Meetup : Effective Altruism Melbourne Screening & Discussion: Does Foreign Aid Work?

Over the past sixty years or so, several trillion dollars has been given by western countries as foreign aid to countries in the developing world. How effective have these donations been in promoting economic growth, reducing poverty, and raising living standards? Which types of aid work, and which don’t? How could we reform the way aid is given and used so is to make it more effective? Are there additional things besides aid that are needed or could be helpful? Do China, India, or Brazil provide good examples for less developed countries to emulate, and if so how can a country be moved in that direction?

Any of these questions would take years to answer properly, so we’ll turn to experts on the subject. Specifically, at this event, we’ll watch some talks by renowned economists Dambisa Moyo and Jeffrey Sachs, who have strident and mutually opposing views on the subject. (Let us know if you have suggestions of further speakers or videos we could watch). We will then have a discussion about the ideas and issues they raise.

After the event we will head out to dinner for continued discussion. Everyone is welcome. See you there!