A message from CEO Gary Baker about IAIA's current goals and plans.
The global backdrop for our 2024-26 strategic plan presents a world facing formidable social and environmental challenges. While political action to address these urgent issues may be slow, IAIA is uniquely positioned to help. Over our 45-year history we have built a strong foundation of expertise in impact assessment, developing cross-disciplinary experience and now is the time to expand our engagement and partnerships with like-minded organizations. By working together we can create positive change.
Impact assessment has long been essential in regulatory practices, helping shape policies through practical analysis, and IAIA plays a pivotal role in evolving the discipline of impact assessment. As we move forward, we must continue to improve the way we assess future consequences, adapting to new technologies and evidence. This evolution is crucial to keeping our profession relevant and effective.
While the threats to our planet are serious, they also drive innovation and open new opportunities for impact assessment. IAIA is committed to evolving alongside these changes. Our strategic plan, developed with input from members and the Board, provides a roadmap for this future. It focuses on three key areas:
Our members are the heart of IAIA. We aim to:
Grow our membership across regions, cultures, and disciplines.
Leverage member expertise and networking through our sections, communities, and signature events.
Continuously engage with members to understand and meet their needs.
Improve our technology and quality of communications to enhance the member experience.
Work with affiliates to expand our global network and promote best practice.
Drawing upon a broad, diverse and engaged membership base will allow us to develop further levels of service and support, while strengthening our collective voice.
The future of our profession depends on IAIA fulfilling its primary commitment to developing best practice by critiquing and adapting our approach and methodology. By evolving through experience and embracing technology we will deliver a fit-for-purpose profession able to attract and develop future professionals. We will:
Offer high-quality foundational training and professional development.
Develop competency frameworks for career progression.
Partner with related organizations to identify training opportunities.
Be the reference point for best practice in impact assessment.
By investing in the practice of IA and in training future generations, we secure the future of impact assessment and its role in addressing global challenges.
We will strengthen IAIA’s external presence by:
Showcasing world-class content from our events.
Demonstrating thought-leadership into related sectors and disciplines.
Adopting a more ambitious and innovative approach to our communications and media strategies.
Building high-quality partnerships with development institutions, government agencies, civil society, NGOs, and private industry.
Impact assessment represents the embodiment of cross-sectoral and cross-disciplinary approaches, and our partnership strategy will reflect this.
CONCLUSION
We face both challenges and exciting opportunities ahead. IAIA is starting from a position of strength, but we must keep evolving as an organization and as a profession. Our values and vision will continue to guide us as we work together to create a more sustainable, equitable, and resilient world.
The challenges are great, but our collective potential is greater. With optimism and determination, we can make a lasting, positive impact.
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