The AIDN Beat

AIDN’s core ethos is ‘more’ and ‘better’ global giving and we seek to foster an environment for the discussion and exploration of how we define these terms in an ever-changing international development ecosystem. Alongside our events, webinars and resources, The AIDN Beat is a key way to achieve this goal. The AIDN Beat strives to keep up with the rhythm of the international development sector and cover a broad range of subjects: from innovative development financing, to leading case-studies of programs on-the-ground, to the need for a genuine commitment to localisation.

We are also deeply committed to amplifying diverse voices. Consequently, we accept submissions to The AIDN Beat – so that our dynamic network can shape the discussion too. If you would like to submit content for The AIDN Beat, then we would love to hear from you. Get in touch with us (via hannah@aidnetwork.org.au) and we will share our editorial guidelines.

Subscribers of The AIDN Beat will receive a bi-monthly email where we’ll share recent pieces from The AIDN Beat, alongside curated pieces from other international development platforms and provide a recommendation for a relevant text, film or podcast.

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NEWS & RESOURCES

Latest Stories and Developments

In the wake of 2025’s global aid cuts, is philanthropy the next panacea for the United Nations?

Aug 13, 2025

AP4D’s Heather Wrathall and Melissa Conley Tyler share their reflections on the recent UN Finance for Development conference in Seville, where the “Seville Commitment” recognised philanthropy’s catalytic role in sustainable development. While not a substitute for government and development bank funding, they argue philanthropy can boost collective investment and grow pipelines of country-led, sustainable initiatives.

Access to modern contraception is under threat globally. Here’s what can be done.

Aug 8, 2025

With World Contraception Day approaching on September 26, Sue Funnell (Women’s Plans Foundation) argues that the international development and philanthropy sector has an important opportunity to assess global progress on access to contraception. But it is also vital to examine emerging threats, and to consider the urgent role philanthropy must play in addressing these challenges.

AIDN Beat Spotlight: Michelle Gwatiringa

Aug 5, 2025

Through The AIDN Beat Spotlight series we hope to highlight a diverse range of sector experts and learn more about their journey in the international development sector. Meet Michelle Gwatiringa, Country Director at Uncommon.org.

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“What’s your Plan B?”: Cambodian civil society is fighting for sustainability amid a donor exodus.

20 June 2025

Kate Flower, Australian lawyer and international development practitioner, highlights how a small cohort of civil society organisations in Cambodia are quietly rewriting the playbook amidst 2025's donor exodus. Operating on threadbare budgets, these CSOs are leaning into the power of solidarity, reclaiming community-rooted strategies, and re-imagining a new network of support.

The overlooked link: Building climate resilience through reproductive healthcare.

12 May 2025

The flooding crisis in Pakistan in 2022 reaffirmed to the team at Marie Stopes International (MSI) that climate change is not only an environmental crisis, but is also a gendered health crisis. In this piece, Grishma Bista, Executive Officer of MSI Asia Pacific, highlights how the impacts of climate change on Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR) are currently overlooked by policymakers and donors. SRHR must be embedded into climate adaptation strategies moving forward.

AIDN Beat Spotlight: Simon Lewis

7 May 2025

Through The AIDN Beat Spotlight series we hope to highlight a diverse range of sector experts and learn more about their journey in the international development sector. Meet Simon Lewis, Co-Founder & Chair of AIDN, and founding partner of GoodWolf Partners.

When the tidal wave hits: Three lessons from launching the Rapid Response Fund.

28 April 2025

Louise Pfeiffer, Regional Director for Asia Pacific at The Life You Can Save, offers unique insights into the launch of the Rapid Response Fund and shares three recommendations for fellow funders. The Rapid Response Fund was launched by Founders Pledge and The Life You Can Save in response to USAID funding cuts.

Slashed aid, sustainable investments: funding interventions that generate economic, social and environmental capital.

22 April 2025

While 2025's global aid cuts raise serious concerns, several commentators see a potential silver lining: the chance to reduce over-reliance on foreign aid and strengthen locally-led, sustainable development. To achieve this, Angela O’Connell (Grants Manager at So They Can) argues that funders and practitioners must invest in interventions that build long-term economic, social, and environmental capital.

Philanthropy in the wake of the USAID freeze: Three effective ways to respond.

20 March 2025

In the wake of the USAID freeze, Jack Lewars (Founder of Ultra Philanthropy) offers three recommendations for philanthropists seeking to contribute to the funding gap and make a global impact.

AIDN Beat Spotlight: Gill Whelan

11 March 2025

Through The AIDN Beat Spotlight series we hope to highlight a diverse range of sector experts and learn more about their journey in the international development sector. Meet Gill Whelan, General Manager of DECJUBA Foundation, the philanthropic arm of leading fashion retailer, DECJUBA. 

Education for every girl: How community and data driven approaches are changing the game in India.

28 February 2025

Drawing on her experience in rural India, Nooreen Dossa (Director of Strategic Engagements at Educate Girls) argues that the key to driving long-term, sustainable change within communities —particularly in relation to gender equity and girls’ access to education—lies in combining community-led solutions with data-driven insights.

The untapped power of corporate Australia in global giving.

25 February 2025

Rosemary Conn reflects on the key findings from AIDN's recent research project into the state of Australian corporate giving to international causes. Rosemary's piece highlights both the challenges Australian businesses currently face when it comes to global philanthropy, but also their strong desire to make a meaningful international impact.