Reflections on how knowledge triggers social change

Appointed as a “tracker” to assist in synthesizing our very rich discussions during the three days of the Dialogue, I found myself absorbed in the question: “How does knowledge trigger social change?” Through observation and conversations with various participants, the recurrent responses took the form of the following statements: “Crisis leads to change”, “Subversion is the starting point of change”, “Inspiration leads to change”, “Knowledge coupled with resources and cooperation leads to c...

The End or the And?

Can civil society organizations in Sub-Saharan Africa succesfully advocate, lobby and mobilize to fight poverty and corruption, and to bring development and democracy? Have citizens’ organizations in the new roles of policy making and participation in service delivery been able to realize the high hopes and aspirations surrounding their explosive growth. And how has international assistance promoted or hindered their struggle to catalyze social change and pro-poor development?...

The End or the And?

Can civil society organizations in Sub-Saharan Africa succesfully advocate, lobby and mobilize to fight poverty and corruption, and to bring development and democracy? Have citizens’ organizations in the new roles of policy making and participation in service delivery been able to realize the high hopes and aspirations surrounding their explosive growth. And how has international assistance promoted or hindered their struggle to catalyze social change and pro-poor development?...