Thought Leadership
Influencing Policy for Lasting Change
At the Collective Empowerment Foundation, we firmly believe that impactful, sustainable development requires more than just on-the-ground interventions; it requires strategic policy advocacy informed by rigorous research. Our thought leadership initiatives focus on producing research-driven insights that empower governments and stakeholders to implement policies and practices that significantly benefit remote and isolated communities.


Supporting Governments in Sustainable Development
CEF actively partners with governments, providing research-based recommendations, data-driven strategies, and practical support to shape policies that drive meaningful change. By aligning our objectives with governmental priorities, we enhance public sector capacity to deliver impactful initiatives. Our approach ensures that local authorities have access to essential insights, enabling them to create and sustain effective development policies. Through our thought leadership, CEF continues to bridge the gap between research, policy, and practice, ensuring remote communities benefit from informed, strategic, and sustainable development interventions.
Our Most Recent Research Collaboration:
Bougainville Government Sustainable Development Support
Our recent collaboration with the Bougainville Government exemplifies our thought leadership approach. The Bougainville GBEP research project was conducted in partnership with senior government leaders, including the Minister of Lands, the Executive Secretary of Bougainville, and other influential policymakers. This research provides a comprehensive analysis of the opportunities and constraints associated with conservation commodities and sustainable economic practices in Bougainville.

The GBEP research specifically:
- Identifies sustainable economic pathways to help remote communities achieve self-reliance and economic stability.
- Offers policy recommendations that support the conservation of Bougainville’s rich biodiversity while promoting economic resilience.
- Strengthens governmental capacity to implement practical, community-led solutions tailored to local environmental and economic realities.
Our partnership has not only informed policy decisions but also actively supported the Bougainville Government in designing and implementing sustainable development initiatives that directly uplift communities.

Explore Our Research
For a detailed understanding of our insights and recommendations, download our comprehensive Bougainville GBEP research report here