Level the Playing Field in Development (LPFDev)

???We are excited to launch our campaign on 'Flipping The Narrative' in International Development today.?? As part of the campaign, we have published a report on the White Savior Complex & Artificial Intelligence (AI) - A visual outline of the role of the emergence of AI and its importance in the use of imagery and perpetuating ‘stereotypical’ narratives in the international development sector. Read the full report below or download and find out more on our website: https://lpfdev.org/

?? ???????????????? ??????????????????????!!!????????????????? ???? ?????????????? ???? ???????????????? ?? ?????????????? ???????????????????????? ???? ???????? ???? ?????????????? ???? ???? ￡?? ?????????????? ???? ???????????? ???? ?????? ??????????-?????? ?????????????????????? ???? ???????? ???? ??????????????. Anyone who has been following my work at Wellcome will know that I have spent lots of time exploring how Wellcome could better support the sustainability of Black-led initiatives advancing the careers of Black-heritage researchers. This work started with focus groups to hear the experiences of Black leaders in this space and where Wellcome could be useful. We heard there was a need for money, non-financial resources, training and community. We also heard that how support was delivered was just as important as what support was delivered, and who did this work mattered. From all of this, we learned that Wellcome was not best placed to do this alone. ???????? ???? ?????? ?????????????? ??????: Wellcome is seeking to contract a partner organisation to help us deliver up to ￡1 million in grants to the Black-led initiatives we want to support. The ideal organisations should: ?? Have experience in grant-giving. ?? Be able to fund flexibly to support both incorporated and unincorporated small initiatives. ?? Provide in addition to grant funding, other support that will aid the sustainability of these initiatives. ?? Have a demonstrable history of working with Black/racially minoritised communities. ???? ???????????? ?????????????????? ???????????????????????? ???????? ??????????-?????? ?????????????????????????? ???????? ?? ???????????????????????? ?????????????? ???? ?????????????? ???????? ??????????/???????????????? ?????????????????????? ??????????????????????. Please do share this opportunity with your network or someone you believe could do this work! The linked contract opportunity (request for proposal) provides full details about the opportunity and how to apply. Key dates: ?? Expression of interest and Q&A deadline: 11th December 2024 ?? RFP response deadline: 31st January 2025

A capture of week 1 at COP29 by Kevin D. Mofokeng: COP29 Week 1 Recap: Climate Finance Takes Center Stage While Nature Awaits its Turn ??The first week of COP29, held in Baku, Olympic Stadium, has been coined the "Finance COP," where the focus on mobilizing climate funds overshadowed nature-based solutions. As negotiations enter their second week, global leaders, organizations, and negotiators are tasked with resolving crucial questions: who will finance climate action, and what strategies will drive the next round of nationally determined contributions (NDCs)? Key Leadership Commitments: UK and Brazil Lead the Charge ??The UK committed to an 81% reduction in emissions by 2035 (compared to 1990 levels). ??As the next COP host, Brazil aims to cut greenhouse gas emissions by up to 67% by 2035, marking a significant step toward global goals. Breakthroughs in Carbon Markets ??COP29 advanced a global framework under (Article 6) to ensure transparent carbon credit trading. New methodologies for forest-based carbon credits, particularly through REDD+ initiatives, were approved, enabling developing countries to leverage nature conservation as a key strategy. Experts lauded these steps as milestones for integrating nature into the climate finance landscape. Forest Conservation Gains Momentum ??The Forest and Climate Leaders’ Partnership (FCLP) highlighted a $10 billion achievement toward a $12 billion commitment to forest conservation. Global Initiatives Driving Climate Finance ??The G-ZERO Forum brought together carbon-negative nations to push for a nature-positive world. ??Multilateral Development Banks pledged to raise annual climate financing to $120 billion by 2030, with significant private sector involvement. ??Brazil introduced its Climate Investment Platform to attract funding for decarbonization and biodiversity projects. Challenges and Outlook for Week Two ??Despite significant financial commitments, nature remains underfunded and sidelined. Reports highlight a $55 billion financing gap for Africa’s agriculture and land-use needs, underscoring the disparity between pledges and actual funding. What Lies Ahead? To meet global climate and biodiversity goals, COP29 must: ???Triple finance for nature by 2030. ???Align policies and budgets across climate, biodiversity, and land use goals. ???Develop ambitious, actionable NDCs to attract private investments. ???As negotiators grapple with these priorities, the final days of COP29 hold the potential to determine whether nature emerges as a cornerstone of climate action or remains in the shadows. Link to full article here-->>https://lnkd.in/eAiQUF4j

"That's just the way things are" "What do you expect us to do?" "You're not serious, right?" "We don't have a choice!" Here it is: the guidance. The new way, the to-dos, the choices (yes, seriously), from local actors and voices from the Global South: https://lnkd.in/eVZQ6RhW Before, during and after an event: this is your comprehensive to-do list for international events that ?? ?Meaningfully include Global South/Majority World participants and underrepresented groups ??Lead to real change and accountability ??Prevent burnout and conference fatigue ??Are actually enjoyable! Intrigued? Read the full guidance, available in French, Spanish, Swahili, English and Arabic: https://lnkd.in/eVZQ6RhW

You can also email [email protected] with the subject line 'COP29 – thank you! ?? #COP29 #climatechange

Our climate change research team at Level the Playing Field in Development (LPFDev) are closely following developments at #COP29. One topic we are looking at is access to participation in COP, where there has already been some interesting findings. We are interested in speaking to anyone who may have experienced challenges before or after receiving their COP29 Special Visa, especially in the Global South. Maybe they weren't able to get the visa in the first place. Please message me directly with any leads – thank you!

In this community contribution Kevin D. Mofokeng defines environmental justice as the fair distribution of environmental benefits and burdens across all communities, ensuring that no group bears a disproportionate share of negative environmental impacts. The article details how the pursuit of environmental justice in Africa is complex, as the challenge requires addressing systemic inequalities, strengthening policy implementation and fostering community participation. Arguing, the principles of environmental justice must remain at the forefront of policy and grassroots advocacy, with governments, civil society and international partners working together to create inclusive solutions for environmental and social concerns. Read full article here >> https://lnkd.in/ezfR5ts4

Global South diaspora gives money? ??????????????. ? Global North gives to Global South? ??????????????. So the savior mentality of some Westerners — “first they should help themselves” — is a tired colonial lie that won’t die. Because the Global South already ???? helping themselves. To the tune of $590 billion a year in #remittances. These quiet giants of giving donate more to families and communities than all other international aid. Combined. ?? Like official development assistance: $180B ?? Or cross-border philanthropy: $70B ?? And private capital: $400M This is a wake-up call. “Global South countries have predominantly been labeled as donor dependent, perpetuating the vicious cycle of unequal power dynamics between the Global North and South,” says Willson Chivhanga. “The consequence has been skewed foreign and domestic policy… and development apathy among Global South citizens who have been systematically conditioned to believe that they have nothing to contribute towards their own development.” Here’s the #storytelling opportunity. ? Migrants donate ~15% of earnings as remittances. Americans, by contrast, give just 2% to charity. “This is one of the most under-reported and unexamined issues in global development,” says Gillian Marcelle, PhD. Truth. And let’s stop saying remittances aren’t as impactful as other #philanthropy because it’s just “subsistence money.” Western Union found the top uses of remittances were healthcare, food, housing, and education — the same stuff Western donors invest in. Especially because many communities pool remittances for long-term sustainability, according to Una Osili. Like a water project or building schools and hospitals. That’s why it’s paternalistic to think the Global South diaspora can’t deploy its own donations wisely. “Migrant workers make an invaluable contribution to SDGs through remittances and investments,” says International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). In short: Remittances are an unsung hero of global development. So let’s rebrand them as a headliner in our narratives. It may be quiet funding. But it’s loud impact. ?????? ______________________________________ Follow Kevin L. Brown to get fundable & findable. Then repost ?? to help your network.

The Article by Kevin D. Mofokeng focuses on the environmental implications of agricultural practices. Looking at the sustainability challenges, impacts of climate change and adoption of innovative practices for a sustainable future. Mofokeng argues that agriculture is the cornerstone of African economies, supporting the livelihoods of over 60% of the continent's populations, with it playing a crucial role in food security, economic development and cultural identity. Concluding that addressing the root causes of environmental degradation, and empowering farmers with the necessary tools and knowledge, is key to ensuring the sustainability of the sector long term. Read full article here >> https://lnkd.in/ex-cQJ7S

Ethical Storytelling within Development ?? This month is Black History Month with the theme being Reclaiming Narratives. For this week’s post I would like to spotlight an article from Level the Playing Field in Development (LPFDev) around ethical storytelling. ???The article defines storytelling as ‘sharing narratives committed to honesty, accuracy and empathy with an awareness of their potential impact on people’s lives’. ??Ethical storytelling is a huge component within the development sector with non-profits using it to help individuals better understand their work and propel them to take action. 1??Presuming there is one narrative to a story is harmful and so those that are adopting this form of storytelling look at other narratives. ???However, framing is a massive dilemma in ethical storytelling. There is a constant need to ask and ensure that information is respectful of people’s dignity and that it is empathetic. This also applies to perception. Click here to read the full post: https://lnkd.in/ekHnFHy7 #blackhistorymonth #reclaimingnarratives? #internationaldevelopment #ethicalstorytelling