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 by filling in the form below.

Sign Up

to receive the latest AIDN news to your inbox

NEWS & RESOURCES

Latest Stories and Developments

AIDN Beat Spotlight: Ishara Fernando

AIDN Beat Spotlight: Ishara Fernando

Dec 3, 2024
Ishara Fernando is BlueRock's Philanthropy and Impact Manager, manages the Be BlueRock Foundation and volunteers in Sri Lanka and Eswatini. Ishara has 10+ years in the social impact sector managing charity partnerships and engaging communities in charity giving. Ishara uses her strengths and experience in project and operations management, social impact and leadership to build a more equal, just and inclusive world.
Read more
The next key opportunity for Australian aid and development? Scalable investments in African education.

The next key opportunity for Australian aid and development? Scalable investments in African education.

Nov 28, 2024
Cassandra Treadwell, CEO of So They Can, explores the transformative potential of scalable investments in African education. Cassandra advocates for Australians to move away from a framework of "charity" or "aid", and instead seize a key opportunity to drive global equity and economic growth through investing in education. In particular, Cassandra highlights how targeted, innovative partnerships can address systemic barriers and unlock sustainable development.
Read more
Two continents, one mission: How an Australian-Ugandan partnership sparked transformative change in rural Uganda.

Two continents, one mission: How an Australian-Ugandan partnership sparked transformative change in rural Uganda.

Nov 19, 2024
This vignette style piece invites our network to explore the evolution of Help 'Us' Grow (HUG), an Australian NFP supporting Ugandan initiatives since 2007. Told through the perspectives of founder Helen Brown, on-the-ground leader Ssemwogerere David, and key funder Mark Cubit, the piece highlights the transformative impact of Aussie fundraising and philanthropy when driven by passion, reflection, and community ownership.
Read more
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.
Read more
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.
Read more
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. 
Read more
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.
Read more
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.
Read more
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.
Read more
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.
Read more
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.
Read more
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.
Read more
Next Page