Advocacy & Systems Change
Adeso’s aim is to help build a Global South that does not depend on foreign aid, but rather is self-determining and emboldened to utilize resources and skills from within.

Decolonizing Aid with INGOs: The Pledge for Change
Recognizing the large role International Nongovernmental Organizations (INGOs) play in humanitarian aid and development assistance– and their ability to take immediate action and affect large-scale change – Adeso convened the leaders of a set of large INGOs and challenged them to re-imagine their roles through the lens of a paradigm shift in how global aid operates.
Since early 2021, the leaders of the Pledge for Change coalition have worked to develop a series of public commitments in three key areas – Equitable Partnerships, Authentic Storytelling and Influencing Wider Change – to move toward a decolonial and anti-racist system. The Pledge for Change 2030 was officially launched on 27th October 2022.
Decolonizing Philanthropy
With the success that Adeso has seen in shifting rhetoric and practice with INGOs through the Pledge for Change journey, Adeso sees interest and momentum to create a similar space for foundation leaders in the philanthropy space.
Adeso has led various meetings with foundations and organizations facilitating dialogue to move towards a more decolonized approach to philanthropy. We are also creating a donor education curriculum for decolonizing global funding, reconsidering how decisions are made and funds are allocated with the aim to change the status quo in the global philanthropy sector.