Is genuine leadership ‘lacking’ or is a new kind of leadership needed?
9 May 2019 at 7:30 am
The upcoming RDI Conference 2019 will examine leadership for inclusive development to support the sector develop as it looks to meet the Sustainable Development Goals.
It’s been nearly four years since 193 UN member states made the pledge that “no one will be left behind” in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The international development sector needs to ensure this pledge is carried out with greater awareness and understanding of how we continue to lead, and to grow leaders through shared knowledge and commitment.
The concept of inclusive development is not new – multilaterals, INGOS, local NGOs and communities have long been working on efforts to lessen inequality for all, including women, children, and other marginalised communities. Over the last four years it has emerged more forcefully in the policy vernacular as governments, organisations and individuals work together to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Crucial to accelerating progress on the SDGs is understanding the role of individual and collective leadership in promoting inclusive social change. In particular leadership which addresses not just the technical challenges of development but also the power, politics, social and cultural dimensions that impact experiences of inclusion or exclusion.
But how is leadership understood in different contexts? What kind of leadership is required to address the collective challenges our region faces? How do leadership coalitions which address exclusion emerge and function? What is the role of development agencies, the government, and the private sector in supporting different forms of leadership?
To examine these questions and many other facets of leadership for inclusive development, researchers, practitioners, government and the private sector will come together in June at the RDI Conference 2019. The conference will enable the sector to share relevant research, experience and ideas, and debate the new leadership challenges, ideas and collaborations which are likely to be of importance to the sector.
The conference program reflects inspiring leadership examples that we can all take away something from. Creating spaces for women to lead in Cambodia. Indigenous youth as agents of peace. What we can learn from disability cooperation in India. These are just some of the topics being discussed during the two days.
The conference provides an opportunity to celebrate our achievements and generate the momentum we need in order to do more. As the sector looks to meeting the SDGs in 2030, we must press on to develop and sustain new leadership thinking and practice into our work.
Event Details:
RDI Conference 2019
La Trobe University, Bundoora
12-13 June 2019
For full conference program details and to register, visit the RDI Conference website.
