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

AIDN’s 2024 Insight Tour to Tanzania and Kenya

AIDN’s 2024 Insight Tour to Tanzania and Kenya

Jun 17, 2024
A wrap up of AIDN's 2024 Insight Tour to Tanzania and Kenya.
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Empowering girls in India – one meeting at a time.

Empowering girls in India – one meeting at a time.

Jun 11, 2024
The question as to what “empowerment” actually means or how it manifests on-the-ground remains a perennial question at the heart of international development. In this piece, Surbhi Mahajan shares with our network how she and her colleagues at The Hunger Project India have come to learn how “empowerment” emerges in many different and diverse compositions, extending to safety, mobility, food security and active citizenship. To illustrate this, Surbhi takes us to Bihar, India to meet various young women and girls who currently attend the Sukyana Club.
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Impact Investment in Bangladesh: A New Story

Impact Investment in Bangladesh: A New Story

Jun 11, 2024
Bangladesh is at a pivotal moment where it will need to balance economic growth with social development and inclusion. In this piece, Lily Van Berkel and Nick Goryl from XSPI highlight the role that impact investing can play in navigating this key moment in Bangladesh’s rising economy. In particular, they examine recent moves by BRAC and the National Advisory Board for Impact Investment in Bangladesh (NAB), before unpacking the case study of Build Bangladesh.
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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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Major innovation in disaster relief rebuilding is underway and helping to improve access to education. However, challenges persist in maximising impact.

Major innovation in disaster relief rebuilding is underway and helping to improve access to education. However, challenges persist in maximising impact.

3 December 2023
Guest author Tanya Armstrong, CEO of Classroom of Hope, highlights how major innovation in disaster relief rebuilding is underway. With a focus on innovative "block technology", sustainable and disaster proof schools are being built and thus improving access to education. However, challenges persist in maximising the impact of this pioneering technology.
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DFAT’s new disability equity and rights strategy: An opportunity to shift the dial.

DFAT’s new disability equity and rights strategy: An opportunity to shift the dial.

26 October 2023
Guest author Jane Edge, CEO of CBM Australia, highlights the upcoming opportunity for Australia's “Disability Equity and Rights Strategy” to be ambitious, accountable and resourced.
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Achieving the SDGs means investing in MSMEs.

Achieving the SDGs means investing in MSMEs.

26 October 2023
Guest author Cameron Neil, Co-Founder and Director of LendForGood, calls on those committed to international development and achieving the SDGs to look at investment opportunities in emerging markets - with a particular focus on the catalytic potential of MSMEs.
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Disasters are on the rise. But how can donors give effectively?

Disasters are on the rise. But how can donors give effectively?

26 October 2023
Guest author Anita Toy, Chief Representative of Give2Asia Australia, highlights the increasing need for philanthropic funding from Australian markets for disaster preparedness, resilience and awareness in our region. However, with new philanthropic funding mechanisms for disaster relief quickly emerging, like DisasterLink, Australian donors should feel empowered to give and disavow common misconceptions about international giving.
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AIDN’s wrap up of the Philanthropy Productivity Commission 2023

AIDN’s wrap up of the Philanthropy Productivity Commission 2023

10 October 2023
A summary of the Philanthropy Productivity Commission that took place earlier in 2023. Acting as a neutral and connective film across the Australian international development sector, AIDN has reviewed a number of the 250+ submissions so that we can offer our network a snapshot of the key trends, opportunities and obstacles to increasing philanthropic giving in Australia, as highlighted by our sector.
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AIDN’s Submission to Inform the New International Gender Equality Strategy

AIDN’s Submission to Inform the New International Gender Equality Strategy

25 September 2023
To support the Australian Government's commitment to being a global leader on gender equality, DFAT is developing a new International Gender Equality Strategy. DFAT invited public submissions as part of this process, to hear from people and organisations, and to inform the priorities for the strategy.
Click to download AIDN's submission
Why now is the time for Australians to add overseas giving to their portfolio

Why now is the time for Australians to add overseas giving to their portfolio

16 September 2023
Part 1: In the first of our three part series, AIDN explores ‘why’ all Australian donors should consider adding international giving to their giving portfolio.
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