Harvard Center for International Development
Harvard Center for International Development
Incredible progress has been made throughout the world in recent years. However, globalization has failed to deliver on its promises. As problems like unequal access to education and healthcare, environmental degradation, and stretched finances persist, we must continue building on decades of transformative development work.
The Center for International Development (CID) is a university-wide center based at the Harvard Kennedy School that seeks to solve these pressing development problems—and many more.
At CID, we believe leveraging global talent is the key to enabling development for all. We teach to build capacity, conduct research that guides development policy, and convene talent to advance ideas for a thriving world. Addressing today’s challenges to international development also requires bridging academic expertise with practitioner experience. Through collaborative, in-country partnerships, CID’s research programs, faculty, and students deploy an analytical framework and context-dependent approaches to tackle development problems from all angles, in every region of the globe.
The Center for International Development (CID) is a university-wide center based at the Harvard Kennedy School that seeks to solve these pressing development problems—and many more.
At CID, we believe leveraging global talent is the key to enabling development for all. We teach to build capacity, conduct research that guides development policy, and convene talent to advance ideas for a thriving world. Addressing today’s challenges to international development also requires bridging academic expertise with practitioner experience. Through collaborative, in-country partnerships, CID’s research programs, faculty, and students deploy an analytical framework and context-dependent approaches to tackle development problems from all angles, in every region of the globe.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Nov 29, 2024 • 38min
Fueling International Development Through Narrative
In this episode, we’re diving into the power of narrative in international development. More than just storytelling, narrative has become a critical tool—from shaping program design to influencing funding decisions. Donors and practitioners alike are recognizing the role of narrative in advancing sustainable development goals. But what exactly does "narrative" mean in this context, and how can we use it effectively to create real change? We'll explore how narrative can be both a means and an end in the push for a more equitable and sustainable world. Joining us to unpack this are Mandy Van Deven, founder of Both/And Solutions and co-lead of Elemental, Chiara Cattaneo, co-lead of Elemental, and Paco Camacho, Director of the Law and Human Rights Program for the Asia Foundation in the Philippines.
Nov 22, 2024 • 50min
Reproductive Justice Across Borders
In this episode, we dive into reproductive justice—exploring abortion access in Latin America and menstrual rights in India. How can we advance reproductive rights while navigating religious, intergenerational and cultural landscapes? We’ll discuss the intersections of labor, health, and policy. First, we speak with Paula Avila-Guillen, human rights attorney and Executive Director at the Women’s Equality Center, about the ongoing fight for abortion rights in Latin America. Then, we head to India, where Ananya Chaocharia, founder of Paint it Red Foundation, walks us through the movement for menstrual rights.
Nov 15, 2024 • 44min
Reimagining the Care Economy
In this episode, we explore the care economy, delving into the crucial roles of care for children, elders, and others from an economic perspective. Who is truly investing in care, and who benefits from these investments? We’re joined by Nancy Folbre, Professor Emeritus of Economics at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, who analyzes care as an intergenerational exchange and a vital investment. Following her insights, we’ll hear from Ana Fernanda Hierro, Technical Secretary of Consejo Nuevo León, who discusses best practices at the local level in the state of Nuevo León, Mexico.
Nov 5, 2024 • 30min
Scaling Up with Purpose
In this episode, we unpack what “scaling up” truly means in international development—not just expanding for growth’s sake, but doing so with intentionality to maximize impact. We’re joined by Jossie Fahsbender, Senior Program Manager at IMAGO, and Siddhant Gokhale, Senior Knowledge Manager at IMAGO, co-authors of Scaling Up Development Impact alongside Harvard Professor Isabel Guerrero. Jossie and Siddhant share real-world examples of how this approach has empowered agents of change, discuss the challenges of scaling in diverse cultural contexts, and explore how community-centered solutions are shaping the future of development.
May 9, 2024 • 30min
Navigating Education Policy and Human Development
In this episode, we explore the dynamic relationship between education policy and human development in the Global South. Dr. Emiliana Vegas, a professor at the Graduate School of Education at Harvard University. She shares her wealth of experience and insights. From advocating for micro-inputs to promoting comprehensive support systems, Dr. Vegas offers valuable perspectives on the evolving landscape of education reform. Tune in as we delve into the crucial role of contextual understanding and collaboration with local leaders in designing effective, culturally relevant, and sustainable education policies. Hosted by Usama Mohammed, a student at Harvard's Graduate School of Education.
Apr 25, 2024 • 46min
Progress, Gaps, and Strategies for Women’s Economic Empowerment
In this episode, we explore women's economic empowerment with Diva Dhar from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Varina Winder from the US State Department, and Wendy Teleki from the World Bank. Together, they share their unique approaches to addressing economic opportunities for women, discussing pivotal moments for women in low and medium-income countries, areas of progress, and existing gaps. Discover how inclusive economic growth for women fosters positive impacts on families and communities, along with insights into women's entrepreneurship. Hosted by Priyanka Varma, a student at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government.
Apr 15, 2024 • 40min
Education Policy and Practice in the Global South: Insights from Pakistan
In this episode of our Road to GEM24 podcast series, Javed Malik, Program Director of the Malala Fund in Pakistan, dives into the realms of education, governance, and development. Tune in to listen to discussions on the role of evidence-based policymaking, challenges in education delivery, and the imperative of gender-focused interventions. Hosted by Usama Mohammed, a student at Harvard's Graduate School of Education
Apr 2, 2024 • 31min
Female Founders: Strategies for Investment in MENA and Beyond
Join us as we dive into strategies to foster investment in female founders, with a special focus on the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Our guests, Katherine Coffman from Harvard Business School and Hela Cheikhrouhou from the International Finance Corporation, shed light on the barriers and disparities faced by female founders and advocate for gender-specific approaches to funding. Hosted by Alison Kim, a student at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government.
Mar 26, 2024 • 43min
Zooming Into the LGBTQ+ Movement: Lebanon and Mexico
Dive into the vibrant LGBTQ+ movements of Lebanon and Mexico in our latest episode of "Zooming Into the LGBTQ+ Movement." Join us as we speak with two remarkable activists and entrepreneurs, Tarek Zeidan and Enrique Torre Molina. Tarek is the founder of Helem, the pioneering LGBTQ+ organization in the Arab world, while Enrique co-founded Colmena 41, an organization bridging entrepreneurship, advocacy, and narrative for the LGBTQ+ community. Stay tuned until the end to hear insights from all our guests on the future of international development in our "Zooming In and Out" segment. Hosted by Harvard Kennedy School MPA student, Evy Peña.
Mar 19, 2024 • 30min
Zooming Into the LGBTQ+ Movement: Brazil and Kenya
Join us as we zoom into the LGBTQ+ movement in Brazil and Kenya with Antonia Moreira (Atelier TRANSmoras Association) and Enosa Adera (Trans* Alliance). Antonia brings the power of fashion to the forefront, using it as a catalyst for advocacy and community building in Brazil. Meanwhile, in Kenya, Enosa confronts a legal landscape of criminalization, employing policy advocacy and representation to instigate transformative change. Evy Peña, HKS student, hosts this dynamic conversation uncovering the crossroads of identity, activism, and resilience.
