InDev Leaders Interviews 2024: The Networks

Collaboration is crucial for the development sector to learn, innovate and achieve impact. Networks play a vital role in guiding these efforts, navigating the complexities of the sector, advocating for change, and building collaborations. In 2024, we will hear from key network leaders on their thoughts for the year ahead.

1. Reflections on 2023, what were the most significant developments or challenges in the global development sector?

Chris observed changes across a range of areas, from the new International Development Policy, “focused on Listening, respect and genuine partnership is a breath of fresh air but not bold enough for some.” To changes in funding, increased conflicts and donor exhaustion. On a practical note, as a volunteer organisation, there was a drop in volunteering levels within the network.

While for Kerryn, from the Australian Disability and Development Consortium (ADDC), the biggest shift was in language, “from talking about seeking to implement disability inclusion to achieving disability equity.” This shift has been led by the disability movement, and is a much overdue and needed shift, moving the conversation from having people with disabilities in the room, to “transforming the table, room and conversation to make space for the full participation of people with disabilities.”

Zoey from XSPI had three core reflections: more attention to gender equality, first nations and priority to localization. But these positive shifts were tempered by the sector not knowing, yet, how to put these into practice. Looking at the sustainable development models, and particularly aligning with localization, more work is still needed to find the approaches that work.

2. Key Ideas for 2024, what do you believe should be the primary focus areas for the global development sector in the coming year, and why are they crucial?

Kerryn followed her 2023 comments to showcase the upcoming DFAT disability equity and rights strategy, due for release this year. Drawing from the Australian Governments first strategies, she hopes that this new DFAT one will drive partnerships with organizations of people with disabilities and thus real, tangible change. Across the sector, key focuses for development should be “Reaching those who are most marginalised in the communities. Making sure there is room in the consultations, in the community meetings, in the design and delivery of programs that makes space for all to contribute and benefit. This is not a new idea but needs to be a driver and way of working for all development programming.”

Zoey believes a holistic approach to development is needed, emphasizing the necessity of cross-sector collaboration “Support for achieving the SDGs should not only be a focus within the typical development actors (NGOs, government development assistance), but needs to be woven into the everyday business of all actors, including for-profit business” This, and locally led development require an increase in the risk tolerance of many development actors in order to learn what works. Chris shared her drive for the professional development of Aid, Development and Humanitarian staff “WiAD has advocated for more funding to be allocated by DFAT to NGO’s to support the professional development of Australian staff who are delivering programs internationally … Investment in professional development is constrained by tight budgets and very high costs of private sector educational programs.”. Also, Impact Investing is a growing interest in the sector in 2024, with challenges and thinking needed on how investors, consultants and NGOs collaborate.

3. Technology, Innovation, and Transformation, What trends do you see in terms of innovative thinking in the development sector in 2024? Do you see technology playing more (or less) of a role in development in 2024?

Predicting what the year holds in technology is hard, says Zoey, “I think by the end of 2024 we will look back and marvel at how we didn’t predict such exponential changes”. While it’s hard to predict exactly how, AI will certainly take a key role. And while the impact can be huge, ensuring equity in accessing and benefiting from technology is going to be the most critical aspect.

Chris from WiAD pointed out the centrality of digital technology in streamlining access and support for communities. From lowering costs to enabling greater control by communities over design and implementation of programs. When utilised well, digital ideas are central to creating impact, and “continuing the trend to having low-cost ways to enable communities to tell their stories directly to donors in community voices.”

Kerryn reflected on how technology has reshaped connections, especially during the pandemic, and how we connect and build movements and communities. “I don’t think we fully comprehend the technological advances occurring right now, but the work we do in development is primarily about people, about connections and partnerships and together seeking to transform situations of marginalisation, discrimination and poverty. Technology can facilitate such powerful connections.”

4. Localisation, How will the discussion move to action this year in localisation?

“This word and concept has, for a long time, been a part of the development discourse. I think understanding more and more what it means to marginalised communities from the majority world is key to implementing and doing no harm” reflects Kerryn. But, matching the need for true partnerships in localization, built on honest conversations and shared goals, with the reality of programs being funded for defined periods is a key barrier that needs to be grappled with.

For Chris, WiAD’s work, and reach are being moved from a national network to international, with interest from PNG and Fiji. Extending the program to those contexts is the focus for the year. Along with more online events, extended website materials and more mentoring opportunities to allow all to access the support WiAD offers.

Zoey from XSPI discussed the practical application of localisation through their initiative in Papua New Guinea. “We’re collaborating on a Civil Society Organisation ‘Sustainability Hub Initiative’ in PNG. This project supports village-level groups, offering them technology, training, and operational support” This initiative aims to support village level organisations access deeper support and growth, but, similar to Kerryn’s comments, the funding for such work needs to shift from programmatic thinking. “The development sector needs to innovate, evolve, and learn in order to really support true localization efforts.”

5. Personal Aspirations – what are your goals for 2024, and what role do you aim to play in achieving these goals?

For Chris, the goal in 2024 is to strengthen WiAD, enabling the organisation to reach more women with information that will advance their careers and secure greater gender equity in the sector. But, in order to do this, income sustainability is the key challenge. She hopes to focus efforts this year on building this sustainability.

Zoey is focused on the CSO Sustainability Hub Initiative, working with the XSPI taskforce to finalize the pilot design and obtain funding is her goal for the year.

Kerryn shared her aspiration for more direct, in-person engagement within the sector. Connecting directly with the sector, government, and partners, with the goal to ensure that disability equity and rights are driven throughout the aid program. Beyond meeting though, “I also love stories and reading so would love to become a part of a regular book club, but that aspiration has nothing to do with work and career, and all about finding people to discuss books with!” (Editors note: Maybe an InDev Book club is needed after our summer reading list…)

6. Hope for 2024, What are you most excited for in 2024 in Global Development?

Zoey anticipates a significant shift towards innovative approaches within the sector. “2024 is poised to be a year of substantial innovation. I’m excited to see how the sector evolves” she stated. While Chris looks forward to a greater emphasis on women’s empowerment and more community-driven programs. Lastly, for Kerryn, “Seeing disability equity being driven into the work across the whole sector; that has the voices, ideas and stories from people with disabilities as a central part of the picture” is her greatest hope for the year. While seeing greater partnerships with people with disabilities and their representative organisations in all different facets of international development work, including in infrastructure projects, in employment schemes, and in areas not always first thought of.