Wake up, Davos … global leaders must think local to solve the world’s problems | Kennedy Odede

Ahe World Economic Forum in Davos last week, corporate CEOs, world leaders and philanthropists came together to discuss steps to solve our biggest global problems. As these leaders searched for solutions to climate change and world hunger, I was at home in Kenyaworking directly with community organizations that have some of the answers.

Those focused on Davos may not have heard of the success of organizations like Paraguayan Foundationthat works with families to help end poverty, or Vision Africa, who has been educating women and girls in Kenya. These innovative and critical perspectives, which are the key to progress, were not present because the location was not on the agenda in Davos.

Grassroots leaders like me know that the world’s “big problems” can only be solved when we approach them from a local perspective; however, community organizations are underfunded and need support. If the WEF wants to see real change, it must put the work of community leaders at its center, and attendees must be willing to transfer funds and decision-making power directly to the people leading this critical work.

my organization, Bright hope for communities (Shofco), in coordination with the Global Alliance for Communities (GAC) and a network of funders, is exploring ways to change this power dynamic and bring local perspectives to the forefront of global development conversations.

In 2021, we organized the first of its kind World Forum of Communities (WCF),…