Harvard Center for International Development
Harvard Center for International Development
Incredible progress has been made throughout the world in recent years. However, globalization has failed to deliver on its promises. As problems like unequal access to education and healthcare, environmental degradation, and stretched finances persist, we must continue building on decades of transformative development work.
The Center for International Development (CID) is a university-wide center based at the Harvard Kennedy School that seeks to solve these pressing development problems—and many more.
At CID, we believe leveraging global talent is the key to enabling development for all. We teach to build capacity, conduct research that guides development policy, and convene talent to advance ideas for a thriving world. Addressing today’s challenges to international development also requires bridging academic expertise with practitioner experience. Through collaborative, in-country partnerships, CID’s research programs, faculty, and students deploy an analytical framework and context-dependent approaches to tackle development problems from all angles, in every region of the globe.
The Center for International Development (CID) is a university-wide center based at the Harvard Kennedy School that seeks to solve these pressing development problems—and many more.
At CID, we believe leveraging global talent is the key to enabling development for all. We teach to build capacity, conduct research that guides development policy, and convene talent to advance ideas for a thriving world. Addressing today’s challenges to international development also requires bridging academic expertise with practitioner experience. Through collaborative, in-country partnerships, CID’s research programs, faculty, and students deploy an analytical framework and context-dependent approaches to tackle development problems from all angles, in every region of the globe.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Mar 30, 2025 • 52min
Africa’s Emerging AI Tech Landscape: Success, Challenges, and Path Forward
In this insightful discussion, Dr. Barbara Glover, a program officer at the African Union Development Agency-NEPAD, teams up with Dr. William Wasswa, an AI researcher and biomedical engineer from Mbarara University. They explore how AI is revolutionizing healthcare in Africa, from 3D-printed microscopes to national strategies fostering socio-economic growth. The conversation highlights the continent's potential to shift from AI consumers to leaders, emphasizing the importance of collaboration, local solutions, and responsible technology adoption to drive Africa's digital transformation.
11 snips
Mar 23, 2025 • 28min
Leveraging AI for Global Development: Opportunities and Policy Implications
Pritham Raja, AI lead at J-PAL Global, and Chinasa T. Okolo, a fellow at Brookings, discuss the transformative role of AI in global development. They delve into bridging governance gaps and addressing digital language divides through inclusive technology. The duo highlights innovative projects, like AI-powered education tools that enhance math learning, and the importance of equitable AI governance by amplifying global perspectives. Their insights emphasize how AI can foster local solutions and preserve cultural heritage while promoting socio-economic growth.
Dec 13, 2024 • 39min
Advancing Human Rights in Mega-sporting Events
In this episode, we delve into the complex dynamics between mega-sporting events and human rights. Vijay Simhan from Humanity United offers valuable insights into funding strategies for narrative, research and advocacy, drawing from the foundation's work in the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Thays Prado from the Center for Sport and Human Rights emphasizes the crucial role of centering women and gender minorities in stakeholder engagement throughout the event lifecycle.
Dec 6, 2024 • 41min
Catalyzing International Development through Sports
Whether as spectators, players, coaches, or executives, sports bring people together and have the potential to drive improvements in education, health, and labor across the globe. In this episode, we explore the transformative power of sports in community building and international development. Mariana Behr Andrade, Global Sports Initiative Fellow at Harvard University’s Weatherhead Center, who spearheaded impact initiatives for the Rio Olympics, discusses how sports can improve education outcomes, while legendary hockey coach Digit Murphy highlights gender representation in athletics.
Nov 29, 2024 • 38min
Fueling International Development Through Narrative
In this episode, we’re diving into the power of narrative in international development. More than just storytelling, narrative has become a critical tool—from shaping program design to influencing funding decisions. Donors and practitioners alike are recognizing the role of narrative in advancing sustainable development goals. But what exactly does "narrative" mean in this context, and how can we use it effectively to create real change? We'll explore how narrative can be both a means and an end in the push for a more equitable and sustainable world. Joining us to unpack this are Mandy Van Deven, founder of Both/And Solutions and co-lead of Elemental, Chiara Cattaneo, co-lead of Elemental, and Paco Camacho, Director of the Law and Human Rights Program for the Asia Foundation in the Philippines.
Nov 22, 2024 • 50min
Reproductive Justice Across Borders
In this episode, we dive into reproductive justice—exploring abortion access in Latin America and menstrual rights in India. How can we advance reproductive rights while navigating religious, intergenerational and cultural landscapes? We’ll discuss the intersections of labor, health, and policy. First, we speak with Paula Avila-Guillen, human rights attorney and Executive Director at the Women’s Equality Center, about the ongoing fight for abortion rights in Latin America. Then, we head to India, where Ananya Chaocharia, founder of Paint it Red Foundation, walks us through the movement for menstrual rights.
Nov 15, 2024 • 44min
Reimagining the Care Economy
In this episode, we explore the care economy, delving into the crucial roles of care for children, elders, and others from an economic perspective. Who is truly investing in care, and who benefits from these investments? We’re joined by Nancy Folbre, Professor Emeritus of Economics at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, who analyzes care as an intergenerational exchange and a vital investment. Following her insights, we’ll hear from Ana Fernanda Hierro, Technical Secretary of Consejo Nuevo León, who discusses best practices at the local level in the state of Nuevo León, Mexico.
Nov 5, 2024 • 30min
Scaling Up with Purpose
In this episode, we unpack what “scaling up” truly means in international development—not just expanding for growth’s sake, but doing so with intentionality to maximize impact. We’re joined by Jossie Fahsbender, Senior Program Manager at IMAGO, and Siddhant Gokhale, Senior Knowledge Manager at IMAGO, co-authors of Scaling Up Development Impact alongside Harvard Professor Isabel Guerrero. Jossie and Siddhant share real-world examples of how this approach has empowered agents of change, discuss the challenges of scaling in diverse cultural contexts, and explore how community-centered solutions are shaping the future of development.
May 9, 2024 • 30min
Navigating Education Policy and Human Development
In this episode, we explore the dynamic relationship between education policy and human development in the Global South. Dr. Emiliana Vegas, a professor at the Graduate School of Education at Harvard University. She shares her wealth of experience and insights. From advocating for micro-inputs to promoting comprehensive support systems, Dr. Vegas offers valuable perspectives on the evolving landscape of education reform. Tune in as we delve into the crucial role of contextual understanding and collaboration with local leaders in designing effective, culturally relevant, and sustainable education policies. Hosted by Usama Mohammed, a student at Harvard's Graduate School of Education.
Apr 25, 2024 • 46min
Progress, Gaps, and Strategies for Women’s Economic Empowerment
In this episode, we explore women's economic empowerment with Diva Dhar from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Varina Winder from the US State Department, and Wendy Teleki from the World Bank. Together, they share their unique approaches to addressing economic opportunities for women, discussing pivotal moments for women in low and medium-income countries, areas of progress, and existing gaps. Discover how inclusive economic growth for women fosters positive impacts on families and communities, along with insights into women's entrepreneurship. Hosted by Priyanka Varma, a student at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government.
