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International Development Agencies are Exploring the Future
The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic upended the plans and strategies of development organizations globally. But the destabilizing health and economic crisis is but one of many significant events and trends that are remaking the context for development cooperation. Indeed, there are several economic, environmental, social and technological disruptions transforming the world. The pandemic has accelerated the pace of change, as highlighted by the rapid take up of digital technologies and new ways of working and interfacing with clients and partners over the past 12 months.
As international development organizations regroup and reorient themselves for what will transpire after COVID-19 has been brought under control, they need to prepare to function in a world characterized by volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity (“VUCA”). In this new normal of constant and unpredictable change, they can empower themselves by embracing Strategic Foresight (or simply, Foresight).
Foresight is a structured, systematic way of using ideas about the future to anticipate and better prepare for change. It involves exploring different plausible futures that could arise in the medium- to long-term, and the opportunities and challenges they could present…
