Inclusion in Multi-Stakeholder Platforms

Multi-Stakeholder Platforms (MSPs) are collaborative spaces that bring together governments, communities, NGOs, and the private sector to address complex, shared challenges. In practice, however, many MSPs struggle to deliver results because key voices are excluded or marginalized, and power imbalances shape decisions. When participation is unequal, outcomes are weaker and less sustainable.

Inclusion is critical to the success of these initiatives. When those most affected by decisions can participate meaningfully, MSPs generate better insights, produce more equitable solutions, and build stronger ownership for implementation.

This course is designed for practitioners who design, convene, or facilitate MSPs. It provides practical tools and applied methods to strengthen inclusion across the MSP lifecycle from stakeholder analysis and platform design to facilitation, learning, and reflection.

By the end of this course, you will:

• Understand the importance of inclusivity in Multi-Stakeholder Platforms (MSPs).
• Design MSPs that foster equitable participation and reflect diverse stakeholder interests.
• Facilitate inclusive discussions that promote balanced power dynamics and collaborative decision making.
• Identify and remove barriers to participation, ensuring marginalized voices are heard.
• Apply participatory learning and reflection tools to track MSP performance and support continuous improvement.

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