Rebecca L. Root

Rebecca L. Root

Rebecca L. Root is a freelance reporter for Devex based in Bangkok. Previously senior associate & reporter, she produced news stories, video, and podcasts as well as partnership content. She has a background in finance, travel, and global development journalism and has written for a variety of publications while living and working in Bangkok, New York, London, and Barcelona.

Latest Articles

What it’s like to be a grant writer right now

What it’s like to be a grant writer right now

5 days ago // Career Trends

With fewer resources available, Devex asks those whose job it is to secure funding how the work currently feels.

Taiwan positions itself as new regional international NGO hub

Taiwan positions itself as new regional international NGO hub

10 days ago // NGOs

Alert to the threat of a potential Chinese invasion, Taiwan deploys NGO collaboration as a defense tool.

‘We continue to follow his light:’ World mourns health giant William Foege

‘We continue to follow his light:’ World mourns health giant William Foege

24 days ago // Obituary

A pioneer behind smallpox eradication and leader of numerous global health bodies, Dr. William H. Foege's passing has triggered an outpouring of admiration.

Celebrated soil scientist and food security activist Pedro Sánchez dies

Celebrated soil scientist and food security activist Pedro Sánchez dies

about 1 month ago // Obituary

The food security and agricultural science communities mourn the passing of a “giant in the field,” Pedro Sánchez, who transformed farming across Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

From camps to crops: US aid cuts reshape refugee life in Thailand

From camps to crops: US aid cuts reshape refugee life in Thailand

about 1 month ago // Migration and Displacement

After decades of confinement to border camps, a small number of Burmese refugees are now working legally in Thailand. The Aid Report examines how U.S. aid cuts helped trigger the policy shift — and whether labor can supplement aid without exposing refugees to greater risk.

Impacted by the USAID job cuts in 2025? Check out these resources

Impacted by the USAID job cuts in 2025? Check out these resources

2 months ago // Career

As development jobseekers figure out their next move following sector-wide layoffs, these are the sources of support that remain available and are helping them through these challenging times.

The Ford Foundation’s BUILD initiative is over — but its influence isn't

The Ford Foundation’s BUILD initiative is over — but its influence isn't

3 months ago // Philanthropy

The Ford Foundation’s BUILD program is coming to an end. What will happen next? Devex takes a look.

After USAID exit, China hasn't moved to fill Asia’s funding gap

After USAID exit, China hasn't moved to fill Asia’s funding gap

3 months ago // China Aid

Despite expectations that Beijing would expand its influence after USAID’s withdrawal, China has shown little interest in taking over U.S.-funded programs, leaving a development divide across Southeast and South Asia.

Career paths for UN peacekeepers

Career paths for UN peacekeepers

3 months ago // #GlobaldevJobs

As approximately 17,000 U.N. peacekeepers face job losses due to budget cuts, Devex asks the experts for advice on their next steps.

How to get your first job in philanthropy

How to get your first job in philanthropy

3 months ago // Careers

As people look to the philanthropy sector as a space where jobs around social good might still be found, Devex asks the experts about how to secure that first philanthropic position.