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In Episode 31, we are joined by Dr. Risto Ivanov, a senior expert in managing EU and national projects in North Macedonia with extensive knowledge in energy-efficient construction and renovation. With his plethora of qualifications and hands-on experience, Risto guides us through an in-depth exploration of the energy landscape in the Western Balkans, from historical shifts to major policy shifts and future predictions.

Killer robots and autonomous weapons. Global unemployment. Mass surveillance. Superintelligence. There are a host of fears about artificial intelligence (AI) and related industries such as machine learning (ML). But what exactly are they? How are they being used? What, if anything, do they offer the development sector? Are we at the beginning of a fundamental transformation of a business model that, in many ways, is no longer fit for purpose? Will they trigger an industry-wide digital disruption that will challenge the dominance of the largest development organizations, or serve to exacerbate the divide between the developed and the less developed economies in the world?

In Episode 30, the host, Sabin Selimi, sits down with Alice Schmidt, a Thought and Practice Leader on Sustainability, AI, and Social Impact. Together, they delve into the benefits, opportunities, and risks tied to utilizing AI in the development sector. They also discuss AI’s influence on both the green and digital transition.

In Episode 29, we dive into the challenges of pitching ideas and convincing partners or donors to adopt and act upon them. Even if you have a brilliant idea, selling it can be trickier than selling a product or service.

This episode features a special conversation with Blerta Peta, an international development professional with a focus on issues of youth employment, social inclusion, and migration; Regis Blanc, Advisor on Migration at Helvetas; and Uranik Begu, Executive Director at Innovation Center Kosovo.

There are more than 2.5 billion people playing games at the moment. They are from all over the world. And the gaming industry is now looking to its 'next billion'. Yes, you read this right.

The industry has become a career choice for young people. It's offering new ways to make a living that didn't exist a decade ago. Let's take you through arguably one of the most important and innovative sectors in tech today, especially in emerging Europe like the Eastern Partnership and the Western Balkan regions.

This episode features a special conversation with Kristina Jovanovic, Executive Manager of the Serbian Games Association; Matviy Suslenko, a game developer from Ukraine; and Jelena Antic, an Intervention Manager at Help - Hilfe zur Selbsthilfe, which is an implementing partner to Helvetas in the frame of RECONOMY.

The way we describe people shapes how we perceive and act toward them. Terms and words that are used in development seem to indicate who holds power and who doesn’t. But then, does this matter? Sometimes it may not matter what we call someone. Rather the way we treat and approach someone is more important than the description or labeling.

A fascinating discussion with Nabanita Sen Bekkers, Director of Opportunities Unlimited, also Nabanita is part of the DCED secretariat focusing on the results measurement work; Duncan Green, a professor in practice in international development at the London School of Economics and senior strategic adviser at Oxfam; and Zenebe Uraguchi, an economist and Program Manager of RECONOMY.

To the viewers, if you’re a “beneficiary”, let us know what you want to be called. Others have thought much more about this issue, and we’d love to listen to your additional reflections on the topic. Language and meaning constantly evolve, while knowledge adapts and expands.