We Power Our Own Change: A Book Dialogue on Community-Led Development in Practice
Hosted by The Movement for Community-Led Development (MCLD) and Outreach International, Featuring Co-Editors & Contributors of the Book
As the development sector continues to reimagine its future, one message is clear: communities must be at the center of their own change. But what does community-led development (CLD) actually look like in practice—and how can we build systems that support it?
Join us for a special UNGA-edition conversation on the widely acclaimed book Community-Led Development in Practice: We Power Our Own Change. Featuring a panel of co-editors and chapter authors, this intimate session will spotlight insights and stories from across the globe—ranging from grassroots practitioners to development scholars.
Speakers
Gunjan Veda – Global Secretary and Executive Director (MCLD US) of The Movement for Community-Led Development, and co-editor of the book
Elene Cloete – CEO & President of Outreach International, and co-editor of the book
John Coonrod – Co-founder of MCLD and chapter author
Connor Swan – Development Manager at Nuru International
What to Expect:
Author Reflections: Brief presentations from contributors sharing diverse experiences, lessons, and practical approaches across nine key dimensions of CLD
Interactive Dialogue: A participatory conversation on how to embed CLD in policy, funding, and program design—especially amid today’s global shifts
Book Signing + Sales: Copies available onsite, plus QR codes for digital ordering
About the Book:
With contributions from over 30 leaders across sectors and geographies, this volume offers both vision and guidance. Topics include participation and voice, local resource use, accountability, working with governments, monitoring practices, and more—highlighting the common principles and contextual nuances that shape effective community-led development.
Who Should Attend:
UN delegates and mission representatives
Civil society and community leaders
Donors and funders interested in locally-led approaches
Development practitioners, researchers, and policy influencers
Why This Matters:
In a time of intersecting crises—climate, conflict, and inequality—community-led development offers a path toward equity, resilience, and sustainable impact. This session is a chance to go deeper into the "how" of shifting power, resources, and decision-making to the people most affected.
Come for the dialogue. Stay for the movement. Leave with tools, connections, and a renewed sense of what’s possible when communities lead.