ODI Global

Fast fashion has transformed how we consume clothing and created a waste crisis that has far-reaching consequences for the environment, economy and local communities. Nowhere is this more clear than in Kantamanto market in Ghana – a country that receives 15 million second-hand clothing items every week from Europe, the US and Australia. Far from being a dumping ground for unused goods, Kantamanto is a vibrant community and trading hub where waste is reimagined into beautiful, sustainable fashion. But Kantamanto is also prone to environmental hazards. Just this week it was hit by a devastating fire that has left over 100 shops and many livelihoods in ruins. In a new episode of Think Change – recorded before the fire broke out – Marta Foresti (Founder, LAGO-COLLECTIVE), Eka Ikpe (Director, African Leadership Centre, King's College London) and Yayra Agbofah (Founder, THE REVIVAL) join our host and Chief Executive Sara Pantuliano to unpack the complex, precarious nature of daily life in Kantamanto. Guests dissect what this reveals about how fast fashion is impacting African economies. We hear about the opportunities and challenges encountered on the journey of turning waste into value, and why the voices of communities most impacted by fashion's major waste problem must be put at the heart of solutions. The episode was produced in collaboration with LAGO-COLLECTIVE. Listen here: https://lnkd.in/ezbNXvnt Also available on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music/Audible 🎧 #ThinkChangePodcast #FastFashion #TextileWaste #Kantamanto

The Think Change podcast is driven by its listeners, and we'd like your help to shape what’s next. What topics do you want us to explore? Which global challenges should we dive deep into? Take a few minutes to share your thoughts and help us create more impactful episodes: https://buff.ly/4gzd0Yp #ThinkChangePodcast

Over the past year in Gaza, and across Palestine, there has been a staggering increase in violations of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and atrocity crimes, with devastating human impact. Francesca Albanese, United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Occupied Palestinian Territories, joined our Humanitarian Policy Group's event this month to share her insights on the continued impunity that enables these actions: "The impunity that Israel has endured until now has obscured the sacrifice that Palestinians have endured on the altar of political convenience for decades." 💬 She emphasises the importance of safeguarding humanitarian principles, especially as conflicts across the globe shift towards an alarming disregard for accountability and justice. Watch back the event in English, French or Arabic (also available as a podcast): https://buff.ly/4fGBH3S #Gaza #Palestine #Israel #GazaCrisis

What a year for Tandem! 🎉 As we close the chapter on 2024, we’re reflecting on the milestones that made this year transformative. As our community expands, so does the scale and complexity of the crises the world faces. The need for strong leadership and collaboration is greater than ever before. In the spirit of the festive season, here’s to our Tandem community and to advancing sectoral change through greater collaboration in the service of better leadership for a better world. What has been the highlight of your year with Tandem? Tell us in the comments below! 👇 #TandemLeaders #Leadership #Learning #LearningAndDevelopment 

Southern voices have been sidelined for too long in conversations about the future of development cooperation. Our new 'Donors in a post-aid world' dialogue series, led by ODI Global Washington Executive Director Nilima Gulrajani, is bringing their vital insights and perspectives to the table. The series provides a space for reimagining the functions of Northern bilateral donors in today's evolving global landscape. Hear more from Nilima on our recent Think Change podcast which asks what role donors should play in a post-aid world, drawing on key takeaways from our first dialogue. Listen here: https://lnkd.in/ekry_8X5 Also available on: Apple Music | Spotify | Amazon Music/Audible 🎧 #ThinkChangePodcast #ODA #Aid

"What it really is, is our rules for us and our friends, are not rules for you..." BBC News journalist Jeremy Bowen reflects on how the rules-based international order has broken down on our latest Think Change podcast. As 2024 draws to a close, this special end-of-year episode looks back at the defining moments of the last 12 months and forecasts the trends and big moments to watch out for in 2025. Available now on your preferred podcast app – or listen here: https://lnkd.in/ewvVkUPA 🎧 #ThinkChangePodcast #2025Trends

"The answer to whether or not we can hit our Paris Agreement targets lies in the trajectories of China and India..." 💬 UK Special Representative on Climate Rachel Kyte joined us this month for a wide-ranging conversation with the Chair of our Board, Suma Chakrabarti, as she settles into her new role. The discussion dissected the key outcomes of COP29, prospects for COP30 and beyond, and how the UK can play its part in advancing climate action - both at home and globally. Miss the event? Watch it back in full (also available as a podcast): https://buff.ly/4gGeDDg #COP29 #COP30 #ClimateAction #ClimateFinance #ParisAgreement

How might AI impact on African enterprises in 2025? 🌍 Following a year which has seen rapid technological progress, our Visiting Senior Fellow Bright Simons, who is President of the social enterprise mPedigree, casts his predictions on our latest Think Change podcast. In this final episode of the year, leading commentators look back at the defining moments of 2024 and give their take on the big trends and topics set to shape 2025. Listen here: https://lnkd.in/ewvVkUPA 🎧 Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music/Audible #ThinkChangePodcast #AI #2025Trends

Our most downloaded publication of 2024 shines a light on a critical issue: 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗰𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗥𝘂𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗮-𝗨𝗸𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝘄𝗮𝗿 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮. 🌍   The report finds the whilst direct trade with Russia and Ukraine is limited, Africa's reliance on these nations for essential food and fertiliser imports has created significant vulnerabilities. This, coupled with the lingering effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, has exacerbated poverty and food insecurity across the continent, leaving millions struggling for basic necessities. The conflict's disruption of trade routes has also sent food and fuel prices soaring – with the latter doubling in some countries.   We identified five policy priorities for African governments to navigate these challenges and build resilience:   🎯 Tailor short- and long-term policies in response to country-specific war impacts. 🛡 Strengthen social safety nets for those hit hardest. 💰 Implement proactive monetary policies to curb financial spillovers. 🧺 Boost local agricultural and fertiliser production. 🌍 Promote trade diversification for key imports.   The international community also has a vital role to play in supporting regional resilience initiatives.   The report was produced in collaboration with the African Economic Research Consortium (AERC), PEP - Partnership for Economic Policy (PEP) and the Economic Research Forum (ERF), and with support from the International Development Research Centre (IDRC). Download it here: https://lnkd.in/eDBJNMSV

Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and the so-called Least Developed Countries (LDCs) are exposed to the worst impacts of the climate crisis, despite bearing the least responsibility for it. At our event this month, new UK Special Representative on Climate Rachel Kyte highlighted the ongoing challenges SIDs and LDCs face in accessing much-needed concessional finance: "It's not just about the quantum; it's about the quality and accessibility of the finance." 💡 Whilst billions are mobilised for major infrastructure projects in larger nations, countries on the frontlines of the climate crisis are receiving the finance they so urgently need. Watch back the full conversation with Rachel, hosted by the Chair of our Board Suma Chakrabarti: https://lnkd.in/gjkemJM3 #ClimateFinance #SIDS #LDCs #ConcessionalFinance #COP29