By taking concrete steps to evolve our role and shift power to local groups, global development organizations can be a positive force in locally led development. At the international NGO where I work, we are learning that it takes internal transformation, aligning practice with purpose, and being an active listener — all backed by commitments and targets — to make these changes.
For international development to be effective and relevant in a changing, multipolar world, it must transform.
USAID, the United States Agency for International Development, under Administrator Samantha Power, has become a leading force in transforming the field by focusing on locally led development. Building on past U.S. administrations’ initiatives, the underlying theme has been consistent: Put local groups in the lead of their own development. This time feels different, however, as Power and USAID have increased the emphasis, upped the urgency, and made concrete plans and targets.