From policy to practice – Is learning the missing link?

Since the Paris Declaration on Aid Effectiveness , a slew of events, statements and policy discussions have focused on the role of training and learning within the larger context of capacity development . As integral players in the development process, training and learning practitioners continue to encounter enormous obstacles in their attempts to enhance the operational effectiveness and to improve the impact of learning and training programmes, let alone meet the growing demands of measurement and knowledge management. It is time to put the tactics we promote into practice and to train each other in a participatory and experiential environment. From the 7-11, December the ITC-ILO will host the

Conceived as a practical off-shoot of policy and practice reform initiatives within the development community, the Learning Link will foster the exploration of unconventional approaches, experimentation with innovative technologies, and the expansion of time-honoured techniques all on a foundation of collaboration.

Despite the great volume of discourse and clear commitments to the cause, meaningful action with positive impacts and the potential to be scaled up remains elusive. Paris was a starting point, visibility of learning and training professionals on the Accra Agenda for Action took that one step further. With the Berlin Statement on International Development Training last year and the follow-up forum in Washington D.C. this June, the common agenda is clear and there is a long list of issues to address at the individual, institutional and international levels. Multilateral discussion groups and community consultations have created an inclusive list of topics to address in the first ever Learning Link. Registration is currently open, and space is limited so contact the Steering Committee at link@itcilo.org to get involved!

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More information can be found at: www.itcilo.org/link

by Karen Moir