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.

If you’re are not currently signed up to receive The AIDN Beat or our newsletter, you can do so by filling in the form below.

NEWS & RESOURCES

Latest Stories and Developments

Reimagining rural healthcare in Timor-Leste: from the sky up.

Sep 1, 2025

Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) operates Timor-Leste’s only air ambulance, flying critical medevacs to the national hospital in Dili. MAF's Eleanor Rivers explores how the program’s impact lies not only in rapid transport, but in ensuring equal access to healthcare, upholding dignity, and building community trust. Close alignment with government priorities is also essential to keeping the service effective and sustainable.

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.

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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.

Why we will not betray women and girls (and where we go from here): MSI Asia Pacific.

12 February 2025

On 24 January, the Trump administration reinstated the Global Gag Rule – cutting U.S. aid funding to any international organisation that provides, advocates for, or even mentions abortion. Merewyn Foran, Executive Officer at MSI Asia Pacific, outlines why the team at MSI Asia Pacific will remain steadfast in their commitment to women and girls globally, and will never sign the Global Gag Rule.

The 65 page barrier between funders and NGOs.

20 January 2025

Tamar Kosky Lazarus, Chief Development and Communications Officer at IsraAID, argues that the current process for development organisations to apply for major grants needs rethinking. It is time that the process becomes less onerous, less jargon-filled and more accessible. This would not only allow organisations to focus on their essential programmatic work on the ground, but also play a crucial role in advancing genuine localisation efforts within our sector.

AIDN’s Summer Reading List 2024.

15 December 2024

AIDN has compiled an international development, global issues and philanthropy themed "Summer Reading List" based on our recommendations throughout 2024.

AIDN’s 2024 Summer Listening List

10 December 2024

AIDN has compiled our international development, philanthropy and global issues themed "Summer Listening List" for 2024 - based on 2024 Philanthropod seasons. We've grouped the episodes into broad themes to pique your interest….

How eye health could be a catalyst for global development.

3 December 2024

Brandon Ah Tong (Director of Policy and Advocacy at The Fred Hollows Foundation) argues that preventable blindness is not just a matter of inadequate eye health—it’s a critical global development issue related to poverty reduction, economic growth, gender equality, and education. Consequently, Brandon and the team at The Fred Hollows Foundation believe it is high time that eye health is actively included as an indicator in the SDG framework.