Show Notes
There’s been a lot of hype around blockchain. Some say it will revolutionise the way we operate, while others are sceptical of its potential. Now the international development and humanitarian community is beginning to explore how this new technology can be utilised for more effective and transparent activities.
In this podcast, we debate whether blockhain can bring transparency and empowerment to donors, NGOs and the people they aim to support. Bond's Lena Bheeroo chats to Rhodri Davies, head of policy at Charities Aid Foundation, and Ben Joakim, CEO of blockchain finance system Disberse.
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NGOs rely on the images and stories of the people they work with to communicate the importance of their life-changing work. These contributors generously share their images, experiences and perspectives, but many of the stories NGOs share perpetuate stereotypes about the developing world and portray these people as disempowered.
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It’s been a turbulent last few weeks in British politics, but the political parties managed to hold their annual party conferences in the midst of Brexit and prorogation. But where does international development fit into this political maelstrom? What do politicians and MPs really think of aid? In this episode, experts provide their experiences and insights of parliamentary advocacy to breakdown how much the parties really support international development.
Only 1% of aid and humanitarian assistance goes directly to local organisations in developing countries. Despite a commitment to sustainable and locally-led development, international NGOs have still not redressed the imbalance of power, resources and funds that exists between northern NGOs and southern civil society organisations. So why have we not made progress in supporting and empowering those organisations that can best help the people in their communities? Is there a fundamental problem with the INGO system and its complicated funding dynamics?
The UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) represent a step forward in their recognition of systemic issues like inequality, peace and justice. But some critics say there has been a lack of concrete action by states or little space for accountability by citizens. Why is it so important that the UK engages with the SDGs on the international stage? How can NGOs ensure that the government upholds the goals’ central principle that the most marginalised shouldn't be left behind?