The Asia Foundation has released a new Strategy Testing Workbook for adaptive management in international development. This workbook helps improve programming effectiveness and achieve lasting results. It includes tools like political economy analysis and monitoring systems. The guide is divided into three sections: Build the Scaffolding, Set Up the System, and Document, Learn, Adapt. It aims to inspire innovative, context-sensitive strategies for development practitioners.

adaptive

political economy dynamics

The Local Systems Position Paper was created after consulting over 100 USAID staff and 16 experts. Feedback highlighted the importance of systems thinking and the need for a more relationship-centered approach. Many concerns were raised, including the pressure for quick results and challenges in measuring success. External consultations emphasized the need for community-focused strategies and long-term funding. The paper aims to enhance USAID’s ability to support local systems and promote sustainable change.

localisation

systems thinking

This article revises the political settlements analysis (PSA) framework by integrating cultural political economy. It argues that PSA’s focus on material power overlooks the importance of social identity and moral beliefs in institutional change. By adopting a cultural approach, the article aims to better understand the mechanisms behind how institutions evolve. It emphasizes the role of ideas and norms, alongside economic and political structures, in shaping power relations. Ultimately, this revised approach offers a more comprehensive view of how institutions are influenced by both material and non-material factors.

political settlements

Nate Hagens and colleagues discuss the importance of changing how we communicate to better understand our world. He emphasizes the need for deeper conversations that consider different perspectives and relationships. Discussants invites us to explore the complexity of interactions, both with each other and the environment. They make the case that effective communication can lead to positive change in society. Overall, the goal is to move beyond polarized views and foster a more connected understanding of life.

communication

warm data

The thesis by I.M. Guijt explores how to improve monitoring for collective learning in rural resource management. It emphasizes the need for monitoring to support ongoing learning and adapt to changing environments. Guijt introduces important concepts like institutional transformation, messy partnerships, and participatory monitoring. A shift in perspective is necessary to view monitoring as a collaborative and dynamic process. The thesis proposes eight design principles and identifies nine learning purposes to enhance effective monitoring.

monitoring, evaluation and learning

The focus on individual behaviors in applied behavioral science can lead to misunderstandings about behavior change. Many interventions struggle with issues like effectiveness and long-term sustainability. To improve HIV and TB prevention efforts, we need to rethink our basic assumptions. This involves a “Big Leap” toward a more comprehensive approach. Policymakers should ask key questions to ensure interventions are well-designed and impactful.

behavioural approaches

Classical science rejected the idea of complexity due to principles like universal determinism and reductionism. This led to a narrow view of knowledge that ignored the interconnectedness of systems. In the 19th century, the second law of thermodynamics introduced the concept of irreversibility, hinting at complexity. The Santa Fe Institute later helped define “complex systems,” challenging traditional scientific paradigms. Today, we recognize that complexity is essential for understanding both natural and social phenomena.

complexity

open systems

The panel discusses the concept of narrative assemblages and their role in understanding complexity. It highlights how agency and structure interact in shaping narratives and perceptions. By using assemblage theory, participants explore the relationships between narratives and their contexts. They emphasize the importance of storytelling in creating knowledge and shaping reality. Overall, the conversation seeks to deepen our understanding of how narratives influence our experiences and interactions.

Slides

cynefin

participatory narrative inquiry

Embracing ensembles means recognizing how different perspectives can work together creatively. This approach enriches our understanding by combining various forms of knowledge and evidence. It encourages us to accept tension between conflicting views and learn from them. By integrating diverse ideologies and disciplines, we can foster innovation and tolerance. Ultimately, embracing ensembles helps us find deeper insights and holistic solutions to complex challenges.

yin-yang

polarities

Dave Snowden discusses the difference between typology and taxonomy in decision-making contexts. Typologies are flexible frameworks that adapt to change, while taxonomies create rigid classifications that can be limiting. He emphasizes that using the right approach is crucial, especially in rapidly changing environments. The Cynefin framework blends these concepts, offering a way to understand complex situations. Ultimately, he warns against the dangers of overly simplistic categories that can obscure important nuances.

typologies

cynefin

True learning is about fostering change and adaptation, not just acquiring knowledge. A recent gathering in Basel brought together diverse professionals to rethink learning’s role in their work. Participants discussed how learning should lead to tangible change and adaptation in individuals and systems. They emphasized the importance of creating supportive environments that nurture curiosity and vulnerability. Overall, learning is an ongoing process that must adapt to the complexities of the world.

learning is change

The School of System Change has evolved its curriculum over the past seven years to improve systems change learning. They have developed four foundational learning outcomes and seven capabilities to guide participants in their practice. The focus is on understanding systems dynamics, leading from within, and engaging with others to create change. The curriculum emphasizes lifelong learning and navigating various methods for effective practice. The School invites collaboration and continues to adapt based on community insights and experiences.

learning is change

The pandemic, climate change, rising populism, geo-political unrest – just a few of the issues causing turbulence in today’s world. We are living and working in times that are complex and fast changing. The Dao of Complexity is a book about challenging and deepening worldviews. It explores the remarkable resonance between complexity and Daoism, engaging with the processual, contextual and emergent nature both of ourselves and of the world of which we are a part. It connects to ideas from such diverse fields as quantum physics, brain science, political theory and economics. Jean Boulton asks what ‘making sense’ of the world means in these turbulent times and how that can galvanise action for those of us trying to make a difference, trying to ‘make waves’ in a world of increasing connectivity, polarisation and fragility.

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taoism

The U.S. mission in Afghanistan faced challenges with foreign assistance oversight. Oversight organizations like SIGAR aim to hold agencies accountable but can hinder learning. U.S. officials often prioritize appearing successful over genuinely improving. A shift in focus from progress to learning could foster better outcomes in foreign assistance. Agencies should be encouraged to share their challenges and learn from mistakes instead of hiding failures.

accountability

learning

Corruption is a serious threat to U.S. national security. The Biden-Harris Administration has made fighting corruption a top priority with a new strategy. The U.S. has taken steps to hold corrupt individuals accountable and support anti-corruption efforts worldwide. This includes enhancing partnerships and training journalists to investigate corruption. These actions aim to improve safety, economic security, and democracy for both Americans and global partners.Corruption is a serious threat to U.S. national security. The Biden-Harris Administration has made fighting corruption a top priority with a new strategy. The U.S. has taken steps to hold corrupt individuals accountable and support anti-corruption efforts worldwide. This includes enhancing partnerships and training journalists to investigate corruption. These actions aim to improve safety, economic security, and democracy for both Americans and global partners.Corruption is a serious threat to U.S. national security. The Biden-Harris Administration has made fighting corruption a top priority with a new strategy. The U.S. has taken steps to hold corrupt individuals accountable and support anti-corruption efforts worldwide. This includes enhancing partnerships and training journalists to investigate corruption. These actions aim to improve safety, economic security, and democracy for both Americans and global partners.

corruption

In our most recent Sandbox session, co-hosted by Suzane Muhereza and Katherine Haugh, we explored the theme: Between Prediction and Emergence: Practitioners’ Takes and Tactics, through the question, How do practitioners design or navigate accountability frameworks and practices in ways that allow for emergence, flexibility and adaptation?

monitoring, evaluation and learning

evaluation

emergence

This session of UNDP’s MEL Sandbox discusses ways to improve evaluation and learning in projects. They emphasize balancing predictability and emergence in evaluations. Engaging stakeholders through participatory methods enhances accountability and learning. The aim is to measure impact effectively while adapting to changes. Overall, the focus is on fostering continuous learning to address complex challenges.

monitoring, evaluation and learning

emergence

Traditional evaluation methods do not meet the fast-paced needs of innovation programs. They often focus on fixed timelines and questions, making them inflexible for real-time insights. Caribou Digital developed a “modular evaluation” approach that is flexible, timely, and focused on specific themes. This method allows for immediate feedback and supports decision-making during critical moments. As a result, organizations can adapt strategies quickly and improve their programs more efficiently.

evaluation

Anna Birney, reflects on living change in a world facing significant challenges. She explores personal inquiries about health, emotional well-being, and community connection. Birney plans to deepen her skills in facilitation and coaching to support others through transformation. She seeks to create healthier organizational structures at the School of System Change. Over the next 15 months, she will focus on self-discovery, connection, and writing about her experiences.

Polarities appear in our work and personal lives, creating challenges in collaboration. A frustrated team member expresses concerns about the speed and complexity of a project plan. Tensions arise between those wanting quick results and those prioritizing quality. A good sponsor can help by recognizing these polarities and proposing a collaborative approach. By addressing these tensions as interdependent, teams can find productive ways to navigate their differences.

polarities

Ruth E. Levine discusses the importance of “localization” in global development. This shift is driven by funding commitments to support local organizations in low and middle-income countries. She argues that power should be closer to the people affected by decisions, allowing for more effective solutions. However, there are challenges with accountability and financial management that need to be addressed. Ultimately, localization should focus on values and impact, not just funding.

localisation

The +1 Global Fund is celebrating its fourth anniversary and reflecting on its journey. Over these years, they have learned about the complex global challenges that connect issues like climate change and inequality. They discovered that small, community-driven organizations, called “triple threats,” can effectively address these challenges. The fund is now focused on building a strong network of over 200 Awardees to encourage collaboration and innovation. In 2025, they will launch a new Fund to further support locally-led initiatives in Sub-Saharan Africa.

ecosystem funders

Portfolio practice has become increasingly commonplace as we recognise the interdependent nature of the challenges we face today. This document reflects our growing understanding of portfolios in practice, and proposes a next step toward a distributed governance of portfolios.

portfolios

Systemic investing is a new approach that aims to transform human and natural systems for social justice and environmental sustainability. This document helps explain what systemic investing is and how it differs from traditional purpose-driven finance. It outlines key concepts like systems thinking, transformational intent, and strategic investment portfolios. The authors encourage feedback to refine the definition and practices of systemic investing. Overall, systemic investing focuses on deep, structural changes rather than incremental improvements.

systemic finance/investing

portfolios

Duncan Green discusses a meeting with aid economists about localization in aid work. The focus was on improving efficiency and value for money by involving local NGOs directly. Research shows that local intermediaries can be 32% more cost-efficient than international ones. There are concerns about the term “localization,” with a shift towards “locally-led development” gaining traction. The author suggests creating a network to promote action and solutions rather than more discussions.

localisation

Psychological biases can make it hard for us to make new friends and build strong relationships. One major bias is the “liking gap,” where we underestimate how much others like us. Sharing intimate thoughts can help create a sense of shared reality, leading to closer connections. People often hold back compliments, fearing they will seem insincere, but expressing gratitude actually strengthens bonds. By understanding and overcoming these barriers, we can enhance our social lives and enjoy better health and happiness.

connection

Dario Amodei’s essay discusses how AI could greatly improve the world. He suggests that within 5-10 years, AI advancements could lead to 50-100 years of progress in various fields. This transformation will impact how we manage and process knowledge. AI will become a collaborative partner, enhancing human cognitive abilities and democratizing expertise. However, we must also consider ethical issues and adapt our knowledge management practices to this changing landscape.

artificial intelligence

personal knowledge management

Dario Amodei discusses the potential of AI to greatly improve biology and medicine. He predicts that AI could speed up progress in these fields, compressing decades of advancements into just a few years. This could lead to significant changes in human biology and health. However, there are concerns about ensuring equitable access to these benefits, especially in developing countries. Overall, while AI has great potential, it also poses risks that must be managed carefully.

artificial intelligence

The science of complexity shows that individuals and societies are interconnected and constantly changing. We are shaped by our relationships and environments, always in the process of becoming. Our behaviors and feelings can shift based on our surroundings and experiences. This complexity affects both our outer lives and our inner thoughts and emotions. Recognizing that we are not fixed can empower us to adapt and grow.

Systems thinking is often thought to have started after World War II, but it has much older roots. Notable figures like William Blake and Ludwig von Bertalanffy contributed ideas about systems long before the 1940s. The romantic period (1800-1850) also featured thinkers who explored systemic concepts, emphasizing the interconnectedness of reality. This history suggests that systems thinking is not a new invention but rather an evolution of older ideas. Overall, systems thinking reflects a long-standing tradition that challenges rigid frameworks of understanding.

systems thinking

International NGOs (INGOs) are considering their role in supporting locally led development. R4D believes it can help by connecting various global partners to local change agents. They focus on providing tailored support that aligns with local needs and builds on local expertise. R4D also facilitates collaborative learning networks to share knowledge among country leaders. The goal is to enhance coordination and ensure that global efforts support local priorities effectively.

localisation

Latticework is a tool designed to help users organize important text snippets more effectively. It allows users to highlight or copy snippets while maintaining their context, reducing confusion. Users can easily switch between different workflows for capturing and structuring their notes. The tool features collapsible snippet links to manage long documents and avoid overwhelm. Overall, Latticework aims to simplify the process of sensemaking from large amounts of information.

personal knowledge management

The author reflects on a day spent with Tamkeen to explore new ways of partnership beyond traditional reporting. Instead of a one-way report, they engaged in a conversation focused on joint learning and understanding. This approach allowed both partners to reflect on their experiences and share insights. They discovered the importance of shifting from reporting to meaningful dialogue. Ultimately, this process deepened their connection and understanding of each other’s humanity.

tamkeen

loving systems

monitoring, evaluation and learning

A new approach to government is emerging, focusing on missions and relational practices. This shift aims to improve how we govern in the twenty-first century. We need to move beyond traditional methods to address complex modern problems effectively. Emphasizing mission-driven government can help us prioritize important outcomes like sustainability. Ultimately, we must develop new collaborative capacities to meet today’s challenges.

relationships

relational capacities

Learning is change. This article explores the concept of learning as a continuous process of adapting to the conditions and environment around us. It emphasizes that learning is not just the acquisition of knowledge or the handover of understandings, but the cultivation of the ability to be in the world as it changes. The article also highlights the importance of intentionally increasing people’s capability to move with change and learn to do the work, as it is the lifeblood of any organization. The School of System Change aims to nurture a systemic, living paradigm where learning is seen as the essence of change.

learning is change

The author reflects on the role of evidence in evaluation and funding decisions, considering two seemingly contradictory perspectives. On one hand, evidence is seen as necessary for demonstrating value for money and proving that change has occurred in a measurable way. On the other hand, the author argues that personal experience and the subjective judgments of those within a context can be evidence enough of a project’s meaningfulness and impact. The article suggests an action inquiry approach to evaluation, which invites stakeholders to become active participants and recognizes the complexity and emergent nature of change.

evaluation

emergence

evidence

tamkeen

Wisdom is a deep understanding of our humanity that comes from lived experiences. A critical systems perspective helps us explore the interconnectedness of different wisdom traditions, both indigenous and global. It emphasizes the importance of love and mutual understanding in our shared human experience. By fostering dialogue and collaboration, we can create a more humanizing society. This approach encourages us to learn together and recognize our commonality as human beings.

living systems

loving systems

tamkeen

ubuntu

taoism

The V20 Articles discuss enhancing education through intergenerational partnerships and values-based learning. These partnerships help bridge the gap between different age groups, fostering collaboration and mutual respect. A focus on shared values in education can create a more sustainable and inclusive system. The Moroccan education system is highlighted as an example of transformation through co-creation and trust. Overall, the goal is to build a resilient education ecosystem that values humanity and creativity.

tamkeen

Karima Kadaoui is the co-founder of the Tamkeen Community in Tangier, Morocco. She shared the story of Tamkeen at the Learning Planet Festival. The community focuses on creating a safe space for people to express their potential and learn together. Over ten years, they have transformed relationships in their neighborhood from violence to love. Tamkeen helps individuals and the education system find their own solutions and fosters a humanizing society.

tamkeen

Tamkeen Community Foundation and the European School of Governance partnered for a unique research project on socio-systemic complexity evaluation. This evaluation focused on understanding their metamorphic transformation rather than just measuring outcomes. It emphasized appreciation over traditional evaluation methods, allowing for deeper insights and shared understanding. The process acted as a mirror, reflecting the relationships and growth within Tamkeen and its partners. Ultimately, this approach helped dissolve misconceptions and highlighted the beauty of their collective journey.

tamkeen

The paper discusses the Tamkeen Community Foundation’s approach to growing shared understanding through co-reflected lived experiences. This process involves inquiry, learning, and a focus on love and humanity. The Tamkeen experience emphasizes relationships and collaboration, allowing participants to reflect on their experiences together. It aims to create social ecosystems that support human flourishing. Ultimately, the Tamkeen process seeks to transcend traditional research paradigms and embrace a more holistic understanding of transformation. (see also highlight 1 for actual abstract)

living systems

loving systems

tamkeen

This paper explores the growing understanding of facilitating evaluation as an evaluation that facilitates. In social innovation and societal transformation processes, we learned that classical evaluations promote a predominantly project managerial approach to transformation and often get in the way of what the French philosopher Francois Jullien calls an organic, silent transformation. This paper shares the experience of how, from a safe and nourishing space, a humanizing society emanates. It embraces the experience of growing a shared understanding of the metamorphic transformation of social ecosystems from co-reflected lived experiences. It shares the experience of how this growing a shared understanding becomes an evaluation that facilitates the very process of the silent transformation of societal metamorphosis. We are looking at the processual unity of processes of metamorphic transformation and their evaluation.

living systems

loving systems

evaluation

tamkeen

Societal metamorphosis is explored through a research partnership between Tamkeen and EUSG. Tamkeen focuses on societal development and transformative learning experiences. The approach involves co-creation and co-facilitation with partners. Tamkeen aims to foster human potential and create safe spaces for growth. The research aims to understand societal metamorphosis and promote a humanizing society.

tamkeen

living systems

loving systems

The article discusses the concept of Tamkeen, a societal development approach rooted in co-creation and understanding. It challenges traditional evaluation methods by focusing on relationality and empathy rather than outcomes. Tamkeen invites participation in a research ecosystem that prioritizes learning and epistemic humility. The authors reflect on the idea that true understanding may surpass traditional notions of knowledge. Tamkeen promotes a shift towards growing societal understanding and transformation through collaborative inquiry.

living systems

loving systems

tamkeen