So You Are Thinking of Moving South!

This document, produced for the Ford Foundation, looks into some of the issues pertaining to the relocation of the central functions of international organisations from the global north to the global south. This is a “how to” type of manual built from surveys of organisations which have gone through the relocation process and is intended to be useful for an organisation thinking of relocating or re-establishing the central management of its organisation. The contents include sections on making the decision to move - or not move; selecting a location; setting the move in motion; and being there.

 

From the introduction:

 

"This manual is intended to:

• Help organisations ask themselves and others the right questions about why moving is, or is not, a good idea.
• Help organisations make the decision about whether or not to move.
• Help organisations decide on an appropriate destination by asking the right questions and answering them in a way that is right for their organisation and for others in destinations they are contemplating.
• Help organisations that do decide to move to do so in as trouble-free a way as possible."

 

The opening chapter on the decision of moving contains a discussion of why organisations might consider relocation based upon some of the following considerations of participation, power, and recognition. International organisations of north-south partners might consider the debate surrounding terms such as partnerships. They might consider recognition of who most thoroughly understands the challenges of issues facing a developing country. Funding might be a consideration if the donor preference is that funds go directly to global south organisations. Organisations based in the north should recognise the growing awareness among nations of the south that they have much to offer each other in south-south networks. A factor to consider might be that the focus on agenda-setting for development may be more effective if done by the developing countries. Though moving might pose challenges due to weak country infrastructure, there may be the opportunity to contribute to infrastructure development in a country or across a region. Finally, opportunities offered by the use of new technologies are changing the possibilities of communication.