Reimagining Power in Global Development: Collective Action, Funding Reform, and Systemic Change
The international development sector is at a critical turning point. As traditional aid structures shrink, there is an urgent need to reimagine global governance, redefine funding relationships, and build a stronger, more equitable civil society ecosystem. But how do we move beyond donor-recipient dynamics and towards true partnership models that shift power to local actors? How can funders assess and reform their own processes to reduce inefficiencies and increase impact?
This session will explore how to build collective power to enact real change, highlighting new models of funding, global governance, and collaboration that prioritize locally-led solutions and systemic transformation. We will also examine hidden inefficiencies in grantmaking, challenging funders to assess whether the cost of their processes outweighs the value of the funds they distribute. Participants will engage in an open discussion and workshop-style exercises, leaving with practical tools to drive funding reform and global development that is rooted in equity and sustainability.
Key Questions:
How can the USAID shutdown and shrinking aid budgets serve as a catalyst to reimagine global aid relationships?
What role does global governance play in shaping sustainable development, and how can it be better integrated into funding and policy decisions?
How can funders evaluate and streamline their grant processes to maximize impact and reduce inefficiencies?
What if we flipped the script on proposal writing, allowing local organizations to define solutions and invite funders to support them?
How can we create a long-term, engaged community of practice that brings together funders, advocates, and practitioners committed to community-driven systemic change?
This session is a call to action for funders, civil society leaders, and development practitioners to rethink power, reform funding, and build stronger collective action to drive meaningful, locally-led change.
Session Co-Leaders:
Deborah Doane – Partner at Rights CoLab and co-lead of the RINGO Project, working on civil society systems change and author of The INGO Problem.
Nadait Gebremedhen – CEO of Hagush, a social enterprise building a just and inclusive economy.
Sam Gwer – Executive Director of Afya Research Africa, leading community-owned health centers and providing equitable neurology care in Kenya.
Wedad Sayibu is the Director of School for Life in Ghana, with over 15 years of experience advancing inclusive education, gender equality, and child protection through community-driven development.