By Malang B.S. BOJANG
Research Fellow, ECA
Brainstorming sessions are powerful tools for generating innovative ideas and solutions in policymaking and development initiatives. It is a creative endeavor, best done informally and without the baggage of meeting agendas and minutes as one tends to see in large institutions. I was recently invited to attend the weekly event (Bunna with Sweta - Inspiring each other) hosted by the Gender, Poverty and Social Policy Division (GPSPD) of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), which has garnered attention for its effectiveness and outcomes. This informal brainstorming exercise over coffee - bunna in Amharic - tackles a range of research topics and projects of interest to the Division.
The GPSPD's informal brainstorming exercise highlighted critical issues and set a precedent for how such processes can be conducted to maximize impact and inclusivity. The staff, led by the GPSPD Director, Sweta Saxena took on the challenge to discuss pressing issues related to gender equality, poverty alleviation, and social policy within the African context. The GPSPD aimed to uncover nuanced insights and devise actionable strategies by fostering an environment where different perspectives could converge. The success of the informal brainstorming exercise offers valuable lessons for other Divisions within ECA and beyond.
Setting the Stage
One of the standout features of the exercise was the deliberate dispensing with hierarchy and the inclusion of diverse voices from the staff of various sections within GPSPD. This diversity ensured that discussions were enriched by a wide range of experiences and expertise, offering holistic viewpoints on complex issues the Division is currently working on. It’s not just another meeting. It’s all done around Coffee.
Recognizing that social issues are interconnected and multifaceted, the brainstorming sessions explored the intersectionality of gender, poverty, and social policies. The Division could propose more comprehensive and targeted interventions by examining how these factors intersect and affect different populations. In addition, the brainstorming exercise was firmly rooted in data and evidence-based research as this deepens insights. Various sections within GPSPD took turns to present findings from recent studies and analyses, providing a solid foundation for discussions and recommendations. This emphasis on empirical data strengthened the insights' credibility and underscored the importance of informed decision-making in policy formulation.
Throughout the exercise, there was a strong commitment to inclusivity and representation. Efforts were made to ensure that voices from different sections, both the Professional and General Services staff members, were not just heard, but valued and respected. This inclusive approach not only enriched the discussions but also fostered a sense of ownership in divisional work, making each participant feel valued and respected.
Lessons for the UN system
The success of the Gender, Poverty and Social Policy Division's brainstorming sessions offers valuable lessons for other Divisions within ECA and beyond.
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This informal brainstorming exercise seeks diverse perspectives and expertise to foster comprehensive and inclusive discussions.
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It recognizes the interconnected nature of social issues and explores how they intersect to develop more holistic solutions to contemporary problems.
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Discussions and recommendations are not just based on solid empirical evidence but are the very foundation of their work, enhancing credibility and effectiveness and instilling confidence in decisions. They also create environments encouraging creativity and innovation, allowing for the exploration of new ideas and approaches.
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It makes deliberate and concerted efforts to include voices from all segments of the Division, making everyone feel valued and integral to the process.
By leveraging diversity, data-driven insights, and a commitment to inclusivity, the Division identified key challenges and proposed actionable solutions that could drive meaningful change. In my one year as an ECA fellow, I have benefited from informal gatherings and discussions which yield ideas and inspiration. They say business decisions are made over rounds of Golf. As other Divisions within ECA and the UN system at large seek to address complex socio-economic issues, they can draw inspiration from this exercise to conduct more impactful and insightful brainstorming sessions. And how better to infuse the coming together of ideas than the aroma of a simple cup of coffee.
In essence, the GPSPD's initiative demonstrates that effective policymaking begins with collaborative and inclusive dialogue that embraces diversity, values evidence, and fosters innovation. By learning from these principles, we can collectively strive towards more equitable and sustainable development outcomes. And given the cultural relevance of coming together to mull decisions over coffee in Ethiopia, my Bunna with Sweta could not have been more inspiring.
Malang B. S. BOJANG, Ph.D. is an outgoing Research Fellow at the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa. He researches e-Government in developing countries, public value management, democracy and good governance, and public sector reforms.