Intelligence Squared The Futureverse – Redefining Legacy: How to Be a Great Ancestor, with Rory Stewart
Jan 13, 2023
Rory Stewart, President of GiveDirectly, has a rich background spanning military service, politics, and international development. In this engaging discussion, he delves into how direct cash transfers can revolutionize poverty alleviation, arguing that empowering the poor to make their own economic choices is more effective than traditional aid. Stewart also explores the profound implications of our legacy and the responsibility we hold to uplift future generations, emphasizing that meaningful actions today can have transformative effects on communities.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
The Power of Unconditional Cash Transfers
- GiveDirectly trusts recipients to make their own choices with unconditional cash transfers, fostering creativity and addressing specific needs.
- This approach recognizes that the extreme poor understand their priorities better than any external assessment.
Transformative Impact in Rwanda
- Rory Stewart shares a story of a woman in Rwanda using cash transfers to address basic needs like housing, food, and education for her grandchildren.
- This example highlights how cash empowers individuals to escape extreme poverty.
Disillusionment with Traditional Aid
- Rory Stewart became disillusioned with traditional aid programs, witnessing wasteful spending on insignificant items.
- He found GiveDirectly's cash transfer approach refreshing, seeing firsthand the transformative impact of even small amounts.