As we have reached the end of another year, we at IMA, want to spend time reflecting on our lessons learned, and the rewarding experiences we have had.
2024 has been a great year. Face-to-face training has grown, and we had the opportunity to work with some fantastic organisations to strengthen their capacity. We continue to work in areas of Monitoring and Evaluation, Knowledge Management, Leadership and Management, Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management (EAFM), among others, with participants from various organisations globally. Our open training courses online continue. Closing the year with two successful training courses in Bangkok on MEAL and Leadership, followed by welcoming participants on our 8-week online MEAL course.
Reflecting on various consultancy inputs
We had the fantastic opportunity through our consultancy and tailored training, to work with FAO in the Caribbean. Working in Dominica and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, on an Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management (EAFM) integrating Disaster Risk Management (DRM) and Climate Change Adaptation (CCA).
Our long-term work with our friends in Sudan came to a close with the end of the UNIDO project. We co-produced 5 policy briefs, an EAFM Plan for Red Sea State, and a Draft Technical Management Plan for selected fish species. Sudan will remain close in our thoughts, and we hope 2025 brings peace. We also had the pleasure of delivering a tailored training in London, on Leadership and Knowledge Management for members of senior government staff from Zambia. Our training gave this group of officials a foundation to plan and apply skills in effective leadership and management. Specifically, promoting and harnessing the knowledge of their teams to create a culture of learning. Our participants and staff enjoyed the training so much, that we are now running it as open scheduled training in 2025. Find out more about our Leadership and Knowledge Management training in London.
Reflecting on new and old friendships
Amongst the hard work, we have had a lot of fun in 2024. Meeting new participants, collaborating with brilliant organisations, and working towards capacity development for vital issues being faced by people globally. The stories and experiences shared with our friends along the way have been inspiring and hopeful for the next year ahead.
Looking Forward to 2025
As we turn our attention to 2025, there is much to be hopeful for. The year ahead presents an opportunity to build on reflections from our work in 2024. Embracing innovation and collaboration to tackle systemic issues and harness emerging opportunities to work with new clients and sectors.
Some of IMA’s hopes for 2025 include:
- Inspiration through collaboration: In 2025, we aim to embrace our localisation strategy. This includes fostering relationships across sectors, bringing together diverse stakeholders, encouraging active participation, and including different perspectives and resources to address global challenges more effectively.
- Climate action: The urgency of the climate crisis requires bold action. In 2025, we will continue our work in fisheries sectors, sustainable agriculture, and forestry, disaster resilience, and climate change, working with key organisations in these areas, to strengthen capacity.
- Harnessing innovation: Technology and innovation will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of international development. From artificial intelligence to mobile-based solutions, we are excited to explore the new ways technology might impact our projects and programmes.
- Fostering a culture of learning: Continuous learning is key to adapting to an ever-changing world. In 2025, we hope to expand our capacity-building initiatives. Enabling more practitioners to develop their skills and inspire positive change within their organisations and communities.
We want to express our thanks and best wishes to everyone who has been part of IMA International’s journey in 2024—our participants, clients, partners, and team members. Your dedication and passion for international development continues to inspire us and builds hope for 2025.
The year ahead will not be without its challenges, but together, we hope for a happy, healthy and busy year. Let’s continue to be innovative, inclusive and inspire change to transform lives in the pursuit of a better, more equitable world.
Here’s to a hopeful and impactful 2025!
Future learning opportunities
If you are interested in attending any of our training courses, please follow this link to explore the many options open to you, we would be delighted to hear from you and look forward to meeting you.