The Next Big Idea The Former Head of USAID on Why Foreign Aid Benefits Everyone
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Feb 13, 2025 Rajiv Shah, former head of USAID and president of the Rockefeller Foundation, shares his transformative journey in global health and humanitarian aid. He dives into the impact of foreign aid on national security and global stability, supported by military insights. Shah advocates for a 'big bet' mentality—aiming for bold, transformative goals while balancing practical, incremental actions. His experiences at the Gates Foundation highlight the power of vaccines in saving lives, and he emphasizes the importance of generosity and collaboration in tackling pressing global challenges.
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The Power of Simple Questions
- Ask simple, fundamental questions to understand the scope of a problem.
- Break down complex challenges into smaller, quantifiable components to develop effective solutions, like calculating the cost per child vaccination.
Overcoming Doubt in Haiti
- Raj Shah overheard Vice President Biden question his qualifications to lead the Haiti earthquake response due to his young age and lack of Washington experience.
- Shah responded by collaborating closely with FEMA, emphasizing teamwork and open communication to mount a successful relief effort.
Navigating Political Challenges
- Raj Shah faced criticism for publicly stating that Republican budget cuts would lead to children's deaths.
- He learned the importance of personal connections and bipartisan collaboration, leading to successful budget negotiations.
