Leadership For Change Scholarship Batch 1

Why is it exclusively for CSO Leaders and Emerging Leaders?

The role of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) has become increasingly visible since the 1990s and is considered to have a significant impact on raising public awareness of the hegemony of the state and corporations, contributing to the creation of a more just and sustainable social environment (Edwards M & Gaventa, 2001). Globally, CSOs play a role in global negotiation processes, such as climate change, to present alternative perspectives and promote critical awareness of the role of states and corporations in global issues (Betsill, M. M., & Corell, E, 2008). At the individual and network levels, CSOs serve as spaces where the public can examine the power of the state and markets by advocating for justice in social and economic issues, or by addressing unmet social development needs not fulfilled by the state or corporations.

Global issues such as: 1) Poverty and food crises, 2) Climate Change, 3) Violence and conflict over resource control, 4) Women's rights empowerment, and 5) Digital Transformation continuously demand the presence of CSOs as responsive and innovative actors so that civil society understands its position and rights, empowering them to stand as agents of change.

Adequate knowledge and academic competence on climate change/climate crisis are crucial for NGOs with specific mandates related to Climate Change Adaptation (CCA), enabling them to lead mitigation and adaptation efforts, and mobilize resources. Communication and diplomacy skills are also essential for NGO leaders working in areas of violence and conflict, as they need to mediate conflicts, foster dialogue, and collaborate with various stakeholders.

Gender equality and women's empowerment must also be cross-sectoral discourse in every NGO program. In the era of digital transformation, an understanding of technology and digital literacy is inevitable. NGOs must be able to leverage technology to increase efficiency, reach broader audiences, and develop innovative solutions. Partnerships with governmental and non-governmental actors are also crucial to achieving shared goals. Internally, financial management skills, diversification of funding sources, and financial transparency are critical for NGO leaders. Beyond these capacities, ethical leadership in NGOs is a fundamental prerequisite. NGO leaders must run their organizations with integrity, transparency, and accountability. In reality, the dynamics of the impact of the five issues mentioned above on society are very complex. CSOs are required to have strong analytical abilities to understand the root causes of these issues and then determine strategies to address them effectively based on thorough assessments.

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