Anna Gawel

Managing Editor at Devex

Managing Editor at @Devex / Previously with The Washington Diplomat and @WTOP. Views expressed here are my own and hopefully somewhat interesting.

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Articles

Risk-averse Gates bets his fortune on the future

3 days ago | devex.com | Anna Gawel

By most accounts, Bill Gates is a measured man. He literally relies on measurements, data, and reams of performance metrics to determine how to give away his billions. And despite the colorful conspiracy theories that often dog the billionaire philanthropist, he’s generally shied away from stepping into the political fray — until U.S. President Donald Trump. In a way, Gates had no choice. The U.S. is the biggest bilateral donor in the world, and Trump is not exactly a fan of foreign aid.
Devex Newswire: Bill Gates takes a big risk on money and politics

3 days ago | devex.com | Anna Gawel

Billionaire philanthropist Bill Gates just gave the development world a jolt of much-needed good news, declaring that he’s doubling his giving to $200 billion over the next 20 years. We analyze what prompted it and what it means. Also in today’s edition: The World Bank orders Africa CDC to cut positions, the U.S. tries to replace the U.N. in Gaza, and more philanthropic buzz. + Happening today: Europe's development funding is changing.
The skinny on Trump’s very big first 100 days

1 week ago | devex.com | Anna Gawel

In just 100 days, Trump has dismantled most of USAID, slashing 85% of its programs and gutting its staff. As foreign aid collapses and priorities shift, Devex unpacks what’s left, what’s next, and who might fill the void. U.S. President Donald Trump has been busy. In just 100 days, he’s managed to decapitate most of America’s foreign aid apparatus.
Devex Newswire: Philanthropies fear for their future under Trump

3 weeks ago | devex.com | Anna Gawel

There’s long been chatter that U.S. President Donald Trump will go after the nonprofits and philanthropies he believes are opposed to his agenda. That chatter is growing louder and louder. Also in today’s edition: First, USAID. Now, is it the State Department’s turn? Plus, the World Bank-IMF Spring Meetings kick off today. Will the bank’s agenda collide with Trump’s?
Devex Pro Insider: Banking on common ground, and metaphorical and literal coffins

3 weeks ago | devex.com | Anna Gawel

A U.S. representative criticizes the World Bank for its focus on climate change; NGOs push back on the Trump administration's attempt to restrict philanthropy; and AIDS activists protest PEPFAR cuts with coffins. Spring is in the air. Easter is here. And for those who religiously follow finance, the World Bank-International Monetary Fund Spring Meetings in Washington, D.C., kick off this week.
Devex Newswire: USAID programs under review, yet again

3 weeks ago | devex.com | Anna Gawel

The United States is embarking on a review of its previously completed review of USAID programming. Is that bad or good news for those who did (or didn’t) make the cut? Also in today’s edition: The World Bank’s Ajay Banga speaks to reporters — and surreptitiously to U.S. President Donald Trump? The never-ending reviewThis is a preview of NewswireSign up to this newsletter for an inside look at the biggest stories in global development, in your inbox daily. First, we got the announcement on Jan.
Somali Development and Reconstruction Bank pushes for private investment

4 weeks ago | devex.com | Anna Gawel

During a recent Devex Pro briefing, the bank’s governor, Hodan Osman, talked about the opportunities and challenges of investing in least-developed states. Somalia is working to lift itself out of years of conflict and poverty — and that includes amping up the work of the Somali Development and Reconstruction Bank so that the country can better mobilize private sector investment. As governor of the bank, Hodan Osman is helping to spearhead that effort.
US Congressman French Hill: World Bank 'way off course'

4 weeks ago | devex.com | Anna Gawel

The Republican House representative criticizes the bank, and other multilateral institutions, in part for disproportionately focusing on climate change, though he doesn't advocate for the U.S. to abandon multilateralism. Congressman French Hill doesn’t support pulling the United States out of the multilateral system and said it’s compatible with President Trump’s “America First” ethos. At the same time, multilateral institutions are “way off course,” especially when it comes to climate change.
Devex Newswire: Glass definitely half empty for State Department and USAID

4 weeks ago | devex.com | Anna Gawel

There’s no way to sugarcoat losing half your resources. And that’s the size of the budget cut that the U.S. State Department — now fused with USAID — faces if the Trump administration gets its way. Also in today’s edition: A budget-slasher replaces a budget-slasher at the State Department. This is a preview of NewswireSign up to this newsletter for an inside look at the biggest stories in global development, in your inbox daily.
Devex Newswire: Accusations of safety lapses at World Central Kitchen

1 month ago | devex.com | Anna Gawel

The deaths of seven World Central Kitchen workers in Gaza just over a year ago stunned the world. But some WCK staffers say the tragedy was only a matter of time. Also in today’s edition: Peter Marocco is reportedly out at the U.S. State Department. Plus, the Open Society Foundations completes its transformation, but there’s one thing it won’t do. This is a preview of NewswireSign up to this newsletter for an inside look at the biggest stories in global development, in your inbox daily.