Why Partnerships?

Supporting and building partnerships with new audiences is an important part of IDEA’s work. We believe that to tackle the current global challenges we face, we all need to play our part to break down silos, pool our strengths and collaborate more effectively, to create the change that’s needed. 

Development Education, as a tool, can play a crucial role in forging cross-sectoral and cross-disciplinary partnerships. Its approaches can be used to challenge perceptions that can create barriers, and build the common understanding that forms the basis of successful partnership. Development Education also fosters global citizenship and supports engagement with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), while working in partnership enhances Development Education practice, and widens its impact and reach.


IDEA’s partnerships work began with the Challenging the Crisis Project (2013-2015), a European Development Education project that opened up new opportunities for learning with diverse partners.  We are now leading the Partnerships work of another European Development Education project Bridge 47, to broaden the practice and impact of Development Education through developing partnerships with new audiences, within the context of delivering the SDGs.


IDEA aims to strengthen our members’ capacity to engage in partnerships and to provide space for these connections to flourish. We are providing training and networking opportunities, reaching out to new partners to enhance the impact of Development Education, as well as catalysing and supporting collaboration and partnerships within our sector and beyond, with a view to creating positive change.


"This area is really important and the opportunities brought about through the additional European DEAR funding has been transformative in many respects supporting Development Education (DE) practitioners and non-DE practitioners to engage in new and exciting ways, upskilling, and partnerships."


Annual Members Survey


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