LinkedIn to Learning

As development organisations confront the pressing challenges of our time, what lessons are we learning? Now more than ever, we must clearly identify what has worked—and what has not—in our programmes.

Collective learning can no longer be a secondary consideration in our organisations.

Committed to putting learning into action, Propel is dedicated to capturing and sharing key insights. Keep an eye out for more on this core learning project in the coming weeks. In the interim, we have checked in with development actors seeking to rapidly make sense of the shifts and shape the way forward.?

In this edition of LinkedIn to Learning, we highlight top insights from three recent critical conversations and share the impact of learning in relation to key points—and don't miss the Knowledge Platform Security & Rule of Law case studies below!

"This is the opportunity to reflect on the fundamental problems. This is not about job creation, this is about saving lives—we have to remember that. Is it more important to please authoritarian governments or is it your mission to help people? It calls for fundamental restructuring of what we are doing and why we are there."?~ Stella Naw, Kachin Human Rights Activist, noted during The New Humanitarian 'If not (US) aid, then what?' webinar on 18 February 2025.

Understanding the Netherlands' new development priorities??

On 20 February, the Dutch government unveiled a new development policy, prioritising trade and the economy, security and stability, and migration while significantly cutting funding for climate initiatives, gender equality, and education.

Webinar hosts HVFC - Fundraising · Impact · Talent and The Hague Humanity Hub presented an analysis of these shifts and their impact on funding, partnerships, and Dutch aid, which is now strategically aligned with national interests.

• Water initiatives received increased funding compared to the Minister’s allocations in November 2024, with continued emphasis on knowledge transfer and water diplomacy, reinforcing the Netherlands' global reputation in this field.
• Food security efforts will focus on partnerships with UNICEF and GAIN, further leveraging the Dutch Diamond Approach to foster collaboration among businesses, knowledge institutions, and government bodies.
• Healthcare funding will support women’s and girls’ health, aiming to unlock opportunities for Dutch companies in fields such as medical technology.
• Climate funding faces a 50% cut, while gender equality programmes see major reductions. Education funding has been entirely eliminated.

Despite a slight increase in humanitarian aid compared to previous budget allocations, the government is focusing on partnerships with the United Nations , the Red Cross Movement, and the Dutch Relief Alliance .

A policy letter outlining the future of Dutch humanitarian aid will be presented to parliament later in 2025.

Impact through learning:

The Netherlands is very clear on its areas of focus. Both development and humanitarian organisations will need to continue to learn from past successes and setbacks. Propel is committed to supporting organisations in capturing and applying these lessons to build resilience and effectiveness in the face of change.

If not (US) aid, then what??

A critical conversation led by The New Humanitarian

The dismantling of USAID has exposed the fragility of humanitarian funding, revealing deep-rooted dependencies and power imbalances. Structural reform has long been necessary, but never before has it been such an urgent ‘do or die’ imperative.

Moderated by The New Humanitarian CEO Tammam Aloudat , a panel featuring @Abbas Sheikh, Deborah Doane , Dr. Lata Narayanaswamy , Nidhi Bouri , and Stella Naw examined the aid system and the pressing need for change. The truest humanitarian imperative (which we support) was brought into sharp focus by each panel member as it was agreed that:?

• The traditional, Western-led aid model—burdened by bureaucracy and inefficiency—is unsustainable.?
• Reform must prioritise localised leadership, shifting funding toward civil society groups through alternative financing models.?
• Beyond financial shifts, a new approach is needed—one that fosters equitable partnerships rather than imposing Western frameworks.?
• Grassroots leaders must be empowered as decision-makers, not just beneficiaries.

This crisis presents a turning point: will the sector really change? We believe that a collective culture of learning is a fundamental enabler of a united and measured sector.??

Impact through learning:

A collective response to the aid system’s fundamental changes will hinge on our ability to learn from an agreed past failure of not enabling locally led development models. Propel believes that meaningful change starts with embedding learning into action—ensuring organisations can track, adapt, and refine their approaches to meet the needs of the people they serve.

ALNAP raises the bar on locally led evaluation

Focusing on value, feasibility and steps to action

What will it take for locally led evaluation to become the norm and not the exception Addressing this question, ALNAP hosted a conversation that got into the granular detail of this critical sector imperative.?

The conversation focused on:?

• The value and benefits of increased local inclusion in evaluation processes.
• The role of strategic commitments—how organisations can meaningfully engage in and support locally led evaluations.
• Practical examples, including insights from two organisations on fair and equitable contracting processes.

Impact through learning:

To move international development toward a locally driven approach, the daily ability to document and learn from the work being done is critical. Propel is geared to help organisations capture and scale successful locally led evaluations, ensuring that learning translates into sustainable and measured impact.

Learning on the up with #Uptake campaign

The latest Knowledge Platform Security & Rule of Law (KPSRL) campaign featured online polls, revealing insights into digital learning in the Security & Rule of Law (SRoL) sector.

The majority of respondents (63%) noted they use digital tools for collaboration and reflection. In a second poll, 57% confirmed they use these tools to address the challenge of limited time and resources. These indicators affirm the need for consistent learning efficiency and inclusive development intelligence in this crucial sector.

As part of its Programmatic Learning Instrument, KPSRL invested in its learning trajectory with Propel, leading to a series of case studies: 'The Role of Tools for Programmatic Learning'. These studies are designed to benefit both SRoL practitioners and policymakers.

The third case study, A Tool in Practice, highlights how Propel is being used for programmatic learning in the Damal and Miisaan programmes—both of which contribute to strengthening the social contract and advancing peace, justice, and governance in Somalia and Somaliland.

Impact through learning:

In today’s challenging development landscape, the need to invest in knowledge management and learning solutions has never been more urgent. This initiative by KPSRL underscores the power of continuous learning in enhancing programme impact and demonstrates that informed adaptation is possible.

Find all three case studies here: https://www.propelapp.org/blogs.

About Propel: Propel is more than just software; it is a tool designed to integrate learning seamlessly into workflows. Our vision is to empower organisations to unlock their collective memory, nurturing knowledge, and propelling towards a future where continuous learning is not just a goal but a reality.?