All sectors are reimagining their future
All sectors are reimagining their future. And the international development sector is no exception. I was recently invited to speak about global economic, technological, and social trends, how the international development sector's future is changing and opportunities to embrace change.
With an astounding 10 million NGOs operating globally, the landscape is ripe for profound change. During my research, I had the opportunity to delve deeper into this sector, integrating themes from my previous research while at Accenture, on AI, gender equality, demographics, and organizational transformation.
“All sectors are reimagining their future, following a supercycle of techno-economic disruption.”
My findings reveal a sector on the cusp of significant transformation, characterized by several key trends:
AI acceleration. The advent of AI is not just a technological leap but a promise of increased efficiency and innovation, enabling players in this space to achieve their missions more effectively.
Diverse funding. The rise of stakeholder capitalism and heightened public expectations are diversifying funding sources, broadening the sector's financial base beyond traditional means.
Trust based relationships. In a world marked by societal shifts and geopolitical tensions, the imperative for a new equilibrium between speed and accountability is more pronounced than ever.
Ecosystem powered change. Recognizing the necessity for large-scale change, there is a growing understanding that co-designed solutions are the way forward, emphasizing the power of collective action.
Human centered approaches. At its heart, the sector's success is measured by its ability to engage individuals in shaping their own futures, highlighting the importance of agency and personal empowerment.
These trends mean that organizations in this sector need to adapt and reimagine their roles. For example, from being implementors of projects to being advocates of change or ecosystem creators.
If your organization is considering how to understand and prepare for change, get in touch to see how we can work together.
