In the last couple of months, we have brought together leaders from our community of international civil society organisations (ICSOs). In May, we held our CEO convening, ‘Vision Works,’ where CEOs came together in person. June brought us ‘Leading Together’, where senior leaders working in the thematic areas of Advocacy, Policy, Programmes, Strategy and Human Resources came together virtually. The reason we host convenings is that we believe in the real value of sharing, hearing expert insights, discussing pressing challenges and opportunities, and generating collective perspectives.
Our most recent convenings examined how to strategically lead ICSOs during times of change. We explored how to navigate systemic change, including the geopolitical shifts and evolving aid architectures shaping our sector. We also examined the practical and ethical implications of AI and digital transformation, as well as the changing operating landscape for CSOs.
While our own organisations do have a specific mission and mandate, civil society organisations face the same external constraints and often very similar operating contexts. Hearing approaches and experiences from peers in the same role cannot be underestimated. We cannot tackle challenges alone. Having dedicated, curated spaces away from day-to-day operational pressures allows colleagues to reflect, exchange ideas and tackle shared challenges. It builds trust, which creates the conditions for collective action.
Civil society organisations are great at piloting innovative approaches, engaging communities, navigating crises, and building relationships across complex systems. Many within our own ICSO community face similar issues, and sharing across organisations how we are each experimenting and dealing with challenges provides valuable lessons and inspiration.
Another important aspect of our convenings at the Centre is bringing in external perspectives and diverse viewpoints. This helps to spark new ideas and challenge existing ways of thinking. By taking a futures-thinking approach and introducing emerging trends that are likely to have a significant impact on our work, we can frame discussions within a broader context and help organisations remain agile and adapt their strategies and approaches. Creating space for fresh ideas, cross-sector insights and forward-looking conversations enables us to better anticipate the opportunities and challenges that will shape the future.
Hearing approaches and experiences from peers in the same role cannot be underestimated. We cannot tackle challenges alone.
In these busy times, our minds often feel like our laptops with too many tabs open at the same time. Committing to take the time to pause and take a moment away from the ongoing list of operational pressures allows us to see different perspectives and explore new ideas and opportunities. We consistently see and are told by colleagues of the value and benefits they receive from being inspired and supported by their peers. Being in communities of people who are values-driven and working towards positive change provides genuine support and solidarity.
The challenges facing civil society will continue to evolve. But so too will the opportunities. We believe investing in convening spaces, nurturing trusted peer networks, and strengthening knowledge exchange is essential. The future will not be shaped by organisations that have all the answers. It will be shaped by people who know how to learn together. As the challenges facing our world become increasingly complex, investing in collective intelligence and collective action may be one of the most important investments civil society can make. Resilience is built through relationships, shared learning, and the willingness to come together to imagine and create better futures.
Let’s be intentional in how we connect. By investing in being collaborative and sharing knowledge with our peers, we can become more future-focused, more resilient and ultimately more effective.