The CGD Podcast

In this episode, I speak with Imran Matin of BRAC University's Institute for Governance and Development and my CGD colleague Kehinde Ajayi about why child marriage persists and what evidence tells us about how to reduce it. We discuss how the drivers vary across contexts, and what policies have been shown to work, including education investments, empowerment programs for adolescent girls, and cash transfers designed to delay marriage.

Venezuela has experienced one of the deepest economic collapses in modern history, with incomes falling sharply, poverty soaring, and millions forced to leave the country. Following the removal of Nicolás Maduro from power, Venezuela now faces a moment of uncertainty and possibility. In this episode of the CGD Podcast, I'm joined by Dany Bahar, Director of CGD's Migration and Displacement Program, and Liliana Rojas-Suarez, Director of CGD's Latin America Initiative, to discuss what comes next. We examine how Venezuela reached this point, the conditions that need to be in place for a credible economic recovery, the role of oil and debt restructuring, and how the country can realistically chart a path out of poverty and back toward stability and growth.

CGD's Rachel Glennerster speaks with Seth Berkley, former CEO of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, about lessons from COVID-19 and how they should shape future vaccine development and delivery.

Ian Mitchell, Senior Policy Fellow at the Center for Global Development, discusses the intriguing 2025 Commitment to Development Index. He reveals a decline in 24 of 38 countries' contributions to global development while highlighting emerging progress. Mitchell stresses the importance of moving beyond aid, analyzing harmful subsidies, and the need for transparent policies in projects like China's Belt and Road. He also explores migration's benefits and urges policymakers to utilize the CDI as a strategic tool for smarter, impactful policymaking.

Katrina Sill, Global Health and Development Lead at Founders Pledge, discusses the transformative nature of philanthropy in a rapidly changing global landscape. She shares insights on their new Catalytic Impact Fund, emphasizing the importance of high-leverage opportunities and systemic change. Katrina highlights the necessity of rapid response to aid disruptions, balancing immediate needs with long-term resilience. She also addresses the role of risk in philanthropy, detailing how to measure impact and the relevance of partnerships with the private sector for sustainable solutions.

From chatbots supporting new mothers and nutrition coaches guiding families, to tutoring tools for children and apps advising farmers, artificial intelligence is beginning to find its place in development. But is it ready—and are we? In this episode of the CGD Podcast, I'm joined by Temina Madon, Executive Director of the Agency Fund, and Han Sheng Chia, CGD Fellow and Director of our new AI initiative. We discuss where AI shows promise—from health and education to livelihoods and agriculture—what risks it could amplify, and how the development community can ensure these technologies improve lives rather than deepen inequalities.

CGD's Rachel Glennerster speaks with Lord Jim O'Neill and Dr. Akhil Bansal on the nature and scale of the problem of neonatal sepsis, how an advance market commitment could help incentivize the development of a diagnostic, and what steps policymakers can take to help save newborn lives.

Manuel Orozco, Director at the Inter-American Dialogue and a remittances expert, shares insights on the crucial role remittances play in supporting families in low and middle-income countries. He highlights the implications of a new U.S. tax on these financial lifelines and discusses strategies to boost their impact on economic resilience. Orozco also explores how digital advancements are transforming remittance behaviors and emphasizes the need for innovative development policies that support human capital investment, particularly in fragile states.

Dirk Meyer, Director General of Germany's BMZ, and Elizabeth Sidiropoulos, Chief Executive of the South African Institute for International Affairs, dive into crucial climate finance discussions. They explore the challenges and opportunities following the 2025 Development Leaders Conference. Topics include balancing climate mitigation with adaptation, the role of private sector funding, and innovative strategies for Africa’s unique climate hurdles. They also emphasize the importance of global cooperation and agility in navigating these complex and uncertain times.

In this engaging discussion, Rob Rosenbaum and Caitlin Tulloch, both from the Project Resource Optimization (PRO) team, share their insights into preserving vital USAID programs amid funding cuts. They delve into innovative strategies for prioritizing health and humanitarian initiatives, emphasizing the importance of cost-effectiveness in project selection. Their experiences in international health work bring humor to the conversation, revealing the unpredictability of the field. They also touch on the need for political reforms to enhance U.S. foreign policy impact.