Can development finance survive Trump? Experts explore the future of global aid
Last week, the School of Public Policy partnered with the Marshall Institute to host a timely public event exploring the future of global aid and development finance in an increasingly uncertain political landscape.
Titled Development finance after Trump, the event welcomed audiences both in person and online to the Old Theatre for a wide-ranging discussion on the pressures facing international development following major cuts to global aid spending and growing debate around aid effectiveness.
The evening featured a keynote address from Mark Malloch-Brown, Professor in Practice at the Marshall Institute LSE, former Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme and former UK foreign minister, who examined the global consequences of shrinking aid budgets, the dismantling of USAID under the Trump Administration and the wider geopolitical shifts reshaping development finance.
Following his remarks, Mark Malloch-Brown was joined in conversation by Stephanie Flanders, Senior Executive Editor for Economics at Bloomberg and Head of Bloomberg Economics. Together, they explored how governments, institutions and private actors may respond to what many see as a turning point for international development.
The discussion examined whether new approaches to development finance, philanthropy and social investment could emerge in response to declining public funding and increasing global instability. Speakers also reflected on the changing relationship between politics, economics and international cooperation, and what these shifts may mean for the future of global development.
The event was chaired by Professor Stephan Chambers, Director of the Marshall Institute, who guided the discussion and audience Q&A. Following the discussion, audience members took part in a lively Q&A, raising questions on aid effectiveness, multilateral institutions and the future role of international partnerships in addressing global challenges.
The School of Public Policy was delighted to partner with the Marshall Institute on an evening that brought together expert insight, critical debate and global perspectives on one of the most pressing challenges facing international development today.