In the ever-changing landscape of global development, INGOs face a web of complex, interdependent dilemmas that challenge their values, operations and impact. In this article, I explore the key dilemmas identified during the Pledge for Change Global Gathering, highlighting their interconnected nature and strategic considerations for responding to them.

INGOs should not wait for the next crisis to change. Change is now, and they need to make the right choices. They must be agile, adaptable, and alert like a chameleon; vigilant, persistent and fearless like a royal eagle; have a small and committed crew like a speedboat; have well-defined niches like a specialist; and let go of power, trust their local partners and take the back seat.

After four iterations of their operating system, INGOs have progressively moved from an era of opacity and total power control to an era of transparency and progressive power shift. However, the path to achieving the balance of power between the "Global North" and the "Global South" or between aid providers and aid clients is still long and bumpy. But it is an irreversible path.