As someone navigating the early stages of a career in the international sector, I often hear the question: how do we move forward with purpose in a field that is constantly evolving?
On July 14, 2025, SID-United States, in partnership with the Global Center for Innovation and Learning (GCIL) and UNA-NCA, hosted a hybrid event titled International Development: Past, Present, and Future. The discussion embraced this uncertainty, while also offering insightful perspectives on how to move forward.
The event featured two books by authors with decades of experience in the development field: Michael Gubser’s Their Future: A History of Ahistoricism in International Development and Sam Worthington’s Prisoners of Hope: Global Action and the Evolving Roles of U.S. NGOs. The authors discussed complexities and possibilities within international development.
When asked about the three main takeaways from their books. Michael Gubser opened with a powerful reminder:
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“History Matters”
We cannot effectively build the future of development work without first understanding its past. Gubser's book underscores the importance of making sense of the past to understand how we move forward.
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Bridging Communities
Several different communities exist within international development, and they must work together. Through his co-founding of the Center for Development History, Gubser is actively working to bridge often disconnected communities, such as between academics and practitioners, where he has seen this disconnect first-hand. Connecting these two communities would provide a well-rounded approach to development by incorporating both academic insight and practical experience.
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Localization
A powerful concept Gubser shared was the need for a localized approach that is well-informed by history. Localization requires engaging with the social, cultural, and historical landscapes of each community. Meaningful impact requires more than action, it requires a willingness to learn.
Worthington’s reflections focused on how we confront uncertainty and maintain forward momentum:
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Hope is not naive, it’s necessary.
Having witnessed conflict zones and crises around the world, he explained that hope is not about being optimistic; instead, it’s the ability to imagine a different future and actively work to move forward. This call to action was incredibly motivating to me because we can and must impact the future. In a sector facing uncertainty and disillusionment, Worthington’s belief in human empathy and civic space felt like a reminder to stay engaged, especially when the systems we work within are challenged.
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The Role of NGOs
Worthington also posed a critical question: What is the role of NGOs in the future? His answer was clear: they’re not going away because development will persist as long as global business exists. But their role must adapt. This includes reevaluating how NGOs operate and finding their voice.
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Protecting Civic Space
Worthington emphasized the need to protect civic space, where civil society can thrive without constraint. Maintaining this space is critical, especially now as we are witnessing increasing restrictions.
Looking Ahead
As the event came to a close, both speakers returned to the idea that although this moment is uncertain, it is most definitely not the end. It’s a turning point. Gubser called it an "interlude," a pause that allows space for new thinking, new trials, and a return to core values. Worthington reminded us that each of us has the power to act and to shift systems toward strategies that are stronger than before.
International development will always be a complex and evolving field. But that doesn’t mean we should step back. It means we must step forward with a creative and compassionate mindset. There’s real work to be done, and as both authors reminded us, work begins by understanding where we’ve been, listening to local voices and lived experiences, and never losing sight of the possibility for something better.