CDA Collaborative Learning Projects Inc

CDA Collaborative Learning Projects (CDA) is a US-based international non-profit organization that exists to engage the complex questions that unlock positive, systemic change wherever communities experience fragility and conflict. For 25 years CDA has worked across the aid, humanitarian assistance, and peacebuilding fields, as well as with corporations in two main ways: 1) lead large-scale collaborative learning projects that improve the wider sector’s effectiveness and accountability to people in contexts of conflict, and 2) advising change processes based on that learning, for individual organizations, donors, and corporate entities, their networks, and multi-stakeholder initiatives.

CDA’s work is driven by the same two fundamental beliefs it was founded on: (1) Local capacities for peace: The perspectives and abilities of people affected by conflict must be at the center of addressing local and systemic challenges; and (2) Context matters: effective social change efforts depend on a deep understanding of and adaptation to the range of complex dynamics of communities.

CDA’s ground-breaking ‘Do No Harm’ principles, framework, and practical guidance have stood the test of time as humanitarian policy and practice. Today, humanitarian accountability to affected populations and the work of trust building and navigating risk in complex contexts is one of CDA’s flagship practice areas. The programming is both distinct and deeply integrated with CDA’s work on Local Leadership, Conflict Sensitivity, Peacebuilding Effectiveness, and Responsible Business.