You are cordially invited to join the following event...
Jointly hosted by the Georgetown Club of France and the Fletcher Club of France
Panel discussion:
“International Aid and Investment in Developing Countries
in the Current Geopolitical Context: A Reset”
The suspension of US federal funding to USAID and the reduction of financial commitments by other western governments to aiding developing countries, including fragile states, around the world is challenging efforts to protect millions from hunger and extreme poverty. The current situation provides an opportunity to ask ourselves several questions:
- is development aid a key soft power tool or a luxury?
- should we consider other ways to secure more sustainable funding sources while improving transparency and visibility on how those resources are allocated to revive efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals?
- could this ‘reset period’ for development aid be an opportunity for developing countries and fragile states to regain their own agency?
This in-person event seeks to foster dialogue and identify possible new avenues for development aid and create consensus. Join us in a discussion with an expert panel with diverse perspectives to assess the options and scenarios for the future of development aid.
Date and times: Wednesday, June 18, 2025
18:30 : Reception and welcome
18:45: Opening remarks, panel discussions and Q/A
19:30: Q/A and wrap up
19:45: Cocktail
Location: American Cathedral in Paris, 23 Av. George V, 75008 Paris: meeting to be held in the Parish Hall
Moderators: William Holmberg (Georgetown) & Deborah Vouche (Fletcher)
Opening remarks: Douglas Griffin, Director, Law & Policy- Albany Associates
Speakers:
- Gregoire Chauvière Le Drian - Head of the Paris Office, European Investment Bank
- Right Reverend Mark Edington - Bishop and Advisor, Episcopal Relief & Development
- Thomas Melonio - Chief Economist, Executive Director Innovation, Strategy and Research- Agence Française de Développement
- Emile Rolland - Policy Analyst, Crises, conflict and fragility team, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development
- Mark A Yarnell - Liaison Officer on Internal Displacement, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
