International Development - Audio

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Out of the Shadows: Shining a Light on Irregular Migration Aug 29, 2019

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Millions of people around the world live in and travel through the shadows. Compelled to leave home, they migrate irregularly without proper documentation to gain access to jobs, education, healthcare, food, and other essential services. Irregular migration exists because there are not enough opportunities for safety and prosperity at home and too few conventional means through which to remedy that lack of opportunity. Recognizing the critical, understudied, and often misunderstood nature of this global phenomenon, CSIS produced a research study on irregular migration involving field research in Mexico, Eritrea, and Ghana. This report, which builds on CSIS’ past work on the global forced migration crisis, aims to shine a light on irregular migration and contribute to an enormously consequential conversation.
Read CSIS’s new report Out of the Shadows: Shining a Light on Irregular Migration.
The report and event were made possible by the generous support of the Ford Foundation.

Influence Operations Aug 22, 2019

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This week, Jude and Andrew discuss last Sunday’s mass migration of Hong Kong protesters in a peaceful march, and what it might indicate for the future. They also analyze the growing role of social media within the conflict, as well as within potential cyber threats from China, and how the White House and U.S. Congress is—or isn’t—responding to it all.

A Discussion with Millennium Challenge Corporation’s CEO Sean Cairncross Aug 14, 2019

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Please join us for an armchair discussion with Sean Cairncross, CEO, to hear more about his vision for the future direction of the MCC and U.S. foreign aid.
Since its creation in 2004, the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) has acted as a key U.S. foreign assistance instrument focused on economic growth, country partnerships, and cost-effective projects. Its impact spans nearly 50 countries around the world in the agriculture, education, energy, health, and infrastructure sectors. MCC's three different grant systems—compacts, concurrent compacts for regional investments, and threshold programs—address the underlying causes of poverty and promote economic growth by working with the private sector and supporting regulatory reforms.

Sean Cairncross was nominated by President Donald Trump to serve as Chief Executive Officer of the Millennium Challenge Corporation and was sworn in on June 24, 2019. As CEO, Mr. Cairncross leads the agency and provides strategic direction and vision as MCC fulfills its mission of reducing poverty through economic growth and advancing America’s interests around the globe.

Sean Cairncross was the former Deputy Assistant to President Trump and Senior Advisor to the White House Chief of Staff. Before his work at the White House, Mr. Cairncross served as the Chief Operating Officer of the Republican National Committee for the 2016 election cycle.

This event is made possible by general support to CSIS.

Sustainable Development Goal #5: Gender Equality Jul 24, 2019

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Please join us on July 24th for a public event focused on Sustainable Development Goal #5 which aims to achieve global gender equality and empower all women and girls.
Inequalities stemming from discrimination towards women have declined in recent decades; however, a significant social, economic, and political divide still exists. Women are consistently paid less than their male counterparts around the world even in many developed countries. Societal and culture norms prevent women from entering the labor force and contributing to the economy. Environmental concerns like access to water impact women the most because they are the traditional collectors. Lack of educational opportunities prevent many women from escaping cycles of generational poverty.
This event will look at the challenges to inclusion that women face in developing countries and also the progress made toward achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls. Closing the gender gap could add an estimated $28 trillion to global GDP by 2025, but the inequalities to be targeted exist in many different sectors. A wide digital gender gap exists, women in the bottom of the income pyramid earn 30-50 percent less than their male counterparts, making technology, communication, and internet access prices prohibitive, hindering economic inclusion. Women are still underrepresented in managerial positions, with fewer than a third of senior and middle-management positions being held by women from 2009-2015. And based on data from 90 countries, women spend around three times as many hours as men in unpaid domestic and care work. How can women become more employed? Why are there so few women employed in the technology sector? And how can we further improve women's access to finance?
This event is part of the "Chevron Forum for Development" series focused on the SDGs and made possible with general support from Chevron. So far, we have hosted events on the role of the private sector, SDG#7 on affordable and clean energy, SDG#16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, and SDG#17: Partnerships for the Goals.

Employment and Reintegration for Returnees & At-Risk Populations in Afghanistan Jul 23, 2019

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A negotiated settlement may be the only solution to end the 18 years of war in Afghanistan. Though peace is possible, it feels like a distant hope. Afghans and others are cautiously talking about life after armed conflict, but a much-desired peace brings its own challenges. Chiefly among them is to address the livelihood needs of former fighters, some 2 million returned refugees, more than 2.5 million internally displaced persons, and many other vulnerable people.

The panel of distinguished experts will discuss challenges, options, and opportunities as Afghanistan attempts to address employment for these at-risk segments of the population. During the panel session, Dean Piedmont of Creative Associates will present a white paper on disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration (DDR) of former fighters in the country.

Please join us for this timely discussion on Tuesday, July 23rd.

This event is made possible by the support of Creative Associates International.

The Declining Ecosystem and its Impact on Global Food Systems Jun 25, 2019

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The air we breathe, the water we drink, and the food we eat all rely on biodiversity – but the demands of a growing population and the practices of unsustainable agriculture are compromising access to humanity’s most basic needs. This was the message from two recent reports launched by Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations' (FAO) publications: Biodiversity for Sustainable Agriculture and The State of the World’s Biodiversity for Food and Agriculture.
The reports detailed the impact of environmental degradation and the impact diminishing biodiversity has on vulnerable ecosystems and food systems, including agriculture and health. Once biodiversity is lost, we cannot recover it. What is driving these changes in nature and how will it impact daily life? What policies and practices need to be put in place to save our planet and our food security?
Join us to hear from experts on the linkages between biodiversity loss and its impact on the global food system. The distinguished panel will reflect on the importance of safeguarding biodiversity for food and agriculture. Sustainable agriculture is key to reversing trends that lead to biodiversity loss, damaged ecosystems, deforestation, and the overall deterioration of our natural resources. The event will include an in-depth, multidisciplinary discussion as well as a nuanced conversation on the two reports.
This dialogue is part of the joint CSIS Global Food Security Project and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations,
Liaison Office for North America speaker series on agricultural development.

Innovation and Technology in Global Supply Chains Jun 21, 2019

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Global supply chains are critical to development. Over the past few years, there have been major changes in how goods are produced and delivered, led by the growing role of technology. Digital technologies and innovations like drones as well as management information systems which incorporate blockchain and artificial intelligence offer unique opportunities to strengthen supply chains and spur economic growth. Development practitioners and the private sector are looking to use supply chain data to improve traceability, decrease waste, and make sure that goods and services are reaching their intended targets in developing countries. This event will examine the opportunities to strengthen and track global supply chains through new technologies.
This event is made possible by generous support from Chemonics International.

Sustainability through Quality Infrastructure Jun 21, 2019

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Download the Brief
For many developing countries, the absence of quality infrastructure is a significant bottleneck to sustainable economic growth. A large number of studies have demonstrated that quality infrastructure yields large scale and long-term economic dividends. Political leadership in host countries is required to ensure that quality infrastructure investments are made. With support from donor countries and multilateral development banks, such efforts to pursue sustainable quality infrastructure can be supplemented with planning and procurement practices that look at long-term economic efficiency and life-cycle costs.
CSIS, with generous support from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, undertook a comprehensive research study to examine the importance of transparency and sustainability in achieving quality infrastructure, the findings from which have been captured in a short policy brief. Through this public event, CSIS and its panel will share insights that build on the emerging consensus among G20 member states ahead of the Osaka summit. The inputs and recommendations of the policy brief will enable more quality infrastructure.
Please join us at CSIS for this timely discussion on quality infrastructure in the context of the upcoming Osaka G20 Summit.
This event is made possible through generous support from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan.

U.S. Interest and Leadership in the United Nations Jun 13, 2019

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A group of sovereign countries came together out of the ashes of World War II and created the United Nations – the formal name given by the allied countries who won World War II – to solve collective global problems. The United Nations built upon hard lessons learned from the failure of the League of Nations. Senator Arthur Vandenberg was one of the key architects of the United Nations as we know it.
In 1945, seeking bipartisan support for rebuilding the world, President Truman called upon Senator Vandenberg to join him as a member of the U.S. Delegation to the United Nations Conference in San Francisco. Senator Vandenberg worked across party lines with President Truman and played a pivotal role in standing up the United Nations Charter, which assured that the U.S. held veto power in the Security Council. Senator Vandenberg returned to the Senate and ensured that the United Nations Charter received overwhelming support. Thanks in part to his efforts, the United Nations remains the preeminent international problem-solving body in the world today.
Although there are existing criticisms surrounding the United Nations, a functioning United Nations remains in the U.S. interest. One of the most critical roles the United Nations plays is addressing global problems and burden sharing the costs of security, development, and other public goods. CSIS would like to use this opportunity to identify areas of bipartisan agreement over the U.S. role in the United Nations.
Please join us for a public armchair discussion with Governor Bill Richardson and Catherine Bertini which will reflect on the progress made at the United Nations since its formation and will examine how the United States can partner with the United Nations for its economic and national security interests.
This is the second event in a CSIS series focused on “Building Bipartisan Solutions for Foreign Policy Issues: The Arthur Vandenberg Legacy Initiative.” The first event was held in March 2019 focused on “The Case for U.S. Foreign Assistance” where CSIS convened Senator Tom Daschle and Senator Norm Coleman. CSIS has also released a video on the legacy of Arthur Vandenberg.
This event is made possible through generous support from the Meijer Foundation.

Global Nutrition: An Opportunity for U.S. Foreign Policy and Business Jun 11, 2019

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Download the EVENT SUMMARY

The CSIS Global Food Security Project invites you to join a discussion with a world-renowned expert and advocate on the opportunity for U.S. foreign policy and business to improve global nutrition. Dr. Lawrence Haddad, Executive Director of the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), was awarded the 2018 World Food Prize for his exemplary leadership in maternal and child nutrition and efforts to significantly reduce childhood stunting. Please join us to learn Dr. Haddad’s views on why and how the U.S. government should strengthen public-private engagement in its foreign policy to provide optimal nutrition for all.

The current state of all three forms of malnutrition—underweight, overweight or obese, and micronutrient deficiency—is unacceptable. With one in three people experiencing malnutrition, every country faces the damaging effects malnutrition has on country-level prosperity and security.
Although the current food system faces many challenges today, the private sector must be part of the solution to decrease malnutrition. Industry can play a more integral role in making nutrient-dense food more affordable and available to all populations; this means maximizing profits and prioritizing food and nutrition security and health. U.S. policymakers should build an environment that fosters public-private engagement, fortifies accountability, and shares decision-making.
This event is made possible by the support of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

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