Paper short abstract:

The decolonisation debate recognises the intersectionality of diversity and inclusion debates but starts with a new counter narrative to the deep systemic problem of asymmetric power that emerges from a pedagogy that the global south are not ready to take control of their destiny

Paper long abstract:

Since 2020 there has been a renewed discussion within the international development and humanitarian sector around decolonisation.

For many multilateral and international organisations, it has been convenient to focus on discussions of racism and discriminations as opposed to looking at the deeper systemic problem of asymmetric power that comes for a pedagogy that the brown and black subjects are not ready to take control of their destiny. In addition for faith based organisations (FBOs), it is easy to forget that the global aid industry is the grandchild of the colonial missionaries and is a result of the hangover of colonialism.

In recent times decolonisation has been co-opted to discuss diversity and inclusion, social justice and social good. We need to understand the narrative of decolonisation, colonial, localisation and the intersection with diversity, equality and inclusion. Yet they are not the same! Decolonisation is about coming up a with a new ‘paradigm’ of thinking and approach that interrogates the localisation agenda, provides agency to the ‘local’, that has a pedagogy of liberation and freedom that works in partnership with the affected community. In particular for FBOs, it is a challenge to disrupt the system and upend the structure according to their faith traditions, to take the risk, to have the right actors at the table and to hear their voices. This is where the discussion and the thinking has to start and be explored.