Exchange Insights: Supporting Local Civil Society Organisations as Agents of Change

Local civil society organisations (CSOs) are often closest to both the challenges - and the solutions - in their communities. Yet too often, they face barriers to funding, visibility, and influence.

This Exchange Insights event will explore how development actors can move beyond tokenism to meaningfully support local CSOs as drivers of sustainable, locally led change.

Through an engaging, interactive discussion, we’ll unpack practical strategies for:

• shifting power and resourcing decisions closer to communities;

• providing flexible and equitable funding; and

• creating enabling environments where local leadership thrives.

Speakers will share reflections and examples from across the region, highlighting what works (and what doesn’t) when it comes to partnering with local civil society in ways that are impactful, equitable, and transformative.

About Exchange Insights

Exchange Insights is a new online event series that continues the conversations sparked at the RDI Exchange 2025. Each session brings together researchers, practitioners, and policymakers to dive deeper into key themes shaping the future of Australia’s international development sector.

Event Details

Date: Thursday 13 November 2025
Time: 12:00pm – 1:30pm AEDT
Location: Online (Zoom link provided upon registration)

Speakers

Dr Sandra Hamid is the Executive Director of AMINEF, the American Indonesian Exchange Foundation, the binational Fulbright Commission in Indonesia. She is a cultural anthropologist and development specialist with strong interests in political participation, civil society, social inclusion, religious freedom, and pluralism. Sandra worked for the Asia Foundation in Indonesia for 18 years, including 11 years as the Country Representative.

Emeline Siale Ilolahia is the Executive Director of Pacific Islands Association of Non-governmental Organisations (PIANGO) which coordinates and supports civil society organisations across 24 countries and territories across the Pacific. Siale is a long-time Tongan civil society leader who previously led the Civil Society Forum of Tonga. Through PIANGO, Siale brings together diverse stakeholders to address pressing challenges facing the Pacific communities, from climate change, human rights violations, protection of Indigenous lands, gender inequality and food security.

[MODERATOR] Elisabeth Jackson is a Director of the RDI Network Board and Senior Research Fellow at the Centre for Human Security and Social Change at La Trobe University. Lis brings with her deep and broad sector experience in research and evaluation for development. She is an accomplished collaborator and has many long-established relationships with colleagues and partners across the Southeast and Pacific. Lis has widely published research and evidence-based analysis and commentary in academic journals as well as professional news and analysis media platforms.  

Partners

This event is delivered in partnership by the RDI Network and the La Trobe University Centre for Human Security and Social Change (CHSSC).

Who should attend?

This session is open to anyone working in or alongside international development - including practitioners, researchers, funders, and policymakers - who is interested in advancing locally led approaches and strengthening civil society partnerships across the region.

Registration

Places are free but limited. Register now to secure your spot and join the conversation.