Video | International Development: Which Way Now?

The NYU Development Research Institute (DRI) recently hosted its annual conference panel, “International Development: Which Way Now?” The discussion featured global development leaders Alexia Latortue, Ambassador Mark Green, and Dean Karlan, and was moderated by Jonathan Morduch. Together, they tackled the intersecting crises and emerging opportunities reshaping global development.

The panel noted crises marked by growing global conflicts, the economic legacy of COVID-19, a historic drop in Official Development Assistance (with U.S. cuts accounting for 75% of the decline), and the post-World War II international development system fraying due to factors such as a growing debt burden, changing geopolitical priorities, and an erosion of trust.

The conversation highlighted a shift toward country-led solutions, exemplified by initiatives such as the Accra Reset, and development cooperation aimed at building self-reliance. This involves moving past old donor-recipient labels and focusing on building state capacity, supporting homegrown economic reform agendas, and integrating research and evidence to move capital toward more cost-effective programs. 

In his closing reflections, DRI co-founder Yaw Nyarko remarked that international development is not an act of charity, but one of enlightened self-interest — essential to advancing shared global prosperity, security, and freedom.