The world today feels like a ship caught in a relentless storm, battered by geopolitical upheavals, humanitarian crises, and shifting power dynamics. From the US-China rivalry to the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine, Gaza, Syria, Sudan, and Yemen, it is clear that the landscape for global communities grows increasingly precarious. Adding to this complexity, the political instability that seems to have plagued the West African sub-region, the withdrawal of France from Francophone Africa, and the puzzling departure of three nations from ECOWAS have only deepened the sense of instability.

As a communicator for civil society, I often feel the weight of navigating these shifting sands, tasked with not just documenting the storm but also charting a course towards a more agile, innovative and resilient future. Insights from the recent WACSI/Bond facilitated FCDO report, “Shaping the Future of Centrally Managed Civil Society and Civic Space Programming,” offer valuable guidance, but there is an urgent need to look beyond abstract concepts like flexibility and consider their practical application.

Flexibility: A Buzzword or a True North?

“Flexibility” has become a ubiquitous term, it often feels like a buzzword, overused but underexplored. In reality, it demands far more than reacting to shifts in the wind. True flexibility involves anticipating challenges and adapting proactively. For me, this means:

• Anticipating the unexpected: The “unforeseen” has become a recurring theme, and we must prepare for it. Building early warning systems, fostering consensus, and listening to and cultivating diverse perspectives can allow us to respond effectively to emerging challenges.
• Embracing decentralised power structures: Facilitating local actors to lead and respond to crises on the ground is essential to ensure that solutions are contextually relevant and sustainable. This requires shifting focus from donor-driven agendas to community-led approaches supported by flexible funding models.
• Investing in organisational and individual resilience: It is critical to strengthen the ability of organisations and individuals to weather storms, recover from setbacks, and emerge stronger. Supporting mental and physical well-being, encouraging solidarity, and fostering a learning culture are vital steps.

Continuity: Anchoring Our Efforts in a Sea of Change

While flexibility is essential, it must be tempered with continuity. As the FCDO report rightly points out, continuous learning and adaptation are vital—but how often do we, as development practitioners, truly implement this? How frequently do we critically evaluate our approaches, reflect on our biases, and learn from our previous missteps? In this era of rapid transformation, the core values that underpin our work must remain steadfast. For me, this is where the balance lies:

• Staying true to our mission: The landscape may shift, but our values and purpose must remain steadfast.
• Amplifying marginalised voices: Those most affected by crises deserve to be heard. Amplifying these authentic perspectives is key while challenging exclusionary narratives and advocating for equitable funding.
• Building lasting partnerships: Trust respect, and collaboration between donors, INGOs, and local organisations are non-negotiable. Stronger alliances, built on shared platforms and collective action, have the potential to navigate even the toughest challenges.
• Ensuring accountability: Transparency and open communication underpin ethical, effective use of resources.

Manifesting Change: Turning Vision into Action

This moment is not just about adapting to a changing world; it is about shaping the future we want to see. I imagine a world where:

• Civil society thrives: Where organizations are empowered, independent, and able to hold power to account.
• Human rights are upheld: Where everyone, regardless of their background, enjoys the full spectrum of their rights.
• Justice prevails: Where the voices of the marginalized are heard, and those responsible for human rights abuses are held accountable.

Admittedly, the task is daunting, but I believe it is within reach. Embracing genuine flexibility, committing to action, and channeling our collective energy towards a shared vision will allow us to navigate these turbulent waters ahead and build a more just and equitable world for all.

About the author

Author profile

Meron A. Dagnew

Meron Dagnew is an accomplished professional with over 18 years of global experience, specialising in strategic communications, project management, conference interpretation, and business strategy across sectors including private, civil society, government, and international organisations like the UN and AU. As a testament to her entrepreneurial spirit, she has founded a thriving business. Multilingual and culturally adept, she is a strong leader and problem solver. Meron is a founding member of Cooperation African Bank and an active member of professional organisations such as the Marcus Garvey Bronze Project, AWIB, AAPI, APN, and Rotary Club.

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