Each year, the team at the Harvard Center for International Development turns a spotlight on the challenges, opportunities, and progress shaping nations across the globe. With visiting leaders from government, nonprofit, and the private sector, we explore the research, innovations, and collaborative efforts driving change.

 

2025’s Spotlight on Indonesia

Indonesia, the world’s largest archipelago and a thriving hub of cultural and economic diversity, faces a unique set of challenges and opportunities in its journey toward sustainable growth. From addressing environmental concerns and advancing renewable energy to fostering equitable economic development and innovation, Indonesia stands at a pivotal moment. Explore how collaborative efforts, groundbreaking research, and strategic initiatives are shaping the future of this dynamic Southeast Asian nation.

Distinguished Guest

Sudarno Sumarto headshot

Sudarno Sumarto

Sudarno Sumarto served as a policy adviser for the National Team for the Acceleration of Poverty Reduction (TNP2K) under the Office of the Vice President of Indonesia from 2010 to 2024 and was a senior research fellow at the SMERU Research Institute.

Stay tuned for details on Indonesia programming this year at CID. 

 

2024’s Spotlight on Côte d'Ivoire

Côte d’Ivoire, a vibrant hub of West Africa, is navigating a transformative era marked by rapid economic growth and dynamic social progress. As the country addresses challenges such as sustainable agriculture, climate resilience, and infrastructure development, it also seizes opportunities to strengthen its role as a regional leader. Discover how innovative solutions, impactful partnerships, and forward-thinking policies are driving Côte d’Ivoire toward a more prosperous and sustainable future.

Distinguished Guest

Patrick Achi headshot

Mr. Patrick Achi

Patrick Achi served as Prime Minister of Côte d’Ivoire from March 2021 to October 2023. Prior to this, he was Secretary General of the Presidency and Executive Secretary of the National Council for Economic Policy (2017-2021), where he played a key role in developing the Vision 2030 Strategic Development Plan. Mr. Achi joined the Harvard Center for International Development as a Senior Fellow in the Spring of 2024. 

Lessons Learned from Being the Only Man in Class

This story from the Harvard Gazette details how a gender equity seminar at CID, led by CID Fellow Mara Bolis, led to breakthroughs in advancing gender equality in Côte d’Ivoire, particularly in the La Mé region where former Prime Minister Patrick Achi serves as President. 

 

2023’s Spotlight on Afghanistan

In August 2021, American troops left Afghanistan after a nearly 20-year occupation, allowing the Taliban to return to complete power and triggering a crisis with fears of reprisals, human rights abuses, and restrictions on women’s rights. The resulting economic collapse, coupled with consecutive droughts and the suspension of development assistance, has led to a desperate situation for the people of Afghanistan.

In spring 2023, centers across Harvard University teamed up to put together a “Spotlight Series on Afghanistan,” a series of conversations and workshops spotlighting the situation in Afghanistan under Taliban rule. The series examined the multilayered facets of gender, human rights, economic development, humanitarian aid, and political dynamics that shape the lives of over 40 million Afghans today.  The “Spotlight Series on Afghanistan” was sponsored by the Center for International Development (CID), the Carr Center for Human Rights Policy, the Center for Public Leadership, the Women and Public Policy Program (WAPPP) at Harvard Kennedy School, and the Lakshmi Mittal and Family South Asia Institute at Harvard.