Decolonisation of Global Development.
It’s time to rethink global aid and power dynamics, shifting decision-making closer to the communities we serve. True change happens when local ownership isn’t just a goal but a reality.
Peeling Back the Layers of Colonial Legacy
Decolonization is not just a concept—it’s a continuous process of peeling back imposed narratives and rediscovering authentic histories.
The image illustrates the journey of transformation:
On one side, Colonial Shadows—the imposed structures, narratives, and systems that have shaped societies for centuries.
On the other hand, Authentic Narratives are the richness of Indigenous knowledge, histories, and ways of being that colonial legacies sought to erase.
Decolonization in Motion is the act of actively pulling back these layers, reclaiming agency and reshaping the future on our terms.
This is not an easy task. History is heavy, and the structures built to uphold it are deeply entrenched. But the work of decolonization—through policy, storytelling, education, and action—must continue.
💡 How do you see decolonization unfolding in your work or community? Let’s engage and reflect.
#Decolonization #ShiftingPower #AuthenticNarratives #Leadership #GlobalDevelopment #PeelingBackTheLayers #ThinkingInVisualMetaphors
Sustainability Starts with Local Leadership 🌱
Aid alone doesn’t build lasting change.
For too long, we've seen models of aid-dependent growth, where external support fuels initial progress but dependency peaks, and when aid is withdrawn, the structure collapses. 🌳➡️⚫ Good intentions, but unsustainable results.
Now, imagine a different approach: locally led growth. 🌱 When development starts with localisation, it grows through ownership and ultimately leads to sustainability. Instead of a single tree standing alone, we get a thriving forest—strong, diverse, and resilient.
Shifting power to local communities isn’t just an ideal—it’s the only path to true, lasting change.
💡 What are your thoughts on aid vs. localisation?
#Localisation #Sustainability #Development #DecolonisingAid #Leadership #VisualWisdom
Seeds of Sustainability
In development, the way we approach solutions matters. This visual highlights the contrast between two different paths:
⛔ Transplanted solutions: Imposed ideas that struggle to adapt and often wither without local ownership.
✅ Organic growth: Collaborative efforts that are rooted in the local context and grow over time into thriving, sustainable outcomes.
How do you see this metaphor resonating with your work or experiences?
hashtag#Sustainability hashtag#SeedsOfChange hashtag#CoCreation hashtag#VisualMetaphors hashtag#Decolonisation hashtag#Localisation hashtag#PledgeForChange
The Power of the Hive 🐝
🚀 A lone bee can’t make honey… it takes a thriving colony.
Too often, we celebrate individual success without recognizing the collective effort behind it. True impact comes from collaboration, not isolation. Just like in a beehive, where every bee plays a role—worker, builder, protector—we thrive when we work together, share resources, and support a common purpose.
🌍 Whether in leadership, social change, or community building, real progress happens when we move as a collective—leveraging diverse skills, experiences, and perspectives.
💡 How do you foster collaboration in your team or network? Let's celebrate the power of the hive! 🐝✨
#Collaboration #Leadership #Teamwork #CollectiveImpact #VisualWisdom
The Reality of Systemic Change
Attribution vs. Contribution in Systemic Change
An output can be directly attributed to a single organisation, and an outcome may also be linked to its efforts. However, the impact is always the result of the collective contribution.
What we often believe: Our organisation is the primary driver of change.
The reality: Impact is never about one actor alone. It emerges from the contributions of many—governments, donors, NGOs, CSOs, media, and communities—working together in an interconnected system.
Focusing on attribution can create a false sense of ownership over change. True transformation happens when we shift our focus to contribution—understanding how our efforts fit into a larger movement and strengthening collective progress.
How does your organisation define its role in systemic change? Does it prioritise contribution over attribution?
#Leadership #SystemicChange #Impact #Collaboration #ContributionOverAttribution
Africa: A Tale of Two Views
From afar, Africa is often perceived as uniform and monolithic, shrouded in a veil of misery. Yet, a closer look unveils its true essence—a continent rich in diversity and dynamism.
This visual is part of my Visual Wisdom Series, where I explore perspectives and challenge stereotypes through thought-provoking metaphors.
How do you think we can shift perceptions to celebrate Africa's vibrant realities?
#LeadershipWisdom #VisualWisdom #PerceptionVsReality #Africa #DiversityAndInclusion #ShiftingNarratives
Strength in Collective Action
When the ground is crumbling…
…we can’t just fix our house—we must stabilize the ground together.
This applies to INGOs today. Many are focused on internal fixes—governance reforms, structural adjustments, and new business models. These efforts are necessary, but they won’t be enough if the foundation itself—our ecosystem of global cooperation—is eroding.
🌍 The world is shifting—geopolitical tensions, funding volatility, shifting power dynamics, and the rise of local actors are transforming the landscape. INGOs cannot afford to operate as if stabilizing their institutions is the ultimate goal.
We must work collectively to strengthen the foundation—redefining partnerships, advocating for fairer funding models, and ensuring that international cooperation is built on equity, not dependency.
This is not an either/or choice. Fixing our house and stabilizing the ground must go hand in hand. If we fail to do both, we risk becoming irrelevant spectators of our decline.
What does this mean in practice? How can INGOs contribute to a stronger, more sustainable system while adapting internally?
#Leadership #INGOs #ShiftingPower #Decolonization #InternationalCooperation