Series - The Future Of Global Cooperation (#FuturesFestival 2022)

“Peace is a verb, not a noun”: why modernizing global cooperation and aid must start with reframing language

Author Neha Chollangi
Dissecting the language within the global cooperation and aid sector that is keeping colonialism alive

Why It Matters

Words like decolonization are not made for the global south. If the global cooperation and aid sector fails to use language that is meaningful, inclusive and accessible to everyone, conversations on advancing the sector’s future will remain one-sided.

var TRINITY_TTS_WP_CONFIG = {"cleanText":"\u201cPeace is a verb, not a noun\u201d: why modernizing global cooperation and aid must start with reframing language. This story is in partnership with Cooperation Canada. See our editorial ethics and standards here. \u00a0 Decolonization is lost in translation. \u00a0 Though it\u2019s become somewhat of a blanket term in the social impact world, the word decolonize originally comes from when a colonizing power leaves the country or state that it was formerly colonizing. The act does not automatically undo the wrongs of colonialism - but in fact, these intergenerational effects are often very much alive for many populations. \u00a0 In the last few years, calls to action such as \u201cdecolonize the workplace\u201d or \u201cdecolonize healthcar

Join a community of 2000+ impact-oriented professionals like you. Get full access to this story and all Future of Good content, including tickets to our digital events and networking, with a membership.