Dare to do the Right Thing: An overview of what it takes to implement successful Socio-Economic Development Support programs

Fall 2026 Harry ’51 and Joshua ’49 Tsujimoto Perspectives in Global Development and the Environment Seminar Series

About the speaker

Emily Harwit obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management at Cornell University, and an MBA at the University’s Johnson Graduate School of Management. Her MBA, obtained in 1993, would ultimately help her embark on a career aimed at helping entrepreneurs and creating opportunities for jobs in foreign aid work. 

Emily’s 30 year career in international development assistance has concentrated on two areas: private sector support in conflict-affected and fragile states (such as Afghanistan, Bosnia, Haiti and Turkey), and socio-economic development in general. Her specialties are in business growth and employment; and monitoring and evaluation. 

International institutions for which she has worked include: various branches of the United Nations and the World Bank; the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (or “OSCE”); as well as bilateral assistance agencies funded by the governments of Germany; Iceland; Liechtenstein, Norway; Sweden and the United States. 

Emily is currently working on publishing a book aimed at improving international development assistance worldwide. The book: “Dare to Do the Right Thing,” is based on wide range of experiences on-the-ground in developing nations. It describes how people interested in socio-economic aid programs -- such as students at Cornell, and those in the field or financing development assistance -- can achieve superior results, particularly at a time when foreign aid funding has diminished, and where natural, as well as manmade disasters, are increasing. 
 

Abstract

Forthcoming..

About the seminar series

The Harry ’51 & Joshua ’49 Tsujimoto Perspectives in Global Development and the Environment Seminar Series showcases innovative approaches to development with experts from around the globe. Each year, the series attracts online registrants from over 45 countries and more than 350 organizations. 

Seminars are held Wednesdays from 12:20-1:10 p.m. Eastern time during the semester in 175 Warren Hall. Students, faculty and the general public are welcome to attend in-person or via Zoom.

The series is co-sponsored by the Sections of Global Development and Natural Resources and the Environment and the Charles H. Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management as part of courses GDEV 4961, AEM 4961, NTRES 4961, GDEV 6960, AEM 6960, and NTRES 6960.