What’s Stopping Aid from Putting Local People and Organizations First? Answers from a Global Conversation

The world is currently at an inflection point that could enable the transformation of aid for developing countries. The convergence of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Black Lives Matter movement, as well as the withdrawal of most international staff across the globe, has opened up space for more honest conversations around racism and the decolonization of aid.

Courtenay Cabot VentonNovember 4, 2021

Money to Burn? The Cost of Late Response to Humanitarian Crises

Our collective inaction to humanitarian crises is crippling our ability to cope with unprecedented need. And yet the evidence is clear that our dollars could help many more people, and actually avert suffering, if we invested more in prevention and anticipatory action.

Courtenay Cabot VentonNovember 3, 2016

Children on the Frontline: Climate Change and Humanitarian Crisis

This piece was co-authored by David Miliband and Courtenay Cabot Venton.
Children are on the frontline of the impacts of climate change. Over 99% of deaths already attributable to climate-related changes occur in developing countries – and children make up over 80% of those deaths. The number of people affected by humanitarian crisis has almost doubled over the last 10 years, and the cost has trebled.

Courtenay Cabot VentonJune 14, 2016

From Fighting Villains, to Fighting Poverty: How Hugh Jackman is Inspiring a New Generation of Entrepreneurs

Actor Hugh Jackman and economist Courtenay Cabot Venton are each working on initiatives to inspire a new generation of entrepreneurs to combine people, planet & profit in their ventures.

Courtenay Cabot VentonJune 14, 2016

The Impending Crisis in Ethiopia: A Costly Delay

Ethiopia is yet again facing a humanitarian crisis that looks set to devastate much of the country’s population. Despite impressive growth figures over the last decade, 20 million Ethiopians are still under the poverty line. El Nino related weather is causing drought, destroying any chance of sustained poverty reduction. responding early would result in an estimated savings of at least $1 billion.

Courtenay Cabot VentonOctober 23, 2015

In Pursuit of the Common Good: Coffee Sows the Seeds of Change

Seven years ago, Hugh Jackman set off on a journey to Ethiopia that would change his life in ways that he could never have predicted. This week, a documentary film “Dukale’s Dream” is being released that chronicles this journey. Hugh Jackman and economist Courtenay Cabot Venton explain why the messages of the film extend well beyond Dukale and tell a story of empowerment and hope that is transforming poverty.

Courtenay Cabot VentonJuly 13, 2015