What can be said and when does censorship start? Reflections on the role of art in claiming freedom in Israel and Palestine
I want to share a story about the complex reality of Israel-Palestine – a timely occasion given the recent publication of a blog by the GDI Students for Palestine group. Many years ago, I was involved in a research project that engaged with Eritrean asylum seekers in Tel Aviv, and have since maintained multiple connections to academics and civil society networks engaging with topics of migration, refugees and asylum. Some of those associates are about to publish an edited volume called Home in the Making: Arts of Asylum Seekers in Israel. One of the editors had asked me for a foreword, which I wrote, as promised, last December, and was initially thankfully received. So far, so good. However, I was recently told, with some pain by said editor, that the other members of the editorial team did not want my text published, and as this was an inclusive process, it would not appear.
On Brian Eno, joy, gratitude and recognition
In the following blog reposted from One World Together, the team discuss the exciting news of a grant from Brian Eno and Hannah Eno on behalf of their new foundation Coral.
Why women hold the key to a more sustainable agricultural future
By Rabiatu Adamu Saleh
Palestine and Global Development
By the GDI Students for Palestine group
Reflections on the International Forest Defenders Conference, Guinea-Bissau, 19-22 February 2025
by Dr Teklehaymanot Weldemichel
Last week, I had the privilege of attending the 5th International Forest Defenders Conference in Bissau, Guinea-Bissau, where I was invited to speak on the role of colonialism in shaping contemporary land rights in regions of high biodiversity. The conference wasn’t a typical academic conference, bringing together indigenous community representatives, environmental defenders, civil society organizations, and donor agencies from across Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Europe. In fact, I was one of only a handful of academics in attendance.
Can critique encompass hope and optimism? Reflections for “critical” ICT4D
Reflections from Cape Town: A Journey Through Digital Transformation and Inclusion
In January 2025, our Masters students in Management and Information Systems and Digital Development embarked on a field trip to Cape Town. Whilst there, they investigated how organisations of various types are developing digital solutions, and explored local landmarks and culture.
In the following blog, Stefhanie Chitra outlines some of the key takeaways from the experience. In another post, Tendai Getrude Kunje reflects on the positive effect of extracurricular activities over the course of the trip.
By Stefhanie Chitra – MSc Digital Development Student
How extracurricular activities enriched our Cape Town field trip experience
In January 2025, our Masters students in Management and Information Systems and Digital Development embarked on a field trip to Cape Town. Whilst there, they investigated how organisations of various types are developing digital solutions, and explored local landmarks and culture.
In the following blog, Tendai Getrude Kunje reflects on some of her most memorable moments. In another blog, Stefhanie Chitra discusses some of the more theoretical lessons she learnt on the trip.
By Tendai Getrude Kunje, MSc Digital Development Student
Reflecting on post-PhD research dissemination
By Epiphania Kimaro
Doing my PhD at the Global Development Institute gave me invaluable skills and opportunities, including the post-PhD research dissemination fund award. This award was an opportunity but also a challenge to share my research findings with participants and diverse stakeholders, which supports my broader efforts to explore the practical utility of my research. My research focused on the people and organisational aspects of ICT4D, where I worked with several digital social enterprises and technology non-profit organisations in East Africa, to understand how the organisational context may enable or hinder outcomes of ICT4D projects.
Bridging Theory and Action: Pragmatist-Critical Realism in Development Studies
When it comes to tackling real-world problems, researchers often find themselves choosing between two big philosophical approaches: positivism, which focuses on hard facts and objectivity, and constructivism, which highlights how people shape their reality. Both approaches have strengths, but also big weaknesses. This has left a gap in development studies, where action and change are as important as understanding the problems.