The importance of mutual study

Mutual learning and the IDS International Initiatives
One way in which we seek to do more to promote mutual learning is through the IDS International Initiatives, launched in 2020. Developed to bring focus to geographies at the leading edge of development thinking and practice due to accelerating geopolitical change, they recognise that tackling global challenges requires knowledge sharing, mutual learning, and collaboration to inform policy decision making based on local, national and global participation.
In effect, the IDS International Initiatives create spaces where researchers from within and outside of the country can share, learn, and work with IDS researchers, governments, civil society, communities, and the private sector. As a result, they strengthen development thinking and practice by generating actionable solutions towards positive change which includes opportunities for new partnerships, research, learning, and joint policy programmes either in-country or across the evolving network of Brazil, China, Europe, Ghana, Pakistan.
For the IDS International Initiatives, mutual learning in practice involves a range of activities and approaches including:

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  Strengthening the representation of our partners’ knowledge by making it accessible to all, including through knowledge repositories on OpenDocs, case studies and policy briefs.
  
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  Building networks, for example as UK Anchor Institution to the China International Development Research Network, through which we help promote knowledge exchange and mutual learning to inform Chinese policy towards the UN Global Goals.
  
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  We can then mobilise this knowledge through co-delivered participatory training, professional development and higher education. For example, Miguel Loureiro is building networks between Brazilian, Pakistani and Nigerian civil servants around research and training for and with bureaucrats on participatory public policy making and the effective use of evidence. Participants find opportunities to engage with speakers and colleagues from other countries a valuable learning opportunity.
  
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