Shifting Geopolitics and the Future of Global Development
As global power dynamics evolve and traditional donor countries retreat from international development, the sector faces an urgent need to rethink funding models, shift power, and adapt to new political and economic realities. What does the changing political landscape in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) mean for philanthropy and social impact work? How can a political economy lens help us better understand and influence systems change?
This session will explore how organizations are navigating the decline of Western-centric aid models, finding alternative funding mechanisms, and leveraging new philanthropic players beyond the Global North. We will also examine how to maintain personal resilience and joyful work amidst the growing uncertainty and stress of a rapidly shifting geopolitical landscape. Participants will discuss strategies for sustaining impact, navigating political and funding challenges, and building more locally-led and politically aware development models.
Key Questions:
How are shifting global power dynamics impacting international development and philanthropy?
As traditional donors withdraw, what alternative funding mechanisms can sustain impact enterprises and civil society?
How can organizations rethink philanthropy beyond the West and build stronger, more localized funding networks?
What role does political economy analysis play in understanding and influencing systems change?
How can nonprofit leaders and advocates sustain well-being and motivation while working in increasingly volatile political environments?
How can communications and advocacy strategies adapt to the changing political and funding landscapes?
This session will provide a space for funders, practitioners, and changemakers to strategize on how to adapt, transform, and build more resilient funding and development models in response to shifting geopolitics.
Session Co-Leaders:
Abdulhamid Haidar – Founder & CEO of Darsel, an EdTech nonprofit using AI-powered WhatsApp chatbots to improve math learning outcomes for over 200,000 students in low-resource settings.
David McNair – Executive Director at The ONE Campaign, a policy advocate and campaigner leveraging data to address inequality and climate change, with leadership roles across global policy organizations.
Erica DeKranes – Associate Director of Resource Mobilization at VisionSpring, a development professional dedicated to philanthropy in international development, education, and social justice.
Roger Middleton – Managing Director of Sabi Insight, providing expertise on politics and conflict in Somalia and the Horn of Africa, with 18 years of experience in research and policy.