This community contains material from the Oxford Forum for International Development (OxFID) 2022 conference. We encourage our 2022 speakers to include any relevant and publications research they wish to share related to the discussions features in the 2022 edition of OxFID.

OxFID is one of the largest student-led development conferences in Europe, drawing in attendees from the UK, as well as internationally, every single year. This year, our theme is Aurora: Redefining Progress and Navigating Transition.

Since 2008, OxFID has been facilitating conversation and collaboration between actors in international development, inspiring attendees to engage with global issues, and providing opportunities for networking and dialogue across a range of sectors and disciplines.

Our theme this year is Aurora: Redefining Progress and Navigating Transition. It comes from the idea that the international community now has a unique opportunity to rethink, to reshape - to rebuild. And it is this very process of “building back better” that lies at the crux of international development. A conversation, dominated by considerations of traditional metrics such as GDP, inflation and trade balances, is challenged by the stark picture of global realignment.

Thus, through a critical examination of where we are and what has come to an end, we will question the classical approach to international development. Reflecting on our goals and vision, we may move beyond change to newly understand sustainability, collaboration and impassioned change. We must redefine progress.

From this transitional point, we have a monumental opportunity to advance development efforts. International development has to change, and it needs to manage transformation in our attitudes, institutions and beyond. With that in mind, we must adopt multidimensional priorities and multifaceted efforts to address sustainability and inclusion.

This change must take place on every level for us to overcome the present obstacles of parochial interests, polarization, and pessimism. If we are willing to work together, to form partnerships which support mutual growth, to ensure that progress is not just the privilege of a few but a realistic and attainable target for all, we will be reenergized in the pursuit of our aims, and we will be empowered in our efforts to navigate transition.