Development Dialogues

As part of the European Association of Development Research and Training Institutes (EADI) Directors’ Meeting in Dublin, the Development Studies Association Ireland (DSAI) is delighted to host Development Dialogues, a public lecture and panel event on Thursday, 29 October 2026, at the Swift Theatre, Trinity College Dublin.

Part 1: European Development Cooperation in the Current Conjuncture

The current conjuncture is marked by intersecting and interacting crises and competing demands. From the green, digital, and demographic transitions to tariff-trade-territory wars, Europe and her member states have evidently pivoted from global sustainable development cooperation to a focus on militarisation, rearmament, and security, along with renewed emphasis on deregulation and competitiveness as essential elements of the region's strategic autonomy.

The extent to which this conjuncture is shaping the focus and direction of European Development Cooperation is widely debated, with many concerned that increases in defence spending will drive cutbacks in social investment, climate action and socio-ecological transformation.

At the same time, the last decade has witnessed the rise of anti-gender mobilisations; extreme-right assemblages; anti-migrant and xenophobic movements; and ethno-nationalist sentiment. These developments are actively reshaping civic space, with the most recent Civicus Monitoring report raising serious concerns about a distinct shrinking of civic space and attacks on civil society organisations and entities, including the silencing of debate and protest and reduced funding and support for civil society organisations.

So, what are the implications for development cooperation and global solidarities?

Beginning with a Keynote Address from Mr Barry Andrews, MEP, followed by a panel discussion with leading experts, this first part will explore the changing face of European Development Cooperation.

Part 2: Crisis Preparedness for the Incoming Storm

The second part of the event will reflect on crisis readiness and preparedness planning for what many believe is an incoming perfect storm.

Our panel of experts will discuss humanitarian-development preparations for the unfolding food-climate-human security and care crises, as El Niño continues to deepen to historic proportions and the ongoing war in Iran and across multiple locations continues to destroy lives, livelihoods and realignment of geopolitical alliances and international relations.