David McNair @davidmcnair.bsky.social · 30/09/2026What do 167 UN General Assembly speeches say about the state of geopolitics? I analysed them all to uncover six faultlines. senseofthings.substack.com/p/what-do-16... 010
David McNair @davidmcnair.bsky.social · 18/09/2026If, like me, you are trying to make sense of things then join me over on Substack. I’ll be writing about geopolitics, technology and economic development, how the business of influence is changing - among other things. senseofthings.substack.com/p/the-questi... 011
Reposted by David McNairDave Jones @cleanpowerdave.bsky.social · 26/08/2025NEW: The first evidence of a solar take-off in Africa☀️✈️ x33 rise in Algeria solar panel imports in the 12 mths to June 2025, compared to previous 12 mths. x8 in Zambia x7 in Botswana x6 in Sudan x3 in each of Liberia, DRC, Benin, Angola, Ethiopia 🧵 301725610
Reposted by David McNairONE Campaign @onecampaign.bsky.social · 01/08/2025"By shifting incentives to reward long-term thinking, collective action, and bold risk-taking, individual foundations and the sector as a whole can help build the resilient, just, and hopeful future the world urgently needs." Read more from @davidmcnair.bsky.social: tinyurl.com/ywst3bmjtinyurl.comPhilanthropy Leaders Retreat: A Call for Bravery, Patience and InnovationBy David McNair, Executive Director for Global Policy, ONE Campaign In June, a dedicated two-day retreat brought together leaders from major global philanthropic foundations - outside the usual cycle ... 013
David McNair @davidmcnair.bsky.social · 05/07/2025A colleague shared this image #Canada As our societal resilience to risks breaks down, we elect leaders that entertain us, distract us from reality, and take us down the road of conflict That we can find limitless money for weaponry but deal with fundamental threats to our survival is baffling 110
Reposted by David McNairPublish What You Fund @publishwhatyoufund.bsky.social · 03/07/2025🌍Can we trust current climate finance claims? 🎥At the launch of the 2025 DFI Transparency Index, @davidmcnair.bsky.social from @onecampaign.bsky.social breaks down why transparent, harmonised reporting is critical for accountability in climate finance. #ClimateFinance #DFITransparency #2025Index 033
Reposted by David McNairTim Hirschel-Burns @timhirschelburns.bsky.social · 29/06/2025With much of the Global North turning away from development, it's clear a new vision of global solidarity is needed. @davidmcnair.bsky.social laid out a template for what that could look like www.independent.co.uk/voices/aid-b...independent.co.ukGlobal aid is about more than money and charity – it helps us allThe world has done extraordinary things when we’ve had a vision to match our resources, writes David McNair 101
David McNair @davidmcnair.bsky.social · 28/06/2025I wrote a piece for @the-independent.com on the future of development policy. focus on 👉🏿 goals not budgets 👉🏿mutual interest not charity 👉🏿universal values not preaching www.independent.co.uk/voices/aid-b... #ffd4 #acm25independent.co.ukGlobal aid is about more than money and charity – it helps us allThe world has done extraordinary things when we’ve had a vision to match our resources, writes David McNair 052
Reposted by David McNairRichard Jones @richardaljones.bsky.social · 04/06/2025Moore's law, past & future Technological change over last 50 years was dominated by Moore's law, & resulting exponential increase in computer power. That period is now drawing to a close, just as the demand for computer power is growing exponentially: my blogpost www.softmachines.org/wordpress/?p...softmachines.orgMoore’s Law, past and future – Soft Machines 273
Reposted by David McNairKatri Bertram @katribertram.bsky.social · 26/05/2025@davidmcnair.bsky.social, your LinkedIn post also resonated and I'd love your thoughts: Are we focusing on the right issues, or "trying to go back". 001
David McNair @davidmcnair.bsky.social · 19/05/2025🚗More than 1 in 4 cars sold worldwide this year is set to be electric according to the International Energy Agency (IEA) Dominated by China 🇨🇳with European manufacturers in second place. 🇪🇺 The energy transition is happening with or without politics. ✅ 020
David McNair @davidmcnair.bsky.social · 19/05/2025Early start as I head to #Geneva for the World Health Assembly. This is the annual gathering of Health Ministers and officials to discuss global health governance. There are lots of headwinds…. #WHA 110
Reposted by David McNairONE Campaign @onecampaign.bsky.social · 16/05/2025Over the past two decades, we've helped unlock over $1 trillion in financing, trained 5,000+ youth activists, and helped save 50 million lives. Whether you signed a petition, met with your reps, or shared a post — you helped make it happen. Here’s to 20 years of action, and many more to come! 💥 021
Reposted by David McNairSam Huckstep @samhuckstep.bsky.social · 16/05/2025Remittances have long been a lifeline to low-income countries, often exceeding aid and foreign direct investment combined. After aid cuts, their importance has increased- sometimes markedly. In a new @cgdev.org blog, @helen-dempster.bsky.social and I explore how their benefits can be maximised.cgdev.orgAfter Aid Cuts, Here’s How to Make the Most Out of RemittancesExplore how remittances could help reduce the impacts of aid cuts and support broader economic development goals. 274
David McNair @davidmcnair.bsky.social · 07/05/2025A genuine question for an article I'm working on: Is anyone in progressive movements / working on multilateral reform calling for *less* multilateralism? I mean focus on problems only international cooperation can solve and leave the rest to national and local? Recommendations v welcome! 100
David McNair @davidmcnair.bsky.social · 07/05/2025As the #Conclave to select the next #Pope begins this article is a good overview of the front runners.⛪️ I’ve only met one of the candidates and don’t really feel qualified to comment But moral leadership is thin on the ground & this is a vote that matters.🗳️ www.nytimes.com/article/next...nytimes.comWho Will Be the Next Pope? Here Are Some Possible Contenders. 000
David McNair @davidmcnair.bsky.social · 07/05/2025✅ Ireland should launch a ‘People & Planet Fund’ 🌍💶: Using part of the 14bn Apple windfall to create a global investment vehicle for: ♻️ Renewable energy 🌱 Climate resilience 🚀 A Win-Win Approach: Could boost Ireland’s global influence, create new markets, while building a fairer, greener world. 001
Reposted by David McNairDavid McNair @davidmcnair.bsky.social · 10/01/2025🎙️ I spoke with @africanews about Emerging Market Debt in 2025 . 🌍📉 📊 African countries will pay $88bn in debt service. 💰 Half to private creditors at expensive rates. 🌟 The G20 could help bring these costs down by reducing risk ratings. africanews.com/2025/01/09/w...africanews.comWhat is at stake for African sovereign debt in 2025? [Business Africa] | AfricanewsOver 20 African countries will spend more on debt service than on healthcare or education in 2025. The picture gets even more complicated given interest rates are not expected to fall sharply. Over ha... 152
Reposted by David McNairDavid McNair @davidmcnair.bsky.social · 16/01/2025🌍✨ Next week, I’ll be in #Davos for the World Economic Forum. There's so much public data out there that can improve policy making. But the friction involved in accessing it is too high. We’ll be showcasing how we’re removing those barriers 📊🔍. If you want to catch up, let me know. 🌟 021
Reposted by David McNairAnn Pettifor @annpettifor.bsky.social · 15/02/2025" I am telling you very clearly: we must prepare for war" www.ft.com/content/f268...ft.comWho will defend Europe?Caught between an aggressive Russia and a disengaging America, the continent’s western democracies must now rearm — or pay the price 69132
Reposted by David McNairEssi Lindstedt @essi-lindstedt.bsky.social · 13/02/2025But overall it does feel like Ireland is one of the few European countries which can make a case for doing this kind of partnership independently rather than joining into something EU branded. Although then equally I would like to see Ireland getting EU action more effective and partnershippy. 101
David McNair @davidmcnair.bsky.social · 13/02/2025🇮🇪 #Ireland Should Lead with a Bold New Vision for Global Aid 🌍 Thank you to The Irish Times for publishing an idea I’ve been thinking about for a while. 🧵👇 242
David McNair @davidmcnair.bsky.social · 08/02/2025This week I spent my energy on two things 1. Trying to figure out what I can do to defend the liberal order. 2. Trying to get permission from IT to create new google docs. I failed on the latter. #modernlife 240
David McNair @davidmcnair.bsky.social · 07/02/2025📍 Today’s thinking spot: #DunLaoghaire Library, #Dublin Reflecting on the latest chapter in the US, Europe, and the G7’s retreat from the world… and what it means for global #development and international cooperation. Some early thoughts—keen to hear yours. 👇🧵 130
David McNair @davidmcnair.bsky.social · 20/01/2025Could wildfires spark the next financial crisis? 🔥💸 The scenes in LA are devastating, with so many people losing their homes and livelihoods. 🏚️💔 Wildfires have already caused an estimated $250-$275 billion in damages and economic losses. 💵📉 #WEF25 100
David McNair @davidmcnair.bsky.social · 16/01/2025🌍✨ Next week, I’ll be in #Davos for the World Economic Forum. There's so much public data out there that can improve policy making. But the friction involved in accessing it is too high. We’ll be showcasing how we’re removing those barriers 📊🔍. If you want to catch up, let me know. 🌟 021
David McNair @davidmcnair.bsky.social · 10/01/2025🎙️ I spoke with @africanews about Emerging Market Debt in 2025 . 🌍📉 📊 African countries will pay $88bn in debt service. 💰 Half to private creditors at expensive rates. 🌟 The G20 could help bring these costs down by reducing risk ratings. africanews.com/2025/01/09/w...africanews.comWhat is at stake for African sovereign debt in 2025? [Business Africa] | AfricanewsOver 20 African countries will spend more on debt service than on healthcare or education in 2025. The picture gets even more complicated given interest rates are not expected to fall sharply. Over ha... 152
David McNair @davidmcnair.bsky.social · 20/12/2024In African Business, Vera Songwe and I write about the potential of the G20's Cost of Capital Commission. african.business/2024/12/poli...african.businessSouth Africa’s G20 presidency: a chance to tackle the debt crisisSouth Africa has the moral authority and political leverage to push for solutions, say David McNair and Vera Songwe. 030
Reposted by David McNairHaaretz.com @haaretzcom.bsky.social · 19/12/2024"People need to know what this war really looks like": Israeli soldiers who served in Gaza describe indiscriminate killing and the routine classification of civilian casualties as terrorists in conversations with Haaretzhaaretz.comIDF soldiers expose arbitrary killings and rampant lawlessness in Gaza's Netzarim corridor*** 32997499
Reposted by David McNairAlex Selby-Boothroyd @alexselbyb.bsky.social · 19/12/2024If you read only one newsletter about the best coding language for data journalism, choose wisely 7688
David McNair @davidmcnair.bsky.social · 19/12/2024I love the FT… …but of all the 8.2bn of us on this planet you could choose from … 030
Reposted by David McNairJohn Burn-Murdoch @jburnmurdoch.ft.com · 18/12/2024Same! And I think this aspect of things is criminally under-discussed in textbooks and other resources on how to make good charts. 241
David McNair @davidmcnair.bsky.social · 18/12/2024Best #geopolitics quote i've heard in a while: The Frank Sinatra approach to trade and investment - I'll do it my way - is expensive. Much cheaper to partner, share risk, and collaborate. 010
David McNair @davidmcnair.bsky.social · 14/12/2024This week South Africa announced a new G20 Cost of Capital Commission to bring down the high cost of Africa’s debt. Here’s a piece I just published with Carnegie Endowment for International Peace on what the Commission could achieve. carnegieendowment.org/emissary/202...carnegieendowment.orgHow South Africa Can Use Its G20 Presidency to Reduce the Cost of Developing Countries’ DebtThe debt limits these governments’ abilities to invest in their futures. 052
Reposted by David McNairDavid McNair @davidmcnair.bsky.social · 12/12/2024The public library in #DunLaoghaire #Dublin is an amazing public space. It's where I wrote a debt proposal that was adopted by the #G20 this week. And where I'm working on an idea for using Ireland's Apple Windfall to reframe how we do #development and #climate #foreignpolicy. 031
David McNair @davidmcnair.bsky.social · 12/12/2024The public library in #DunLaoghaire #Dublin is an amazing public space. It's where I wrote a debt proposal that was adopted by the #G20 this week. And where I'm working on an idea for using Ireland's Apple Windfall to reframe how we do #development and #climate #foreignpolicy. 031
Reposted by David McNairDavid McNair @davidmcnair.bsky.social · 10/12/2024I'm delighted that the #SouthAfrican G20 Presidency has officially created a 'Cost of Capital Commission.' 🧵 This is rooted in an idea I had at the start of the summer on a trip to beautiful Joberg. 👉 Africa’s debt crisis is not one of too much debt. 141
David McNair @davidmcnair.bsky.social · 10/12/2024I'm delighted that the #SouthAfrican G20 Presidency has officially created a 'Cost of Capital Commission.' 🧵 This is rooted in an idea I had at the start of the summer on a trip to beautiful Joberg. 👉 Africa’s debt crisis is not one of too much debt. 141
Reposted by David McNairSimon Evans @drsimevans.carbonbrief.org · 09/12/2024World Bank: "Developing countries spent a record $1.4tn to service their foreign debt…in 2023…squeezing budgets of many…in critical areas such as health, education, & envt" Perspective on developing countries' unmet request at #COP29 for $1.3tn in annual climate finance… 34728
David McNair @davidmcnair.bsky.social · 09/12/2024I spoke with the @FT about The World Bank's #IDA replenishment. The World Bank will leverage $23.7bn to $100bn but in doing so could risk what makes IDA such an impactful tool: its concessionality. You can read more here. 👇 www.ft.com/content/69b2... 131
David McNair @davidmcnair.bsky.social · 09/12/2024This article is worth your time. Is the EU equipped to survive in today’s geo-political jungle? Not without cohesion… on.ft.com/4gh2bdion.ft.comEuropeans need to learn some lessons about power — and fastThe world has changed, but the EU’s worldview hasn’t changed with it 000
Reposted by David McNairE3G - Third Generation Environmentalism @e3g.bsky.social · 06/12/2024The World Bank's International Development Association (IDA) provides climate & development finance to the world’s poorest countries. But the recent 3-year replenishment of the fund has fallen short of what's needed. Read on for why this matters & what needs to happen next👇🧵 163
Reposted by David McNairRobin Wigglesworth @robinwigglesworth.ft.com · 03/12/2024Damn. It’s kicking off in South Korea. on.ft.com/49ipUr0on.ft.comSouth Korean president declares martial law[FREE TO READ] Opposition calls lawmakers to parliament 2115
David McNair @davidmcnair.bsky.social · 02/12/2024An excellent piece of wisdom from Mark Malloch-Brown. As global norms erode, leadership is more vital than ever. 🌎⚖️ We must: 💪 Champion strong, empathetic leadership 🛡️ Build global ownership of legal systems 🤝 Bridge generational divides www.daghammarskjold.se/wp-content/u...daghammarskjold.se 020
David McNair @davidmcnair.bsky.social · 29/11/2024How can the ‘Very Best of Bob Dylan’ not include ‘My Back Pages’? open.spotify.com/album/2zqHGx...open.spotify.comThe Very Best Of 010
Reposted by David McNairRoben Farzad 🦋 @robenfarzad.bsky.social · 23/11/2024I'm old enough to remember when emerging-market investing was hot www.wsj.com/finance/inve... #EM @spencerjakab.bsky.social @wsj.com #emergingmarkets #investing 084