On Feb. 4, the Augustine and Culture Seminar Program hosted a discussion panel addressing the question “What actually works in international development and aid?” Panelists included Christopher Stephens, Senior Vice President and General Counsel at the World Bank, Sarah Baran, former USAID official and famine relief expert and Sister Regine Zoot, nurse educator and international missionary.
The event took place in Driscoll Hall 132 Auditorium, with nearly 80 students in attendance. The event was sponsored by offices across the university, including the David F. and Constance B. Girard diCarlo Center, the Peace and Justice Education Center, the International Student Office and the St. Thomas of Villanova Center for the Common Good.
The event began with a four-question survey for attendees, addressing global trends in poverty and other humanitarian issues. The answers highlighted the improvements in poverty and global health over the years, yet clarified that these positive trends are now at risk due to recent reductions in U.S. humanitarian aid.
Sister Regine Zoot led the discussion, describing her experience growing up in Northern Ghana, where Western missionaries grew the education system. She described the work of USAID in supporting schools, healthcare and food security in Northern Ghana.
However, in the past year, USAID funding cuts have slowed this progress, and Sister Zoot now dedicates herself to giving back to Ghana through the Holy Child Sisters’ services, which teach children in Northern Ghana useful skills, like sewing and mechanics.
She concluded her speech by emphasizing that Ghana and many other African countries have never been in greater need of assistance from the Western world than they are today.
Sarah Baran followed and described some of the most impactful work she contributed to while working in the UN Office of Humanitarian Affairs. She detailed a case study about a famine in Somalia that was averted, saving 26,000 lives, and how the conditions surrounding this case differed from the devastating famine 15 years ago.
She described the humanitarian efforts that made the difference, including rapid funding responses, investment in local markets and targeted aid to those most in need. She ended her speech by underscoring the importance of assisting other countries facing famine.
Christopher Stephens concluded, explaining the World Bank’s efforts to eliminate poverty and describing how its tactics differed from those of the USAID and the UN. He reminded the audience that the World Bank “doesn’t give money, but loans it,” and expressed that the World Bank combats poverty through infrastructure, policy and the private sector.
He exemplified this through the World Bank’s program, Girls’ Education and Women’s Empowerment and Livelihoods (GEWEL), and its effectiveness in reducing poverty and breaking economic barriers for women in Zambia. He reminded the audience that education has a measurable effect on every aspect of our lives, as “knowledge drives everything.”
The three speakers were then invited to answer the question “How did the decisions you made during undergraduate or your early career shape your work in international development?”
Sister Zoot spoke about her experience as a nurse and a missionary. She said that she is constantly “thinking how can I make a difference back at home where I know so many are struggling.”
Baran highlighted that studying abroad in Chile shaped her worldview, and encouraged everyone to “experience other cultures.”
Stephens recounted moving to Hong Kong for his law firm and eventually taking a job with the International Finance Corporation.
“[It is] serendipitous to keep your options open,” Stephens said.
The panel concluded with a call to action for today’s youth to vote and stay informed.
