Ones and Tooze Whither Global Development?
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Aug 1, 2025 The podcast dives into the shortfall of the UN's Sustainable Development Goals, with 80% failing to meet their targets. It discusses the implications of the U.S. retreat from international aid and the rising influence of China’s development strategies, particularly its One Belt, One Road initiative. The dual role of artificial intelligence in addressing poverty and infrastructure is also examined, highlighting the need for new frameworks in a rapidly changing technological landscape. The resulting challenges paint a complex picture for global development.
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SDGs' Ambition and Scope
- Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are much more ambitious than Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
- SDGs target global sustainability and apply to every country, not just poor ones.
US Retreat From Global Development
- The US under Trump withdrew from the UN's sustainable development agenda, prioritizing American interests.
- This hurt global development efforts and risks millions of lives without US aid involvement.
Blended Finance's Disappointing Reality
- "Billions to trillions" framework aims to leverage public funds to attract huge private investment in development.
- In practice, this has failed, with private investments far below expectations.