The End of Aid? Rethinking Development and Economic Resilience
Event
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Foreign aid is undergoing a major transformation. The United States, the United Kingdom, and other donor nations are scaling back long-standing commitments, shifting priorities toward security, trade, and migration concerns. As traditional development assistance declines, recipient countries must rethink their strategies for economic growth, governance, and self-sufficiency. This shift presents both risks and opportunities—how can nations move beyond aid dependency and build more resilient, autonomous economies?
Join us online on Thursday, April 2 from 10:30 AM - 12 PM ET for a compelling discussion on the evolving role of foreign aid and its impact on global development. This group of fellows from our 2025 cohort, accompanied by our Director, will explore how countries can leverage national assets, including critical minerals and human capital, while engaging diaspora communities and the private sector to drive sustainable growth. This timely conversation will also examine the geopolitical implications of reduced aid and how new donors and investment models may emerge in its place.
Panelists:
- Nii Simmonds, Visiting Fellow, Planetary Politics
- Laura Kupe, Visiting Fellow, Planetary Politics
- Ken Opalo, Senior Fellow, Planetary Politics
Moderator:
- Heela Rasool Ayub, Director, Planetary Politics