Welcome to my little corner of the web! I’m Natasha Batley.
This is where my passion for global development meets honest reflection. With 10 years of experience working across the United Nations, World Bank, other development agencies and multinationals, I’ve had a front-row seat to both the immense power and the sometimes frustrating gaps in big policies and bold promises.
Here, I share stories, insights and analyses on global development and UN policy, alongside thoughts on sustainable development. My aim is to spark conversations about the world we’re all trying to improve one policy, one community and one thoughtful discussion at a time. Join me!
To realize the World Bank’s Twin Goals of ending extreme poverty and advancing shared prosperity,
Let’s be brutally honest: Andy Batley, who finally shuffled off this mortal coil in 2020
Let’s be brutally honest: Andy Batley, who finally shuffled off this mortal coil in 2020 (a year which, frankly, couldn’t be blamed for anything), lived
Natasha Batley is a communications enthusiast on a mission to spark sustainable development and drive impactful global partnerships that are reshaping Africa’s economies.
She writes from the intersection of policy and practice, drawing from her work with the UN, World Bank, and global NGOs. Through essays and reflections, she explores the promises and contradictions of international development and what meaningful impact looks like today.
Let’s be brutally honest: Andy Batley, who finally shuffled off this mortal coil in 2020 (a year which, frankly, couldn’t be blamed for anything), lived
Today, I’m reflecting on the immense potential of a united Africa. Promoting joint African Union (AU) action in development cooperation is crucial for accelerating sustainable development across our continent. Fragmented national efforts, while valuable, have limitations. The AU’s collective vision, notably Agenda 2063: ‘The Africa We Want,’ harnesses shared resources and harmonized policies to
As someone who has worked at the intersection of communications, sustainability and development, I find myself continuously drawn to agroforestry not just as a farming method but as a systems solution that embodies the heart of sustainable development in Kenya. Agroforestry offers more than just trees on farms. It offers
Kenya faces economic challenges: high costs, income gaps. Beyond fiscal policies, mental health is a critical, often-ignored factor impacting our economic stability and sustainable development. Untreated mental health conditions like depression and anxiety are widespread, costing us dearly. They slash productivity through presenteeism and absenteeism, raise healthcare expenses and exacerbate poverty by
When I read the headline, “UK to Recognize Palestinian State Amid Gaza Crisis,” my first reaction wasn’t applause. It was pause. As someone who has worked in development and advocacy, I’ve seen how gestures can become policy, but also how policy can fall short of meaningful change. Recognition is powerful,
As official development assistance slows and public resources tighten the private sector is increasingly seen as a key player in advancing sustainable development goals. In 2023, development finance institutions mobilized nearly $88 billion in private capital using blended finance guarantees and risk mitigation instruments to attract investments in emerging and
The recent United Nations Financing for Development Summit in Seville, Spain, was a meeting of stark contrasts. As the world confronts a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape, the gathering was a critical opportunity to assess our progress towards the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and more importantly, to address the colossal
Last month I visited a rural community where children were being taught how to grow crops alongside their math and science lessons. At first it seemed unconventional, but then I realized these students weren’t just learning, they were living sustainability. It made me wonder…💡 Why does most traditional education still
For years, the story of global development was one of undeniable progress. International cooperation in the early 21st century was a powerful engine, lifting millions out of poverty, expanding access to education and improving health outcomes across the world. It was a testament to what we could achieve when nations
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