversation by addressing the complexities o...
2025-02-1442 min
DevelopmentAid DialoguesInternational Development Crisis: How Budget Cuts are Reshaping Humanitarian Efforts | Analysis with Isam Khatib, an Expert in Policy StrategiesGuest Description: Isam Khatib, Human Rights & Sustainable Development Specialist. Expert in foreign policy strategies, international development, and human rights advocacy, with a special focus on the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Episode Description:In this episode of DevelopmentAid Dialogues, host Hisham Allam examines the growing trend of global government cuts to development aid budgets and their profound implications for humanitarian organizations and vulnerable communities. Joining the discussion is Isam Khatib, an expert in foreign policy strategies, international development, and human rights advocacy, with a special focus on the...
2025-02-1423 min
DevelopmentAid DialoguesUS Aid Freeze: immediate effects of the Executive Order | A dialogue with Matthew RobinsonIn this episode of DevelopmentAid Dialogues, host Hisham Allam delves into the consequences of the United States’ recent aid cuts, including their catastrophic impact on the global aid sector and vulnerable people. These decisions, mostly influenced by the Trump administration’s foreign aid policy, have resulted in far-reaching changes, such as funding freezes, program suspensions, and withdrawal from major global projects such as the World Health Organization (WHO).Download the transcript of this episode.Director of the Euro...
2025-02-0330 min
DevelopmentAid DialoguesIllegal Adoption vs. Child Trafficking: Where Do We Draw the Line? | with Dr. Eefje De Volder, IMPACTGuest Description: Dr. Eefje De Volder, a leading expert in human trafficking and co-founder of IMPACT. Dr. De Volder also co-owns Rwandan Empowerment Coffee, a social enterprise empowering female survivors of sexual violence in Rwanda. Episode Description: Dr. De Volder is highlighting the broad scope of human trafficking, defined under the Palermo Protocol. While traditionally associated with sexual exploitation, trafficking encompasses forced labor, organ removal, and now, as recognized by the EU in 2024, forced surrogacy, forced marriage, and illegal adoption. T...
2025-01-2338 min
DevelopmentAid DialoguesThe Future of Farming: Can AI and Drones Save Agriculture—or Destroy It?Guest Description: Brian Anderson Director of Finance and Operations, worked with major food and agriculture corporations and Kyle Newell, Director of Aspen Institute, a global leader in connecting smallholder farmers to commercial value chains.Episode outline: At a crossroads, modern agriculture must strike a balance between environmental sustainability, economic growth, and food security. Hisham Allam, host of DevelopmentAid Dialogues, had an interesting discussion with agricultural experts Brian Anderson and Kyle Newell about how new farming methods and regulations are creating a sustainable future. Brian, an agricultural economist, and Kyle, who has extensive experience wo...
2024-11-2146 min
DevelopmentAid DialoguesLimited funding, resource gaps, and systemic biases can’t stop positive outcomes for human trafficking survivors | A conversation with Angie StaleyGuest Description: Angie Staley, an expert in anti-human trafficking and transitional housing. Episode description: Human trafficking is a complex global crisis impacting millions, each survivor’s journey marked by resilience in the face of unimaginable hardship. Angie Staley, with over 12 years of experience in residential coordination, offers essential support to survivors, helping them heal and rebuild.In this episode, Angie shares her human-centered approach to recovery, where each step—no matter how small—brings survivors closer to lasting change. Her method goes beyond one-time interventions, focusing on a sustained commitment to unders...
2024-11-0826 min
Al Ahly PharosPre-Trading ThoughtsThe Prime Minister confirmed that the government is currently reviewing the timeline and reforms put forward by the Fund, pointing to the direct impact that the war on Gaza and the subsequent decline in Suez Canal revenues has had on state revenues as justification for the review.The Prime Minister said that the foreign exchange flows and the state’s needs and obligations are proceeding regularly and smoothly, and there is no delay with regard to production requirements, raw materials, and basic needs, and there are no delayed requests in the banks, denying the government’s intention for...
2024-10-2405 min
DevelopmentAid DialoguesCorruption’s Two-Way Street: How UK Bribery and Illicit Flows Drive Global Corruption | with Phil Mason, Anti-corruption policy advisorGuest Description: Phil Mason a leading player in the global fight against corruption. Mr. Mason has over 20 years of experience at the UK's Department for International Development (DFID) and a long history of international anti-corruption operations.Episode Description: In this episode, we discuss the systemic threat of corruption in international development. Phil Mason discusses the internal challenges within development agencies in adopting a holistic strategy to tackle corruption, often seen as a niche issue rather than one that spans sectors like health, education, and infrastructure. Mason stresses that separating corruption from broader...
2024-10-1644 min
DevelopmentAid DialoguesPolitical & Economic Interests Behind Climate Disinformation | Conversation with Jennie King at ISD.Guest Description: Jennie King, Director of Climate Disinformation Research and Policy at the Institute for Strategic Dialogue (ISD). Ms. King provided crucial insights into the dynamics of climate disinformation and the larger online information ecology. She stressed that “climate disinformation is being deployed strategically to undermine urgent environmental action,” and that misinformation campaigns frequently exploit legitimate worries about energy security and food supply to stymie climate efforts. This tactic, she explained, is intended to cause confusion and delay decisive policy decisions.Ms. King also highlighted ISD’s...
2024-09-1040 min
DevelopmentAid DialoguesWater, Land, and Power: The Interconnectedness of Sustainable Development | with Sean Furey from SKAT foundationOur guest: Sean Furey, the Secretariat Director of the Rural Water Supply Network (RWSN). During the episode, Mr. Furey shared insights with podcast host Hisham Allam into the vast network of community organizations managing water systems and the challenges they face. Highlighting a recent example from Ecuador, he illustrated the extensive scale of these operations, supported by thousands of community boards and municipalities.A key focus of RWSN’s work is leveraging technology to connect people and disseminate crucial information.Mr. Furey emphasized the potential of online tools, such as Wha...
2024-08-2226 min
DevelopmentAid DialoguesEarly Warnings & Noodle Networks: Innovative Strategies for Disaster Response | with Manu Gupta Disaster Resilience ExpertIn the realm of humanitarianism and disaster response, Dr. Manu Gupta shines as a guiding light of unwavering dedication and passionate advocacy. With over three decades of experience, his journey from volunteer work to founding SEEDS (Sustainable Environment and Ecological Development Society) reflects a profound commitment to empowering communities and building resilience in the face of adversity.A recent interview with Development Aid Dialogues sheds light on Dr. Gupta's remarkable journey and the invaluable lessons he has gleaned along the way. From his early experiences as a relief worker to his pivotal role in shaping disaster risk...
2024-08-0532 min
DevelopmentAid DialoguesHuman Trafficking Unveiled: Insights from the Frontlines | A dialogue with Tatiana Kotlyarenko Expert on Human traffickingGuest Description: Tatiana Kotlyarenko, Expert on GBV and Human TraffickingEpisode sneak peak: In the latest DevelopmentAid Dialogues podcast, Tatiana Kotlyarenko, a human rights defender, discusses the complexities of human trafficking with Hisham Allam. She emphasizes that trafficking involves organized crime and corruption, complicating efforts to combat it. Kotlyarenko shares her experience evacuating at-risk individuals from Afghanistan, highlighting the importance of international solidarity.She dispels myths about trafficking, noting its evolution to include domestic and online exploitation, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Kotlyarenko stresses the need for parental vigilance and the role of...
2024-07-1635 min
DevelopmentAid DialoguesVoices from Yemen: Delivering AID in a Conflict Zone | Dialogue with Ibrahim El Haddad from OCHAYemen grapples with a staggering humanitarian crisis, leaving millions dependent on aid for survival. Delivering that assistance, however, is fraught with challenges.In this episode of DevelopmentAid Dialogues, Ibrahim Elhadhad, a UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) official, offers alongside Hisham Allam a firsthand look at the complexities of navigating aid delivery in Yemen and the unwavering commitment to helping those most in need.OCHA plays a central role in coordinating the response. Elhadhad explains a standardized framework used to identify the most vulnerable populations – a crucial step when resources are limited. To...
2024-07-0131 min
DevelopmentAid DialoguesFrom Rainwater Tanks to Dignity: The Ripple Effect of Water Access Projects | Dialogue with Kerstin Danert from Ask for WaterGuest description: Dr. Kerstin Danert, the founder and director of Ask for Water. Ask for Water works collaboratively with governments, NGOs, and research institutions. They focus not just on the technical aspects of borehole drilling, but also on building capacity, ensuring quality control, and implementing sustainable practices.Episode Description: In this episode, we discuss water access in low- and middle-income countries with Dr. Danert. Hey journey began in Uganda, where she witnessed firsthand the struggles of communities relying on unsafe water sources. She emphasizes the importance of having qualified professionals engaged into p...
2024-06-1123 min
DevelopmentAid DialoguesTurning Trash to Treasure: Organic Waste Management | Latin American Perspective with Sandra MendezGuest description: Sandra Méndez F. is an experienced expert and project developer, and coordinator at Skat. Episode description: In this episode of DevelopmentAid Dialogues, we explore the current state of waste management in Latin America and the innovative solutions emerging across the region.Dr. Fagrado paints a vivid picture of the waste management landscape, highlighting the predominance of landfilling without separation. She emphasizes that over 50% of waste comprises organics, presenting significant environmental concerns.From large-scale composting facilities to community-driven programs, a shift towards sustainable waste m...
2024-05-2723 min
DevelopmentAid DialoguesProfit and Purpose: Aligning Business & Social Good in Development Partnerships | with Kim Eric Bettcher, CIPEOur Guest: Kim Eric Bettcher, a leading expert from CIPE's Policy and Program Learning department, specializing in democratic governance and international partnerships. Episode Description: In this episode, we discuss the role of partnerships and knowledge management in advancing global development goals. Our guest, Kim Bettcher believes that collaboration can bring about significant change and views partnerships as crucial catalysts for systemic transformation. He also emphasizes the importance of inclusive conversation and involvement in promoting sustainable development. He believes that "voice is essential" and advocates for empowering underprivileged populations to influence development goals. This underlines the necessity of i...
2024-05-1331 min
DevelopmentAid DialoguesMosquitoes, Money & a Warming World: Why a Malaria Vaccine Isn't Enough | Insights from Scott FillerGuest Description: Scott Filler, Senior Disease Coordinator at the Global Fund, a worldwide movement to defeat HIV, TB and malaria. Episode description: In this episode, we discuss Dr. Filler's journey, from a personal encounter with the disease to spearheading innovative initiatives. This profound sense of purpose fuels Dr. Filler's tireless advocacy for equal access to healthcare, regardless of birthplace. He asserts, "No child should have to face the devastating consequences. They didn't choose where they were born."Throughout the podcast, Dr. Filler navigates the complex landscape of malaria control and...
2024-04-1830 min
DevelopmentAid DialoguesThe future of medicine: Can telehealth revolutionize global healthcare access? | A conversation with Prof. K.Ganapathy, Neurosurgeon, pioneer in TelemedicineGuest Description: Dr. K. Ganapathy is a professor, neurosurgeon, the first Ph.D. in neuroimaging in South Asia, and a strong advocate for telehealth. www.kganapathy.in Episode Description: in this episode, we discuss revolutionizing the healthcare - the concept of telemedicine. Dr. Ganapathy explains how telemedicine breaks geographical barriers, providing specialist care to remote areas and bridging urban-rural healthcare gaps, particularly in countries like India. He discusses the empowerment of specialists to virtually visit patients, reducing travel costs and time. While highlighting telemedicine's potential, Dr. Ganapathy addresses concerns about patient p...
2024-04-1024 min
DevelopmentAid DialoguesFlooded Toilets vs Empty Wells: The Impact of Climate Change on Sanitation | A Conversation with Dara Johnston, Chief of Section for Climate ResilienceGuest Description: Dara Johnston, UNICEF's Chief of Section for Climate-Resilient Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) in South Sudan.Episode Description:In this episode, we discuss the crisis faced by millions in developing countries: climate change's impact on clean water and sanitation access. Our guest, Dara Johnston, brings over 35 years of expertise in addressing WASH challenges, currently serving as Chief of the Climate-Resilient WASH Section at UNICEF.We explore UNICEF's strategies in adapting WASH programs to climate change realities, focusing on regions like South Sudan grappling with floods and droughts disrupting sanitation systems...
2024-04-0124 min
The Enterprise PodcastClimate is the biggest business and investment opportunity of our generation — here’s practical advice on how to get in on the ground floorWe dive deep into what the business leaders in the climate industry in Egypt and the region have to say about how the private sector is adopting greentech, where they see the opportunities and what they’d like policymakers to do to encourage further participation. Key takeaways include: There’s appetite for climate — particularly in adaptation, what policies they’d like when it comes to green energy, and how climate could be the big export opportunity for Egypt. Participants: Amr Allam (Linkedin), co-CEO, Hassan Allam Holding Mohamed Ismail Mansour (Linkedin), CEO and co-founder, Infinity
2023-08-1938 min