Decolonising INGOs

Many INGOs are the product of the engagement of societies in the global North and West with deep seated inequalities and injustices in the world. At the same time the way that these organisations evolved often replicated, initially subconsciously but later unchecked, the same power structures that they set out to criticise. Greenpeace, like many organisations in the field of international social justice is responding to the demands for scrutiny and change in light of the challenges put to the enduring power structures resulting from centuries of colonialism and global power differentials. Michael Hammer, through his involvement in the organisation’s governance, has contributed to the development of processes of reflection on power distribution and equity of voice to help take the organisation forward towards impact based on its increasing embracing of cultural diversity.