Humanity faces a polycrisis—interconnected challenges such as climate change, rising inequality, social unrest, and threats to democracy. These issues do not exist in isolation; they compound and intensify one another, creating complex problems that resist simple solutions. Many of our current approaches to address these challenges are shaped by Western, Educated, Industrialized, Rich, and Democratic (WEIRD) worldviews. The WEIRD worldview, while influential, can often obscure the complexities and nuances of global issues. Continuing on this path risks jeopardizing the fabric of our societies and the health of our planet.
Responding to the polycrisis requires looking beyond our imaginative boundaries to possibilities or worlds that are viable but may be unimaginable within our current frames of reference. To create sustainable and just solutions, we need to broaden our perspectives to include worldviews that reflect the interconnectedness of our world and our shared responsibility for its future.
We offer a 2.5-day workshop set in a serene environment. The workshop seeks to raise awareness of the often invisible WEIRD philosophies and systems that shape international development, highlighting their colonial roots and contributions to global poverty and inequity. It examines the historical and philosophical foundations of development, colonization, and modernity, emphasizing reflection, critical thinking, and collaboration to inspire personal and institutional change.
Illustrations by Thorsten Deckler, Small & Grand, 26'10 South Architects
We recognize that each group brings unique perspectives and needs. Therefore, we tailor the content and delivery to ensure relevance and meaningful outcomes for all participants. Whether shaping policy, implementing programs, or seeking to deepen your understanding of development challenges, the workshop offers valuable insights to support your journey in changing the development landscape.
This program offers a critical inquiry into international development by examining the WEIRD worldview and its influence on development paradigms.
We explore how this WEIRD perspective shapes key models and metrics, uncovering the myths and narratives that create illusions of progress, while masking systemic inequalities. The workshop culminates in reimagining development, and encouraging participants to consider concepts such as kinship, interconnectedness, cyclical time, and more. See more about the modules below:
This module examines the western, educated, industrialized, rich, and democratic worldview. It explores its foundations, uncovering the history of the often-overlooked anthropocentric and Eurocentric foundational tenets, beliefs, and values central to the development paradigm.
This module reflects on the origins of development and how development models—such as the Sustainable Development Goals, the Human Development Index, and other growth metrics—have been designed using WEIRD assumptions. Exploring concepts like linear progress, infinite growth, and dualistic thinking, participants understand how WEIRDness shapes development theory and practice.
This module examines how dominant myths and selective storytelling create denials and misleading illusions about success and progress. Using case studies, we critically reflect on prevailing ideologies that mask systemic inequalities and environmental crises and how they often create superficial solutions.
This module seeks to reimagine development through diverse perspectives, utilizing a time wheel to explore other ways of knowing, doing, and being. Participants are invited to consider how prioritizing concepts such as kinship, Ubuntu, and interconnectedness can transform development practice. This exploration aims to inspire a reimagining of possibilities.
Caroline is a visiting Fellow at the University of Oxford in the Department of International Development. She possesses over twenty years research and policy experience on urban livelihoods, informal workers, economies, and governance in Africa and other developing regions. Recently completed a five-year study on refugee and migrant women in Johannesburg, investigating their resilience and livelihood strategies in the context of political, economic and social insecurity Have exceptional writing abilities, with experience in developing training materials for policy makers and practitioners. A proven track record working as a consultant with local and international agencies such as UNDESA, UNDP, UN-HABITAT, City of Johannesburg, and the Government of South Africa.
Kemi is an experienced writer, podcaster, and researcher whose career has focused on understanding the intersections of women, media, history and policy in Eastern Africa, focusing on Uganda. She holds a record of accomplishments in policy analysis, research, and documentation of the LGBTI and feminist movement. As a hobby historian, she co-hosts Wulira, a podcast centred on rewriting Ugandan women in their history, addressing the problem and limitations of education, contributing to the epistemic violence and dislocating of African knowledge systems.
Informed largely by principles of relationships and respect, Athulya has developed a deep commitment to linking inner transformation with social change. Athulya finds purpose in searching for alternative pathways to address the barriers faced by those who have been systematically exploited by global systems. She is grateful to hold a Bachelor of Social Sciences Honours in International Development and Globalization from the University of Ottawa as well as to continue unlearning and critically reflecting on those teachings.
Connecting people, experience and knowledge is Tracey's passion. She is constantly listening, learning and reflecting on the world around her. Her career path has included working with Canadian and international educational and community development organizations, in Southern Africa and northern Canada. Prior to joining NCGC in 2014, Tracey worked with the Yukon Human Rights Commission and Yukon Anti-Poverty Coalition. She holds a Mas duc Curriculum, Teaching and Learning from the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education at the University of Toronto (OISE).
This work is inspired by RIVER, Gesturing Toward Decolonial Futures, and Spherical Studio.
