DEVEX WORLD / OCTOBER 24, 2024 / WASHINGTON, DC

Inside the World Bank meetings: The global economic landscape and Its impact on development

The World Bank and International Monetary Fund fall meetings are where the world’s economic leaders come together to address the state of the global economy and its far-reaching implications for development. This session takes you inside the discussions shaping fiscal policy, economic recovery, climate finance, and debt relief, offering critical insights into how these trends will influence global development strategies in the coming years.

• Axel van Trotsenburg, senior managing director, World Bank
• Interviewed by: Raj Kumar, President and Editor-in-Chief, Devex

How MDB reforms can tackle the twin crises of poverty and climate change

This timely conversation explores how the World Bank's reform agenda can serve as a blueprint for a larger overhaul of MDBs. The panel will address the urgent need for MDBs to mobilize unprecedented resources, align development goals with climate action, and ensure equity for vulnerable nations.

• Mavis Owusu-Gyamfi, President and CEO, African Center for Economic Transformation
• Pepukaye "Pep" Bardouille, director of Bridgetown initiative and special adviser on climate resilience, Barbados Prime Minister's Office
• Ani Dasgupta, president and CEO, World Resources Institute
• Interviewed by: Adva Saldinger, Senior Reporter, Devex

Beyond big checks: Rethinking philanthropy's role in impact at scale

In this session, leading voices in philanthropy will come together to debate the future of big bet giving and its potential to drive transformative global change.

• Kevin Starr, CEO, Mulago Foundation
• Anne Marie Burgoyne, managing director, philanthropy, Emerson Collective
• Dr. Raj Panjabi, co-founder, Last Mile Health; former White House senior director for global health security
• Interviewed by: Catherine Cheney, Senior Editor for Special Coverage, Devex

From conflict and hunger to stability and prosperity

Join David Beasley, former executive director of the World Food Programme who led the agency to win the 2020 Nobel Peace Prize, for an in-depth conversation on his leadership at WFP and his vision for the future of global development.

• David Beasley, distinguished professor of practice and public service, University of South Carolina Joseph F. Rice School of Law
• Interviewed by: Raj Kumar, President and Editor-in-Chief, Devex

How can local leaders shape the future of global development?

This session will examine the tension between top-down systems and community-led initiatives, asking whether leadership alone can overcome systemic obstacles.

• Wendy Kopp, CEO of Teach For All and founder of Teach For America
• Musimbi Kanyoro, board chair, United World Colleges
• Jaime Saavedra, Human development director, Latin America and the Caribbean, World Bank
• Interviewed by: Elissa Miolene, Global Development Reporter, Devex

Lessons from PEPFAR on addressing emerging threats and promoting global health security

This session will explore how robust health systems are central to addressing the world’s most pressing development challenges — from pandemic preparedness to equitable access to care — and how health security is a cornerstone for a resilient global future.

• Dr. John Nkengasong, U.S. global AIDS coordinator and senior bureau official for global health security and diplomacy, U.S. Department of State
• Interviewed by: Rumbi Chakamba, Associate Editor, Devex

Accelerating Africa's transformation through digitization of the agricultural ecosystem, In partnership with Mastercard

This session will highlight the untapped opportunity in Africa and how scalable solutions for smallholder farmers and other small agricultural businesses across the continent can drive sustainable and scalable inclusive growth.

• Stephanie Smith, senior vice president of community pass, Mastercard
• Interviewed by: Kate Warren, Executive Vice President and Executive Editor, Devex

Beyond aid: Transforming USAID for the 21st century

Through a mix of reflection and constructive critique, this session will give attendees an insider’s look at USAID’s evolving role in global development.

• Gayle Smith, former USAID administrator, global COVID-19 coordinator, and senior White House official
• Interviewed by: Michael Igoe Senior Reporter, Devex

Redefining global advocacy: ONE Campaign's focus on African leadership and impact

In this session, Ndidi Okonkwo Nwuneli, the first African president and CEO of the ONE Campaign, will share her vision for transforming ONE’s mission to create sustainable economic opportunities and healthier lives in Africa, as well as how African voices are reshaping global decision-making

• Ndidi Okonkwo Nwuneli, president and CEO, ONE Campaign
• Interviewed by: Ayenat Mersie, Global Development Reporter, Devex

Leveraging the power of storytelling to inspire action and accelerate impact

This conversation will explore the intersection of storytelling, power, and humanitarian work, and how authentic, mission-driven narratives can shift perceptions, amplify marginalized voices, and ultimately shape a more equitable world.

• Elisa Gambino, principal, One Production Place
• Stella Suge, executive director, FilmAid Kenya
• Tetiana Anderson, partner, Starfield Media
• Interviewed by: Elissa Miolene, Global Development Reporter, Devex

Reimagining global development: Harnessing moral ambition for transformative change

Join renowned historian and author Rutger Bregman for a provocative conversation on how optimism and moral ambition can drive transformative change in global development.

• Rutger Bregman, historian, author and co-founder, The School for Moral Ambition
• Interviewed by: David Ainsworth, Business Editor, Devex

How fiction can reshape the way we think about aid

Join Bruce Holsinger, acclaimed author of "The Displacements," along with the co-founders of Read for Action: The Humanitarian Book Club to discuss how fictional narratives can inspire fresh perspectives and innovative approaches to policymaking.

• Kirsten Gelsdorf, professor of practice of leadership and public policy; co-director of the University of Virginia Humanitarian Collaborative, University of Virginia
• Bruce Holsinger, Linden Kent Memorial professor, University of Virginia
• Adrienne Ghaly, assistant professor of English, University of Virginia
• Interviewed by: Elissa Miolene, Global Development Reporter, Devex

Culture as currency: The transformative power of artivism in global development work

This session will delve into the concept of “culture as currency” and how creative expression can foster social engagement, spark economic innovation, and reimagine possibilities for development on a global scale.

• Kim Poole, soul-Fusion performing artivist and founding fellow of the Teaching Artist Institute.
• Interviewed by: Kate Warren, Executive Vice President and Executive Editor, Devex

Join Devex for an exclusive insider interview with Howard Buffett, a leading philanthropic force, as the next generation of Buffetts steps into the spotlight. Explore the principles behind his success, the work of his foundation, including recent work in Ukraine, and his key priorities, on areas including food security, conflict mitigation, and more.

• Howard Buffett, chairman and CEO, Howard G. Buffett Foundation
• Interviewed by: Raj Kumar, President and Editor-in-Chief, Devex

Unlocking digital futures: How digital public infrastructure will drive inclusive economic growth

In this conversation we'll explore how digital public infrastructure, or DPI, is reshaping global economies and offering unparalleled opportunities to streamline governance and social welfare.

• CV Madhukar, chief executive officer, Co-Develop
• Interviewed by: Catherine Cheney, Senior Editor for Special Coverage, Devex

Scaling up the deployment of frontier technologies for the SDGs

This session brings together leading voices in geospatial data, digital health, and renewable energy to explore how cutting-edge technologies are driving sustainable progress in underserved communities.

• Abe Tarapani, CEO, AtlasAI
• Wawira Njiru, founder and CEO, Food 4 Education
• Scott Salandy-Defour, co-founder and CEO, LiquidStar
• Nneka Mobisson, co-founder and CEO, mDoc Healthcare
• Interviewed by: Ayenat Mersie, Global Development Reporter, Devex

Investing in innovation: Learning from successes, and scaling global health breakthroughs

In an era where countries are outperforming their peers in tackling global health challenges, it’s crucial to learn from positive outliers and adapt their success stories. In this conversation, we'll explore ways to strike the balance between leveraging established successes and supporting new solutions, while ensuring all of these advancements reach those who need them most.

• Niranjan Bose, managing director, Gates Ventures
• Interviewed by: Rumbi Chakamba, Associate Editor, Devex

Funding the future: Pandemic preparedness, climate resilience, and the role of global finance

This session features a conversation with Priya Basu, executive head of the Pandemic Fund. Basu is at the forefront of efforts to mobilize resources for both global health security and climate resilience in low- and middle-income countries. The discussion will explore the role of these funds in addressing the dual crises of pandemic preparedness and climate-related loss and damage.

• Priya Basu, executive head, Pandemic Fund
• Interviewed by: Rumbi Chakamba, Associate Editor, Devex

Philanthropy's role in driving meaningful impact: Successes, challenges, and lessons learned

In this candid conversation, Cecilia Conrad, CEO of Lever for Change, and Rakesh Rajani, founder of JustSystems, will delve into the realities of systems change and explore philanthropy’s role in driving long-lasting transformations.

• Cecilia Conrad, CEO, Lever for Change
• Rakesh Rajani, president, JustSystems
• Interviewed by: Catherine Cheney, Senior Editor for Special Coverage, Devex

The plastic paradox

As a scientist by education, a lifelong environmentalist, and chair and CEO of SC Johnson by trade, Fisk Johnson will discuss the emerging concern of plastic pollution and potential solutions to the plastic waste problem.

• Fisk Johnson, CEO of SC Johnson
• Interviewed by: Raj Kumar, President and Editor-in-Chief, Devex

Powering sustainable development: Funding clean energy and infrastructure

In this session, we will explore the intersection of clean energy and infrastructure development, discussing how innovative financing, partnerships, and technology are driving progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals.

• Enoh T. Ebong, director of the U.S. Trade and Development Agency
• Manoj Sinha, co-founder and CEO of Husk Power Systems
• Interviewed by: Adva Saldinger, Senior Reporter, Devex

The future of development finance: DFC's plans for expanding impact and navigating geopolitics

This session will explore DFC’s mission to drive sustainable development through private sector engagement, its strategic push for reauthorization of the BUILD Act, and how its operations intertwine with U.S. geopolitical interests.

• Scott Nathan, CEO, U.S. International Development Finance Corporation
• Interviewed by: Raj Kumar, President and Editor-in-Chief, Devex

Confronting mounting failures in Gaza, Sudan, Ukraine and beyond: A Call for urgent action and systemic change

Join Shamil Idriss, CEO of Search for Common Ground, for an examination of the international community's mounting failure to prevent and end war and what must be done to reverse course.

• Shamil Idriss, chief executive officer, Search for Common Ground
• Interviewed by: Michael Igoe Senior Reporter, Devex

Africa’s economic transformation: Tackling debt, building resilience, and accelerating green growth

This session will offer actionable insights on what’s next for Africa’s financial resilience, highlighting the vital roles of debt restructuring, private sector investment, and multilateral financing in building a sustainable, equitable, and prosperous future for the continent.

• Amadou Hott, former government minister of Senegal and special envoy of the president of the African Development Bank
• Vera Songwe, chair and founder of the Liquidity and Sustainability Facility
• Interviewed by: Adva Saldinger, Senior Reporter, Devex

AIIB’s Jin Liqun on the Future of MDBs

Jin Liqun, president of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, or AIIB, will discuss the bank’s evolving role in global development and infrastructure investment. He’ll provide insights into how AIIB is collaborating with MDB counterparts on critical issues such as due diligence, project standards, and shared development goals.

• Jin Liqun, president of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank
• Interviewed by: Raj Kumar, President and Editor-in-Chief, Devex

Election 2024: What's at stake for global development?

In this timely session, join leaders and insiders from the Republican and Democratic Parties for an in-depth discussion on what’s at stake for U.S. foreign assistance, climate finance, global health, and multilateral engagement.

• Max Primorac, senior research fellow in the Margaret Thatcher Center for Freedom, The Heritage Foundation
• Jim Richardson, executive director, Office of Secretary Mike Pompeo
• Jonathan Fantini-Portner, executive director and CEO, Partnership for Central America
• Ertharin Cousin, CEO and managing director, Food Systems for the Future
• Interviewed by: Michael Igoe, Senior Reporter, Devex

• Sara Lomelin, chief executive officer, Philanthropy Together

• Ambika Samarthya-Howard, chief innovation officer, Solutions Journalism Network
• Shamil Idriss, chief executive officer, Search for Common Ground

• Courtenay Cabot Venton, executive director, The Share Trust

• Dr. Ann Hudock, president & CEO, Counterpart International

This workshop will offer an insider’s take on how NGOs can generate carbon credits through their existing and future programs, creating new revenue streams while advancing their mission to support communities and the environment. Attendees will gain practical insights into navigating the carbon credit certification process, understanding baseline and impact measurement, and positioning their NGO to attract investments in the booming carbon market.

• Fabiano Godoy, senior carbon technical advisor, carbon markets, The Nature Conservancy
• Chris Bessenecker, founder, AfriScout & Senior Director, Innovation at Global Communities
• Doug Miller, director of market development, Energy Peace Partners
• Facilitator: Jesse Chase-Lubitz, Climate Reporter, Devex

In this dynamic workshop, Eva Oloumi, founder of Paradeigma, will guide participants through the power of collaborative thinking and foresight to tackle the Sustainable Development Goals, or SDGs. Join this engaging session to collaborate with global thinkers, share visions, and co-create a road map to reimagine and transform our path toward achieving the SDGs.

• Eva Oloumi, CEO, Paradeigma

In this workshop, we’ll explore the realities of localization with leaders who have been at the forefront of this movement. Attendees will leave with actionable insights on how funders and INGOs can meaningfully support local leadership, sustain long-term impact, and navigate the challenges of shifting both money and power to the global south.

• Lydia Wilbard, executive director of learning and engagement, CAMFED
• Caren Wakoli, founder and executive director, Emerging Leaders Foundation
• Samuel Worthington, former CEO of InterAction and author of the upcoming: "Prisoners of Hope: Global Action and the Role of U.S. NGOs"
• Facilitator: Elissa Miolene, Global Development Reporter, Devex

This workshop brings together leading experts to explore practical and strategic uses of artificial intelligence in the sector. Participants will walk away with actionable insights into navigating AI’s hype, helping organizations make smart, cost-effective decisions without burning resources on tools that may not deliver.

• Jim Fruchterman, founder and CEO, Tech Matters
• Nithya Ramanathan, CEO and co-founder, Nexleaf Analytics
• Sid Ravinutala, data science director, IDInsight
• Michelle Risinger, founder and CEO, Rising Solutions
• Facilitator: Anna Gawel, Managing Editor, Devex