Our Vision: The Critical Shifts

The critical shifts are a framework that identifies changes needed to move to a more country-driven, coordinated, and equitable system. Initially created by actors in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Nigeria—including government representatives, local and international implementing partners, funders, and community advocates—and later refined and validated with representatives from an additional 13 countries and experts from three funders, the framework calls for changes in how we: 1) set the agenda, fund, and partner; 2) plan, design, and implement programs; and 3) address inequity and manage power asymmetries. These shifts redefine relationships among funders, national governments, local and international implementing organizations, communities, and individuals.