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Shifting Power Through Effective Collaboration

May 7, 2025 In Issue Papers By

Shifting Power Through Effective Collaboration

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This paper explores the critical need for transforming relationships between International Non-Governmental Organisations (INGOs) and the majority world non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to foster equitable, impactful and sustainable collaborations. Through the lens of the Shift the Power movement, the paper highlights ongoing power imbalances in the development sector and identifies key elements essential for effective partnerships.

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About the author

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Patrick K. Adu

Patrick K. Adu is an Emerging Public Leaders (EPL) alumnus and holds a Master of Philosophy in Political Science from the University of Education, Winneba (UEW). With a strong passion for research and development, Patrick specialises in international relations, political economy, governance and humanitarian initiatives. Patrick has contributed to several research works aimed at promoting the civil society ecosystem and has contributed to discourse on global political, economic, security and humanitarian happenings. He currently serves as a Research Assistant with the Knowledge Management Unit at the West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI), where he supports civil society organisations across West Africa with impactful insights and innovative solutions.

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Head, Capacity Development Unit at WACSI

Charles Kojo Vandyck is a dynamic development practitioner and thought leader who is driving transformative change within civil society. As a Founding Member of the prestigious International Consortium on Closing Civic Space (iCon), spearheaded by the renowned Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), Charles is at the forefront of transforming citizen participation worldwide. With positions as a Trustee of INTRAC and an Advisory Board Member of Disrupt Development, he is shaping the future from Oxford to Amsterdam. Charles's remarkable contributions continue as a Core Team Member of the game-changing Reimagining INGOs (RINGO) initiative and as the Head of the Capacity Development Unit at the West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI). Recognised by the Development Studies Association, Charles is also a certified Change the Game Academy Master Trainer and an IFC-Learning and Performance Institute Trainer. Prepare to be inspired by Charles as he paves the way for a more resilient, sustainable, and empowered civil society.

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Shu Mabel Lum is a certified Knowledge Manager for Sustainable Development with extensive experience in community development, knowledge creation and dissemination. She serves as the Knowledge Management Programme Assistant at the West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI), where she curates, documents and shares knowledge to strengthen civil society organisations in West Africa. At WACSI, she is involved in projects that promote giving for social causes, decolonisation and shifting power. Mabel is also the host of ‘The Spark' podcast, a platform that uses storytelling to inspire, educate and provide mentorship to the next generation of leaders.

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