This episode examines the evolving role of philanthropy in shaping global development cooperation at a time when official aid is under strain.

According to the European Network on Debt and Development (Eurodad), global official development assistance (ODA) hit a record $223.7 billion in 2023. But many governments are cutting back under pressure from debt, Covid recovery, and domestic priorities.

At the same time, needs are exploding: climate adaptation could cost $300 billion a year by 2030, and low-income countries already spend more on debt than on health and education combined.

Philanthropy is being called to step up. But what should that look like? Beyond filling gaps, can foundations help reshape systems themselves – and do so with accountability and long-term impact?

Guests ask what lessons we can take from the Gates Foundation's bold decision to double its annual spending – with a plan to disburse $200 billion over 20 years before closing down. Could it spark a new model of North-South cooperation?

We hear how philanthropy can complement shrinking aid flows, address structural inequalities, and respond to emerging challenges – from climate shocks to pandemics to debt crises in the Global South.

Guests

• Sara Pantuliano (host), Chief Executive, ODI Global
• Alice Albright, Former Chief Executive Officer, Millennium Challenge Corporation
• Gargee Ghosh, President, Global Policy & Advocacy, Gates Foundation
• Alexia Latortue, ODI Global Board Member & Former Assistant Secretary for International Trade and Development, US Treasury Department

Related resources

• Donors in a Post-Aid World (Project, ODI Global)
• What’s next for global cooperation? (Event video, ODI Global)
• Can multilateralism be saved? (Think Change podcast, ODI Global)
• The case for development in 2025: exploring new narratives for aid in the context of the EU’s new strategic agenda (Report, ODI Global)
• The future of aid (Resources hub, ODI Global)
• Climate-responsive social protection: A primer for philanthropy (Report, ODI Global)