The Comfort of Predictability vs the Inevitability of Change Security in our everyday lives is founded on predictability. As a species we are comfortable when the parameters of our lives change only slowly and smoothly. Many people are naturally intimidated by change and feel uneasy when faced with it, but if we look back in time, we see that change
The UN Environment Programme describes Sustainable Public Procurement (SPP) as a “sleeping giant,” emphasizing its immense but underutilized potential. Rooted in SDG 12.7, which falls under the broader umbrella of Responsible Consumption and Production, its significance is clear. According to the Open Contracting Partnership and the Spend Network, governments worldwide collectively spend an estimated $13 trillion annually on public contracts
Have you ever come across a tender document where the title immediately sparks confidence that your company can deliver? Yet, as you read on, technical language and overwhelming jargon cause confusion and frustration. This scenario is all too common—especially for small businesses that may otherwise qualify. Without the person-power to decipher dense requirements, many capable suppliers are inadvertently shut out
A Human Response in Crisis The practice of supporting others through mutual assistance, charity, and resource exchange has been deeply embedded in human society for centuries, long before the emergence of the modern concept of development aid. Historically, these efforts were often driven by religious, cultural, or diplomatic obligations rather than structured strategies for economic growth. Though not “development aid”
The Privacy Paradox: Are We Trading Convenience for Control with AI? Imagine you’ve just moved into a brand-new apartment complex. It’s state-of-the-art, complete with voice-activated doors, AI-powered climate control, and a virtual assistant that remembers your coffee order. Sounds great, right? Now, imagine that every time you take a shower, your water usage is logged. Every time you walk into
At the start of 2024, GBPG put forward a call for harmony. This year I want to emphasize the need to use the potential we have within us all. As Aristotle promogulated centuries ago, I believe in the potential of humankind: the individual’s potential and the potential of so many organizations to do good – including GBPG. I also believe
As the 29th annual UN Climate Change Conference (COP29) draws to a close this week in Baku, Azerbaijan, the world watches with bated breath, eager to see if leaders can rise to the challenge of addressing the climate crisis. The two-week summit has been a whirlwind of negotiations, debates, and critical decisions. Among the key questions: Will countries commit to
With technology continuously redefining our capabilities, the frontier of Virtual Reality (VR) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) signals an era of transformation across all aspects of our lives. As someone deeply entrenched in the exploration and application of these technologies, it often feels we are on the cusp of a revolution—one that not only enhances how we manage work but one
Water is very much in the news in India. The talk is about crises – in agriculture, in industry, and in the municipal sector. In many ways, the crises are not of recent origin; they have been around for at least 2 decades if not longer. The solutions to the crises are the usual – rainwater harvesting, micro irrigation, bigger
Is digital always the better option and what else needs to be considered when assessing the success of an International Development Project? “Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.” – Arthur Ashe (great tennis player and an even greater man). Introduction While we take technology for granted in everything we do and embrace our
In recent years, the contemporary global landscape and the escalating impact of climate change has exacerbated humanitarian crises across the globe, particularly in vulnerable regions such as Africa and the Middle East. As environmental disasters, resource scarcity, and displacements due to ongoing conflicts become more frequent, there is an urgent need to reassess the strategic position of humanitarian support. Central
The 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted by all UN Member States provide a blueprint for peace and prosperity. Under the premises of fighting climate change they aim to tackle to end poverty, improve health, reduce inequality, spur economic growth and education. As the world faces complex challenges in sustainable development, the rise of New Space technologies lending themselves as
Talent, expertise, technical knowledge, a real team believer(not player) and integrity are rare qualities, not easily found or cultivated. For both public and private sector organizations, progress relies on securing the best individuals—those capable of leading their teams and companies toward success. But true loyalty and commitment from employees aren’t just handed out; they’re earned through the company’s own dedication
“In the face of disaster, Virtual Reality offers a safe space to prepare for the unthinkable, turning potential chaos into controlled learning.” In a world increasingly impacted by natural disasters and humanitarian crises, the need for effective and rapid response training has never been more crucial. Advances in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Virtual Reality (VR) are transforming the way we
Does anyone truly care? I ponder this, as I write, because the act of whistleblowing is crucial and needs robust support from all corners—institutions, companies, the public, and the global workforce. Whistleblowers often face immense personal and professional risks to bring important issues to light. Yet, without strong backing and a culture that values truth and accountability, their actions can
“It’s broken so let’s fix it” There is a growing dissatisfaction with how public international organizations manage tenders for publicly funded projects. Such concerns are not trivial; they highlight basic flaws in procurement processes that undermine competition and also stifle contracting authorities from achieving “value for money.” When lesser-qualified or able companies win tenders, it reflects deeper systemic problems that
The concept of big data did not emerge overnight; it synthesizes advancements from various technological domains such as data computing and data storage. The application of big data in various industries is also profoundly changing their development status. Such applications are commonplace in both industry and academia, with numerous “fancy words” often employed. In this blog, I try to address
In my extensive career in international development and finance, I’ve seen first-hand how traditional financing methods often fall short in addressing the complex challenges we face today. Rising inflation, market volatility, high interest rates, and unreliable supply chains are just a few of the hurdles that impede large-scale infrastructure projects and other critical initiatives. Innovative financing offers projects a way
Global economics can be an intricate web at the best of times, regardless of if you’re a regular Joe or someone who works heavily in the global development space. Navigating tax policy can be challenging for even the most experienced organisations. My work with tax policy, administration, and reform has given me the privilege to delve deep into the nuances
In the grand tapestry of European politics, each election to the European Parliament marks a pivotal moment—a moment of reflection, projection, and sometimes, transformation. As we stand on the cusp of another such juncture, it’s imperative to cast our gaze not just towards the immediate contest but to the broader trajectory of the European Project and the challenges and opportunities
