NGOs rely on the images and stories of the people they work with to communicate the importance of their life-changing work. These contributors generously share their images, experiences and perspectives, but many of the stories NGOs share perpetuate stereotypes about the developing world and portray these people as disempowered.  Organisations are taking steps to source authentic imagery, but there’s still an imbalance of power between the NGO worker asking for a photo and the person having their picture taken.  This episode interrogates how NGOs can gather and deliver content more respectfully and ethically. Bond's Michal Blaszczyk talks to Ernest Randriarimalala from WaterAid Madagascar, Rachel Erskine from Amref Health Africa UK, and Jess Crombie, senior lecturer at University of the Arts London. Access our ethical content guidelines and find out more about the Bond Conference here: http://bit.ly/2SUkNX5 

Bondcast

Is NGO storytelling unethical?

With so many global problems escalating in scale and complexity, civil society needs to find new ways of working together to transform how we deliver international development and humanitarian assistance. We bring together experts who work across coalitions, networks and sectors to hear their experiences and insights of driving collaborative change. Stephanie Draper, Bond CEO, talks to Christina Bennett, CEO of the Start Network, Nasra Ismail, director of Somalia NGO Consortium, and Forum for the Future's Charlene Collison, who works on the Cotton 2040 initiative.

How do we collaborate to solve today’s biggest problems?

It’s been a turbulent last few weeks in British politics, but the political parties managed to hold their annual party conferences in the midst of Brexit and prorogation. But where does international development fit into this political maelstrom? What do politicians and MPs really think of aid? In this episode, experts provide their experiences and insights of parliamentary advocacy to breakdown how much the parties really support international development. Bond's Paul Abernethy chats to Martin Drewry, director of Health Poverty Action, Lucy Drescher, head of parliamentary advocacy at RESULTS, and Ali Stiby-Harris, head of UK influencing at Save the Children. You'll also hear snippets from our interviews with politicians from Labour, Conservatives, Liberal Democrats and the SNP.

What do politicians really think of aid?

Only 1% of aid and humanitarian assistance goes directly to local organisations in developing countries. Despite a commitment to sustainable and locally-led development, international NGOs have still not redressed the imbalance of power, resources and funds that exists between northern NGOs and southern civil society organisations. So why have we not made progress in supporting and empowering those organisations that can best help the people in their communities? Is there a fundamental problem with the INGO system and its complicated funding dynamics? Bond's Zoe Abrahamson talks to Danny Sriskandarajah, chief executive of Oxfam GB, Bolor Legjeem, programs director at Mongolian Women’s Fund, and Jennie Richmond, social impact strategy consultant and former head of international grants at Comic Relief.

Is the international NGO system broken?

The UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) represent a step forward in their recognition of systemic issues like inequality, peace and justice. But some critics say there has been a lack of concrete action by states or little space for accountability by citizens. Why is it so important that the UK engages with the SDGs on the international stage? How can NGOs ensure that the government upholds the goals’ central principle that the most marginalised shouldn't be left behind? Bond's Kit Dorey talks to Diane Kingston OBE, senior advisor on policy and government affairs at Frontline AIDS, Matt Jackson, UK director of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), and Keya Khandaker, accountability advocate for the SDGs and PhD student.

Can the SDGs really transform our world?

Despite the international development sector’s crucial work in tackling inequalities overseas, the UK NGO workforce still faces challenges in diversity, inclusion and unequal pay. How do we drive positive cultural change at all levels of an organisation? How do aid workers navigate complex contexts in countries where they are not afforded the same rights as the UK? We brought together experts delve into these complicated issues. Bond's Michal Blaszczyk chats to Frances Longely, chief executive at AMREF Health Africa UK, Paul Amadi, chief supporter officer at British Red Cross, and Ilaria Michelis, who is researching intersectionality in the humanitarian response to gender-based violence and the experiences of humanitarian staff.

Stepping up to our diversity and inclusion challenge

We need to wake up to the triple challenges of tackling climate change, eliminating poverty and protecting the natural environment. At the recent Bond Conference, we brought together experts from different sectors to interrogate how we as NGOs can tackle this urgent crisis together. Hear thoughts from Farhana Yamin from Extinction Rebellion, Tanya Steele from WWF UK, and Christine Allen from CAFOD. The panel was moderated by Clare Shakya from IIED. If you liked this podcast, please rate or review us on your chosen player.

Climate and environment issues are development challenges too

As the UK government move towards higher investment in Africa, more and more aid is being delivered through the private sector. What do these trends mean for the poorest countries? And how can we as NGOs break through the political rhetoric of a “Global Britain” to practically and positively engage with the privatisation agenda? We’ve brought together a range of sector experts to interrogate these trends. Bond's Kate Oliver chats to Liz May, head of policy and advocacy at Traidcraft Exchange, Toby Quantrill, global lead on economic justice at Christian Aid, and Jesse Griffiths from the Overseas Development Institute. Find out more on the Bondcast website.

Can private finance ever work for the world’s poorest?

This episode of the Bondcast comes from a session at the Bond Conference 2018, where panellists discussed how northern NGOs can work with southern partners to help them better lead their own development. The session was chaired by Irungu Houghton, executive director of Amnesty International Kenya. He was joined by Ambika Satkunanathan, chairperson of the Neelan Tiruchelvam Trust, Jessica Horn, director of programmes for the African Women’s Development Fund, and Roland Siebes from the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Leading from the global south

There’s been a lot of hype around blockchain. Some say it will revolutionise the way we operate, while others are sceptical of its potential. Now the international development and humanitarian community is beginning to explore how this new technology can be utilised for more effective and transparent activities. In this podcast, we debate whether blockhain can bring transparency and empowerment to donors, NGOs and the people they aim to support. Bond's Lena Bheeroo chats to Rhodri Davies, head of policy at Charities Aid Foundation, and Ben Joakim, CEO of blockchain finance system Disberse.

The potential and pitfalls of blockchain

Since revelations of sexual exploitation by charity workers broke earlier this year, the media has referred to a crisis of public trust in NGOs. Are these negative stories eroding public trust? Or is there a more complex, threatening storm of public perceptions brewing? Bond’s media manager Maryam Mohsin interrogates these questions with three experts from the across the sector: Amy Fairbairn, head of media and communications at Mercy Corps, Jessica Abrahams, associate editor at Devex, and Tom Silverman, partner at Humankind Research.

A sceptical public and hostile media attitudes

We bring together the latest insights and perspectives to broaden the conversation on international development. Experts and practitioners from across the sector interrogate the latest trends and debates on crucial current issues to stimulate your thinking.

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