Public Presentation: Localizing Leadership as Sustainability in International Development Assistance

As NGOs continue conversations and efforts toward localization, have we stopped to consider the type of leadership currently present and what qualities local communities need from their leaders? Well-intentioned localization efforts without thoughtful leadership considerations could result in greater harm to the organizations and communities we are trying to help.

Dictatorial approaches to local leadership in many parts of the global south hinder poverty alleviation efforts and international partnerships. Despite the cultural tendency toward collectivism and working together, many local leaders have adopted the top-down style introduced by colonialism. External NGOs’ development efforts will lack sustainability without human-focused and character-based local leadership. Underdeveloped leaders result in underdeveloped communities, regardless of external inputs and efforts.

Based on Dave Blundell’s recent doctoral research in western Kenya, this presentation will explore how a transformational servant leadership approach could result in more effective and sustainable locally led community development.

** All participants are asked to read and abide by Kentro’s Principles of Welcome & Learning, which can be found here: https://kentronetwork.ca/kentro-principles-of-welcome-learning