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.

However, at AIDN we are aware that ‘better’ and ‘more’ are evolving and subjective terms. 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.


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.

Each month subscribers of AIDN receive an 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. If you’re are not currently signed up to receive The AIDN Beat or our newsletter, you can do so here.

NEWS & RESOURCES

Latest Stories and Developments

Why I do what I do (along with many other people I respect and admire).

Why I do what I do (along with many other people I respect and admire).

Apr 4, 2024
Mark Cubit, AIDN Co-Founder, shares with our network what underpins his ongoing drive and commitment to the international development sector. Mark outlines two key reasons: first, because working in our sector affords him the privilege of working with and witnessing the incredible work of both the “doers” and the “funders” of international development. Second, because even whilst slow, the data shows that international development efforts are working.
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Swimming to end human trafficking: The power of individual fundraising.

Swimming to end human trafficking: The power of individual fundraising.

Apr 4, 2024
Kim Miller, Schools and Partnerships Coordinator at Blue Dragon Children's Foundation, reflects on what her upcoming swim across the English channel has taught her about the role of individual fundraising in 2024. Whilst many of the key discussions in international development may now center around major development financing, Kim highlights the ongoing impact that individual fundraising can have professionally and personally - in addition to supporting urgent causes.
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Beyond cupcakes: why engaging young men in gender equality initiatives, such as IWD, is key.

Beyond cupcakes: why engaging young men in gender equality initiatives, such as IWD, is key.

Apr 4, 2024
Following IWD 2024, AIDN's Communications and Research Lead, Hannah McNicol, asks: how do we ensure that gender equality initiatives and events like IWD also spark interest in men, are spaces that they are likely to attend, and can meaningfully engage in? To answer this question, Hannah calls for a reflection on several innovative international development programs that focus on engaging young men to achieve gender justice for all, including Dandelion Africa and Grass Skirt Project.
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For conservation efforts to move forward we must center Indigenous voices and take a human rights-centric approach.

For conservation efforts to move forward we must center Indigenous voices and take a human rights-centric approach.

2 March 2024
Mahum Qazi, Communications Assistant at Project Expedite Justice, outlines the tension between international accords that aim to protect the environment and the “fortress conservation model”. Whilst such accords strive to improve planetary health, in practice they can fail to consider how many Indigenous Peoples have fostered healthy ecosystems and can instead lead to human rights violations and land dispossession.
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Navigating complexity: the moment that defined how I conduct impact evaluations globally.

Navigating complexity: the moment that defined how I conduct impact evaluations globally.

2 March 2024
Matias Nestore, Research and Evaluation Associate at The Life You Can Save, reflects on a watershed moment that has defined how he conducts impact evaluations globally. Matias argues against simplified monitoring and evaluation practices. Instead, it is critical to implement a qualitative approach to impact assessment that understands participants as active agents with unique circumstances and agency.
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Women and girls are facing unprecedented hardship in Afghanistan, but international development organisations can play an important role in continuing to fight for their access to education.

Women and girls are facing unprecedented hardship in Afghanistan, but international development organisations can play an important role in continuing to fight for their access to education.

2 March 2024
Jackie Fristacky AM, President of AADO, provides an important update on women and girls’ access to education in Afghanistan. We must continue to support women and girls to achieve, flourish and learn even if it is a slow, multifaceted and complex process.
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Field catalysts: driving large-scale change through radical collaboration.

Field catalysts: driving large-scale change through radical collaboration.

20 February 2024
In our latest guest contribution to The AIDN Beat, Dr. Madeleine Ballard, CEO of Community Health Impact Coalition, highlights the pivotal role of "field catalysts" for aligning diverse stakeholders towards achieving large-scale systematic change. Dr. Ballard first underscores the need for field catalysts and demonstrates how they operate in practice. Dr. Ballard then finishes by discussing potential replication of this approach and important considerations for funders.
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AIDN’s response to the Productivity Commission’s inquiry into Australian Philanthropy

AIDN’s response to the Productivity Commission’s inquiry into Australian Philanthropy

15 February 2024
In 2023, the Australian Government asked the Productivity Commission to undertake an inquiry to analyse motivations for philanthropic giving in Australia and identify opportunities to grow it further. Alongside 250+ organisations and individuals, AIDN submitted our recommendations in May 2023 as part of the Commission’s call for initial submissions.
Read AIDN's response
AIDN’s summer reading list 2023

AIDN’s summer reading list 2023

19 December 2023
AIDN has compiled an international development and philanthropy themed summer reading list based on our reading recommendations throughout 2023. 
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Pathways to Global Giving Edition 2

Pathways to Global Giving Edition 2

17 December 2023
AIDN's "Pathways to Global Giving" eBooklet serves as a resource for Australians seeking to engage in ...
Download here
To tackle the biggest challenges of our time it will be critical to leverage both global and local networks and resources.

To tackle the biggest challenges of our time it will be critical to leverage both global and local networks and resources.

3 December 2023
Guest author Biheng Zhang, General Manager of The Intrepid Foundation, reflects on the recent earthquake in Morocco, and argues that to tackle the biggest challenges of our time we will need robust networks that leverage global capabilities and resources, alongside critical on-the-ground, local knowledge and action. We will also need to turn to the power of human connection in the face of crises.
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Responsible financial inclusion is key to protecting vulnerable clients in the Asia-Pacific region

Responsible financial inclusion is key to protecting vulnerable clients in the Asia-Pacific region

3 December 2023
In light of recent investigations into the microfinance sector in Cambodia, guest author Shane Nichols, CEO of Good Return, calls for responsible and appropriate financial inclusion practices and principles to protect vulnerable clients in the Asia-Pacific region.
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