Join the Harvard Center for International Development (CID) for a series of important discussions on the future of US foreign aid and the global impact of recent US policy changes.
CID is convening top government leaders, policymakers, and NGO experts to address the urgent challenges facing US foreign aid and global development. In the wake of policy shifts from the Trump administration, the future of international aid, economic development, and global infrastructure hangs in the balance. These critical conversations will explore new funding models and strategic frameworks to drive sustainable progress worldwide.
This timely CID Spotlight Series, "The Future of US Foreign Aid," will bring together influential decision-makers with firsthand experience in shaping policies, directing aid initiatives, and overcoming development challenges. Join us for an unfiltered look at the evolving role of US foreign assistance and its impact on the world.
Upcoming Events
Development Economics in a Changing World
On Thursday, March 20th at 10 am EDT, we will examine the shifting landscape for development economists and consider possible paths forward for both beneficiaries and distributors of foreign aid.
Dean Karlan
Former Chief Economist, USAID and Professor of Economics and Finance, Northwestern University
Asim I. Khwaja, Moderator
Faculty Director, Harvard Center for International Development and Sumitomo-FASID Professor of International Finance and Development, Harvard Kennedy School
The World Bank in the World Today
Together with Harvard Kennedy School's Institute for Politics (IOP), CID is welcoming World Bank President Ajay Banga on March 24th at 6:00 pm EDT for a timely conversation on how the Bank is evolving to tackle the intertwined challenges of today’s world. This JFK Jr. Forum event is hybrid, and in person attendance at Harvard Kennedy School is by registration only and requires a Harvard email address. The event will be livestreamed on the IOP's YouTube channel.
Ajay Banga
President, World Bank Group
Asim I. Khwaja
Faculty Director, Harvard Center for International Development
USAID and the Future of Foreign Aid
Together with Harvard Kennedy School's Institute for Politics (IOP), CID is welcoming experts on March 25th at 5:00 EDT to share their perspectives on what the changes to USAID mean, and what happens next. This JFK Jr. Forum event is hybrid, and in person attendance at Harvard Kennedy School is by registration only and requires a Harvard email address. The event will be livestreamed on the IOP's YouTube channel.
Nisha Biswal
Deputy CEO, US International Development Finance Corporation
Paul Foldi
Vice President, International Development Affairs, Professional Services Council
Jonathan Nash
President and CEO of Blumont, a leading global non-profit
Fatema Z. Sumar, Moderator
Executive Director, Harvard Center for International Development
Previous Events
The Link Between Foreign Aid and Foreign Policy
The first virtual conversation in this CID Spotlight Series was held on February 28, 2025 at 10:00 am EST and focused on the link between foreign aid and foreign policy.
US Ambassador Geoffrey Pyatt
Former Assistant Secretary of State for Energy Resources and US Ambassador to Greece and Ukraine
US Ambassador Reuben E. Brigety, II
Former US Ambassador to South Africa
US Ambassador Richard Boucher
Former Deputy Secretary General of the OECD and Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asia at the US Department of State
Fatema Z. Sumar, Moderator
Executive Director, Harvard Center for International Development
Foreign Aid Effectiveness
Alexia Latortue
Former Assistant Secretary for International Trade and Development, US Treasury
Bård Vegar Solhjell
Director General of the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (Norad)
Rema Hanna, Moderator
CID Faculty Affiliate and Jeffrey Cheah Professor of South-East Asia Studies, Harvard Kennedy School
Humanitarian Responses with Foreign Aid and USAID
On March 10th at 9:30 am EDT, CID welcomed leaders from NGOs to discuss the humanitarian impact of the US policy changes.
Abby Maxman
President and CEO, Oxfam America
Jeremy Konyndyk
President, Refugees International
Matthew M. Kavanagh
Director of the Center for Global Health Policy and Politics, Georgetown University
Robert Jenkins, Moderator
CID Faculty Affiliate and Lecturer on Education, Harvard Graduate School of Education
March 10, 2025 - "Policy Actions Impacting Foreign Aid and International Development" a listening session for HKS alumni with school leadership.
March 11, 2025 - “Beyond the Current Moment: Building Resilient Careers in Public Service, International Development, and Social Impact” with HKS Career Services.