DevelopmentAid Dialogues

One of the biggest barriers to sustainable development is still corruption, which undermines confidence in institutions, damages economies, and especially affects the most vulnerable. Host Hisham Allam talked with Dr. Jean-Pierre Méan, a well-known anti-corruption specialist and former president of Transparency International Switzerland, in this episode of DevelopmentAid Dialogues about the ongoing difficulties in the battle against corruption and the pressing need for systematic transformation.

Dr. Méan brings decades of expertise in anti-corruption law and corporate compliance systems. He played a key role in drafting the 2011 edition of the International Chamber of Commerce’s Rules on Combating Corruption and contributed to the development of the ISO 37001 Standard on Anti-Bribery Management Systems. As the head of the working group that established competency requirements for auditors of these systems, he continues to oversee the standard’s implementation. His extensive experience includes advisory roles with the United Nations, the Council of Europe, the OECD, and the Cour des Comptes of the Canton of Vaud. In addition, he has authored numerous publications on international business, focusing on anti-corruption law and best practices.

Download the transcript of this episode.

Dr. Méan emphasized that although worldwide efforts have been made, corruption still flourishes because of political apathy and selective enforcement in systems where power and financial interests interact.

Despite a proliferation of international agreements and compliance programs, Dr. Méan emphasized that these measures often amount to little more than symbolic gestures.

Without genuine commitment from governments and the private sector, corruption remains deeply embedded in institutional structures.

See also: Corruption’s Two-Way Street: How UK Bribery and Illicit Flows Drive Global Corruption | DevelopmentAid Dialogues

He underlined that one of the most obvious shortcomings in the battle against corruption is the lack of protection for whistleblowers.

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In this episode of DevelopmentAid Dialogues, host Hisham Allam confronted the seismic repercussions of the United States’ decision to slash USAID funding—a policy shift that destabilized the global aid sector and left vulnerable communities worldwide in peril. The cuts didn’t just trim budgets; they severed lifelines, strained alliances, and reshaped geopolitical power dynamics.

Felix Gnehm, President of Alliance Sud and Director of Solidar Suisse, joined the discussion with stark warnings. A veteran of humanitarian crises—from post-earthquake recovery in Pakistan to U.N. policy advocacy—Gnehm minced no words:

The cuts immediately halted critical programs, from healthcare initiatives to election support projects. Gnehm cited canceled contracts totaling over $4 billion, including a $130 million healthcare project in Madagascar and a $40 million education program in the Philippines.

See also: US Aid Freeze: Immediate Effects of the Executive Order | DevelopmentAid Dialogues

When asked whether other donors could fill the void, Gnehm dismissed the idea. Though the European Union and smaller donors had floated pledges, he argued:

With the U.S. retreating, Gnehm noted that China, Russia, and Gulf states had swiftly expanded their influence through loans and infrastructure deals. But he questioned their motives:

The shift, he warned, wasn’t benign:

Even as organizations scrambled to adapt, Gnehm expressed skepticism about private sector solutions.

Philanthropic efforts, while helpful, lacked the reach to replace systemic funding losses.

Gnehm closed with a blunt appeal:

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This episode of DevelopmentAid Dialogues examines the rising trend of USAID stop work orders and the difficulties they pose for implementing partners. These unexpected pauses in project activity have left organizations struggling with the urgent need to continue essential development work, financial uncertainty, and compliance challenges. Stop work orders (SWOs), which USAID has been using more frequently lately, have left partners juggling compliance, financial survival, and the urgent need to continue essential projects.

To discuss this pressing issue, our host Hisham Allam is joined by Katherine Gentic, an expert in USAID compliance and contract management. With over 20 years of experience and a track record of advising more than 50 USAID partners, Katherine provided critical insights into how organizations can navigate these disruptions while protecting their teams, subcontractors, and project continuity.

The episode begins with a breakdown of USAID’s stop work orders—what they entail, how they should be implemented under Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), and why recent instances deviate from best practices. According to Katherine, these orders have been issued hastily, often with vague language and little opportunity for contractors to seek clarification.

The financial repercussions are profound. Many USAID-funded partners, particularly small businesses and subcontractors, are struggling to stay afloat while waiting for clarity on cost reimbursement.

With uncertain timelines and delayed communication, how can organizations reduce expenses without jeopardizing future operations? Katherine outlined reasonable steps that partners can take to balance compliance with financial sustainability. She emphasizes that organizations must carefully assess staffing costs, as many field offices operate in countries where termination of employment comes with significant severance obligations.

Reevaluating office leases is another major concern. Rent and utilities remain a fixed burden, and while some organizations may consider terminating leases, they must first secure USAID approval to dispose of government-funded assets.

Subcontractors, many of whom are small businesses, are particularly vulnerable when stop work orders take effect. Some prime contractors have refused to reimburse subcontractors for ongoing costs, a practice Katherine criticized as both unethical and non-compliant.

As organizations prepare for the resumption of work, Katherine stressed the impor

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Guest Description: Isam Khatib, Human Rights & Sustainable Development Specialist. Expert in foreign policy strategies, international development, and human rights advocacy, with a special focus on the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

Episode Description:
In this episode of DevelopmentAid Dialogues, host Hisham Allam examines the growing trend of global government cuts to development aid budgets and their profound implications for humanitarian organizations and vulnerable communities. Joining the discussion is Isam Khatib, an expert in foreign policy strategies, international development, and human rights advocacy, with a special focus on the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

Khatib brought a lot of expertise to the table having earned a master's degree in sustainable development from the University of Sussex and years of experience working with esteemed organizations, including USAID, GIZ, AFD, and SIDA. His work bridged development aid with policy frameworks to tackle regional challenges and foster sustainable solutions. His work bridged development aid with policy frameworks to tackle regional challenges and foster sustainable solutions.

The discussion began with the Netherlands' recent decision to reduce its aid budget by $2.4 billion over three years, which Khatib described as "a seismic shift in global development priorities." He stressed the magnitude of the loss, indicating that partnerships with NGOs were going to shrink dramatically—from $1.4 billion to $400 million—resulting in a historic financial shortage.

"This was not just a budgetary adjustment," Khatib said. "It was a statement about how nations were rethinking their global responsibilities, often at the expense of the most vulnerable."

Khatib placed this decision within a larger trend that began in 2022, when countries such as the United Kingdom, Germany, Switzerland, and France implemented similar changes. He emphasized the cumulative impact of these cuts, which threatened to undermine global development goals, particularly in the Global South.

The rationale for these aid cuts emerged as a constant subject in the conversation. Khatib noted parallels with former US President Donald Trump's ideologically driven foreign aid policy. Similarly, European politicians such as Liesje Schreinemacher, the Netherlands' Minister of Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation, have suggested that NGOs should lessen their reliance on government support.

But Khatib resisted this narrative. "Governments were essentially outsourcing their responsibilities to NGOs," he said. "But the truth was, if governments were doing their job properly—investing in sustainable systems and addressing root causes—we wouldn’t need such heavy reliance on humanitarian interventions."

Khatib underlined the terrible consequences of these cuts, especially in areas like Syria that are impacted by violence. "When you slashed funding for healthcare, education, and rebuilding infrastructure, you were not just delaying recovery—you were prolonging suffering and creating fertile ground for instability," he stated.

He also underscored how reduced aid could exacerbate migration crises. "People didn’t leave their homes unless they had no choice," Khatib explained. "If international support dried up, refugees wouldn’t return to rebuild their communities—they would seek survival elsewhere, adding strain to already overwhelmed host nations."
 In light of declining government funding, Khatib advocated for NGOs to adapt through innovation and localization. "We needed to empower local communities by leveraging their resources and building partnerships that prioritized local expertise," he suggested.

He also saw potential in fostering collaborations between nonprofits and the private sector to address funding&

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Guest Description: Carmelo Troccoli, the General Director of Campania Amica Foundation and the World Farmers Market Coalition & Kyle Newell, Managing director at The Aspen Institute, a global leader in connecting smallholder farmers to commercial value change.

Episode Description:
In this episode of DevelopmentAid Dialogues, Hisham Allam invited 2 renowned pioneers in sustainable agriculture to discuss the delicate balance between ethical goals and practical challenges. The discussion focused on ethical certifications, sustainable farming techniques, and the role of legislation in influencing agriculture's future.  

Carmelo kicked off the conversation by addressing the complexities of open markets in Europe. While free trade agreements have increased worldwide market access, he highlighted the underlying inequities: "European farmers face stringent quality standards, but similar rules are rarely enforced for imported products." This absence of reciprocity places a major burden on our farmers." 

He emphasized the necessity of adding environmental and social factors into trade deals, using the EU-Mercosur deal as an example. "A fair trade system must ensure that imported goods adhere to the same standards we impose on our farmers," he told reporters. 

Kyle Newell discussed the influence of ethical certifications like Fair Trade and Rainforest Alliance on smallholder farmers. While these certificates provide access to premium markets, they also present substantial hurdles. "Currently, they apply to only about 0.5% of global agriculture," he told me. "The high upfront costs often make them inaccessible to small-scale farmers." 

Newell recommended realistic measures like cutting certification fees and acknowledging existing sustainable activities. "In Sub-Saharan Africa, many smallholder farmers already plant organically because they cannot afford chemical inputs. However, the expense of organic certification frequently outweighs the benefits for them," he added, emphasizing the need to close this gap. 

Drawing on his experience with farmers' markets in Italy, Carmelo emphasized the transforming power of direct ties between producers and customers. "When small-scale farmers interact directly with consumers, trust replaces bureaucracy. "They don't need certification to demonstrate their quality," he explained. 

Carmelo discussed the success of Campagna Amica, a network that connects 50,000 small farmers with consumers every week. "This model enables small farmers to compete effectively with larger operations, fostering resilience and community engagement," according to him. 

Climate change, soil degradation, and water scarcity were among the topics covered during the conversation. Kyle underlined the importance of a hybrid strategy that incorporates both old and new methodologies. "High-tech solutions are valuable, but sometimes the most impactful changes come from optimizing existing practices," he observed. 

He also referenced a stark financial reality: agriculture in the Global South requires an estimated $400 billion annually for climate adaptation, far exceeding current commitments. 

Carmelo underscored the urgency of preserving food biodiversity. “In the last century, we lost 75% of the world’s food biodiversity. Restoring it is both a conservation effort and an innovation strategy for resilient agriculture,” he argued. 

Both guests agreed on the pivotal role of policy in creating a more equitable agricultural system. Carmelo advocated for policies that enable farmers to

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In this episode of DevelopmentAid Dialogues, host Hisham Allam delves into the consequences of the United States’ recent aid cuts, including their catastrophic impact on the global aid sector and vulnerable people. These decisions, mostly influenced by the Trump administration’s foreign aid policy, have resulted in far-reaching changes, such as funding freezes, program suspensions, and withdrawal from major global projects such as the World Health Organization (WHO).

Download the transcript of this episode.

Director of the Euro-Gulf Information Center Matthew Robinson, a seasoned specialist in development, humanitarian advocacy, and foreign policy, joined the conversation. Robinson’s impressive record includes serving as a Brussels and Strasbourg advisor on international trade, foreign affairs, and humanitarian issues. His background includes work with significant international organizations, including the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, where he also contributed to strategies for global development.

The discussion began with an overview of the United States aid cuts, including a 90-day suspension of all foreign assistance programs pending reviews. According to Robinson, this is “a pivotal moment that redefines the role of the United States in global development.” He emphasized the magnitude of the cuts, which will have an immediate impact on initiatives promoting disaster relief, education, health, and anti-corruption.

Robinson emphasized that these decisions have a human cost, particularly in conflict zones such as Syria and Sub-Saharan Africa. He stated that when critical aid initiatives are halted, millions of people lose access to clean water, healthcare, and education, as well as financial support.

See also: Kenya’s 2024 humanitarian aid landscape: Impact of US 90-day aid suspension

There was also discussion about how the United States’ decision to withdraw from the WHO would affect global health. The organization’s ability to respond to medical emergencies and pandemics is jeopardized due to the significant funding shortfall caused by this decision, Robinson stated.

The effect on refugee and migration programs was another area of interest. Resettlement efforts have been hampered by the funding freeze, leaving thousands of families in a precarious situation.

Robinson promoted creative solutions in the face of these obstacles, asking NGOs to adjust by emphasizing localization and forming alliances with impacted communities.

Another viable way to close funding gaps was to work with the private sector.

See also:

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Guest Description: Dr. Eefje De Volder, a leading expert in human trafficking and co-founder of IMPACT. Dr. De Volder also co-owns Rwandan Empowerment Coffee, a social enterprise empowering female survivors of sexual violence in Rwanda.

Episode Description:
Dr. De Volder is highlighting the broad scope of human trafficking, defined under the Palermo Protocol. While traditionally associated with sexual exploitation, trafficking encompasses forced labor, organ removal, and now, as recognized by the EU in 2024, forced surrogacy, forced marriage, and illegal adoption. 

The ethical and legal conundrums regarding forced marriage and forced surrogacy came up for consideration. Dr. De Volder clarified that forced surrogacy frequently functions under the pretense of commercial surrogacy, stressing the importance of differentiating between exploitative and consenting arrangements. Similarly, it is difficult to prosecute forced marriage since it is entwined with cultural customs. She pointed out that victims find it difficult to speak out against their relatives, saying:

Dr. De Volder disclosed the crucial role corruption plays in illicit adoption. She emphasized how systemic problems sustain exploitation, from forged documents to forced child surrender. She noted that corruption not only makes these crimes easier to do, but it also makes it very difficult for adoptive parents to recognize the exploitation that goes on behind the scenes.

The economic foundations of human trafficking were also discussed. The desire for cheap labor and goods fosters exploitation, and trafficking thrives on global disparities and unregulated capitalist institutions, Dr. De Volder stressed. She urged consumers to think about the human cost of their purchases and advocated for communal accountability.

Dr. De Volder highlighted the transformative influence of her social venture, Rwandan Empowerment Coffee. The idea establishes long-term livelihoods by paying survivors fairly and giving them ownership holdings.

She also emphasized the significance of multi-stakeholder engagement in combating trafficking. Dr. De Volder applauded initiatives in the hospitality industry to train hotel staff to spot and report indicators of human trafficking.

Looking ahead, Dr. De Volder pushed for prevention by addressing underlying issues such as poverty and inequality. She advocated for comprehensive awareness efforts geared to varied cultures, as well as early education on social norms.

Dr. De Volder's observations highlight the necessity of resilience, teamwork, and systemic change in understanding and addressing the intricacies of human trafficking.


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Guest Description:  Brian Anderson Director of Finance and Operations, worked with major food and agriculture corporations  and Kyle Newell, Director of Aspen Institute, a global leader in connecting smallholder farmers to commercial value chains.

Episode outline: At a crossroads, modern agriculture must strike a balance between environmental sustainability, economic growth, and food security. Hisham Allam, host of DevelopmentAid Dialogues, had an interesting discussion with agricultural experts Brian Anderson and Kyle Newell about how new farming methods and regulations are creating a sustainable future. Brian, an agricultural economist, and Kyle, who has extensive experience working with smallholder farmers in Africa, shared ideas on empowering farmers, utilizing technology, and creating resilient agricultural systems.

Kyle underlined the need for straightforward, doable concepts, particularly for farmers in the Global South. "The simplest solutions are frequently the best in the Global South," he stated. By focusing on basic needs and developing tools that align with farmers' everyday challenges, he and his team have pushed for more beneficial agricultural innovations.

Brian described the development of precision agriculture, which uses data to increase farming output, from a technology perspective. "We've talked about precision farming for decades, but only now is the technology becoming accessible," he stated. He did point out, though, that contemporary technology like drones and the Internet of Things are often unsuitable, especially on smaller farms. "We need to make sure the technology is scalable and useful on the ground," he stated.

Smallholder farmers, who produce 80% of the world's food, are critical to ensuring food security. Kyle explained that, while these farmers contribute significantly to the world food supply, they frequently work with little resources and outmoded tools. "In many emerging markets, the agricultural workforce is vast—yet the resources are minimal," he remarked, underlining the need for stronger policies and investments.

One difficulty is how to boost production without displacing employees. Kyle proposed a balanced approach: "The goal is to increase productivity while keeping people employed in agriculture," he stated. This balance is especially critical in areas where agriculture is the primary source of income and high-tech investments are sometimes prohibitively expensive.

Although switching to these approaches may initially cut yields, they eventually make farms more robust.

Brian noted that shifting consuming habits are also necessary for resilience. "Eating lower on the food chain and reducing food waste are big steps," he said. He underlined that when these adjustments are made collectively, they can lessen the negative environmental effects of food production, particularly in wealthy nations with high rates of food waste.

Kyle and Brian emphasized the necessity for scalability even though cutting-edge technologies have the potential to completely transform agriculture. "Tractors are still considered a luxury in some parts of the world," Brian said. He supports little, reasonably priced innovations that can result in significant productivity gains rather than high-tech fixes. "Basic mechanization sometimes makes the biggest difference," he continued.

Technology also helps with data-driven decision-making, which promotes sustainable agriculture. According to Brian, "data helps farmers make more accurate input-output decisions, which increases efficiency and sustainability." However, he underlined that to guarantee that these techn

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Guest Description: Angie Staley, an expert in anti-human trafficking and transitional housing.

Episode description: Human trafficking is a complex global crisis impacting millions, each survivor’s journey marked by resilience in the face of unimaginable hardship. Angie Staley, with over 12 years of experience in residential coordination, offers essential support to survivors, helping them heal and rebuild.

In this episode, Angie shares her human-centered approach to recovery, where each step—no matter how small—brings survivors closer to lasting change. Her method goes beyond one-time interventions, focusing on a sustained commitment to understanding and supporting each individual’s needs. By fostering a space of trust and presence, Angie helps survivors feel seen and empowered.

Yet, working in such a challenging field brings ethical dilemmas, where resources are limited, and the right course of action isn’t always clear. Angie’s story reveals the power of persistence and compassion in navigating these crossroads and advocating for the dignity of every survivor.

Listen to our latest podcast for more on Angie Staley’s

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Guest Description: Phil Mason a leading player in the global fight against corruption. Mr. Mason has over 20 years of experience at the UK's Department for International Development (DFID) and a long history of international anti-corruption operations.

Episode Description:
In this episode, we discuss the systemic threat of corruption in international development. Phil Mason discusses the internal challenges within development agencies in adopting a holistic strategy to tackle corruption, often seen as a niche issue rather than one that spans sectors like health, education, and infrastructure. Mason stresses that separating corruption from broader development efforts weakens anti-corruption strategies.

Mason also highlights the external pressures agencies face, especially when working with governments. "How do you combat corruption when those you're working with are complicit?" he asks, highlighting the complexities of international collaboration. He advocates for a unified, all-of-government approach, where diplomacy and trade policy play key roles in anti-corruption efforts, not just development agencies.

The episode explores solutions that have proven effective in reducing corruption over the past two decades, including transparency measures like open procurement, e-governance, and asset declarations. Mason explains how these tools reduce opportunities for corruption by increasing the risk of being caught. Additionally, he discusses the transformative role of big data in tracking corruption in real time.

However, Mason cautions that technology alone isn’t enough. He emphasizes the need for follow-through when corruption is exposed, using India's "I Paid a Bribe" campaign as an example of a well-intentioned effort that lacks enforcement. "It’s cathartic to report, but if nothing happens afterward, the impact is lost," he says.

Mason reflects on the personal resilience required to fight corruption, noting that progress is often slow, and the battles are long-term. He also criticizes the constraints of rigid development timelines, arguing that corruption is a generational problem that can't be solved in typical three- to five-year project cycles.

As he concludes, Mason urges development agencies to break free from traditional structures and invest in long-term strategies if they're serious about tackling corruption.

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