|
Independent research & practical ideas for global prosperity
|
|
|
|
Independent research & practical ideas for global prosperity
|
|
Global Prosperity Wonkcast
Posts Tagged: HaitiHaiti: Where Has All the Money Gone? – Vijaya Ramachandran and Julie WalzMay 15, 2012Posted by Lawrence MacDonald in Aid Effectiveness Tags: Aid Effectiveness, Haiti, USAID
Podcast: Play in new window | Download Comment »Leapfrogging Technology, the Case for Biometrics: Alan GelbMay 8, 2012Posted by Lawrence MacDonald in Global Development Tags: Biometrics, Haiti
This show was originally posted on January 11, 2011 In developed countries, official identification systems are a fact of life, providing the foundation for a myriad of transactions including elections, pension payments, and the legal system. Without functional ID systems, citizens of many developing countries miss out on the benefits of official identification. On this week’s Wonkcast, I am joined by CGD senior fellow Alan Gelb who has been researching the potential for new biometric technology, such as computerized finger printing and iris scans, to help poor countries leapfrog the long and complicated process of setting up ID systems. In our conversation, Alan explains the depth of the problem in the developing world. “In most rich countries there are already identity systems that work more or less well,” he says. “In many poor countries, not only is there no consistent identity system but at least half of the people don’t have records of birth at all. They simply don’t exist.” Comment »Leapfrogging Technology, the Case for Biometrics: Alan GelbJune 27, 2011Posted by Lawrence MacDonald in Aid Effectiveness Tags: biometric technology, Biometrics, cash payments, Haiti, ID, Pakistan
The Wonkcast is taking a brief summer vacation. We’ve selected this show from our archives- it was originally posted on January 11, 2011. Podcast: Play in new window | Download Comment »U.S. Disaster Assistance and Migration Policy: Michael ClemensJune 6, 2011Posted by Lawrence MacDonald in Global Development, Migration and Development Tags: Aid, Development, Haiti, humanitarian relief, Michael Clemens, Migration
On this week’s Wonkcast, I’m joined by senior fellow Michael Clemens to discuss why U.S. immigration policy should be part of the United States’ official humanitarian response to natural disasters. Michael, who leads CGD’s work on migration and development, recently commissioned a working paper to figure out what if anything can be done to open a channel for limited numbers of disaster refugees to enter the United States. Podcast: Play in new window | Download 2 Comments »Leapfrogging Technology, the Case for Biometrics: Alan GelbJanuary 11, 2011Posted by Lawrence MacDonald in Aid Effectiveness, Global Development, Population and Development Tags: Alan Gelb, Biometrics, Cash transfers, Haiti, Pakistan
In our conversation, Alan explains the depth of the problem in the developing world. “In most rich countries there are already identity systems that work more or less well,” he says. “In many poor countries, not only is there no consistent identity system but at least half of the people don’t have records of birth at all. They simply don’t exist.” Podcast: Play in new window | Download Comment »
|
|
|
|
CENTER FOR GLOBAL DEVELOPMENT
1800 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Third Floor
Washington DC 20036
Tel 202.416.4000 | Fax 202.416.4050
|
|
|
Print
Share
Since the 2010 earthquake, $6 billion has been disbursed in official aid to help the people of Haiti. Nearly all of it has gone to intermediaries such as international non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and private contractors. Yet there has been a surprising lack of reporting on how the money has been spent. CGD senior fellow 
When a catastrophic earthquake struck Haiti last year the U.S. government and public moved quickly to aid the survivors. The response was swift and compassionate. But America did not do something simple and low-cost that could have helped the survivors of this horrible event. It did not crack open the door and admit a small number of them to the United States.
