Lessons Learned / Reflections

Session 0- "But i meant well.." UnLearning Colonial ways of doing good - framed by James Thomas

Prof. Thomas brings extensive experience in reflecting on how development systems operate in practice, with a particular focus on how intention, power, and everyday practice shape outcomes. In this session, he set the tone for the Collaborative Unlearning Labs by introducing the core mindset of unlearning, encouraging participants to question assumptions and reflect on how development is actually practiced in real contexts.

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The invincible Architecture of Decision-Making in Development Practice

The Development Lab convened development practitioners in a structured reflective space to examine how decisions are made across development systems and partnerships, and how these processes ultimately shape outcomes. The session surfaced the often-invisible dynamics that influence decision-making—including power relations, institutional incentives, and embedded assumptions. Participants critically reflected on how these factors affect priority setting, resource allocation, partnership structures, and whose knowledge is recognised in development practice. Through facilitated, practice-based dialogue, the Lab enabled honest exchange on accountability, influence, and decision-making constraints within real-world programming contexts. Participants also explored practical shifts toward more inclusive, transparent, and collaborative approaches to decision-making. The Lab contributes to strengthening more equitable development systems by fostering reflective practice, encouraging critical unlearning, and supporting practitioners to reimagine how decisions can be made in ways that better value local knowledge and shared ownership.

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