Strategic review of a multi-stakeholder regional dialogue on migration
The challenge
Centre for Policy Development (CPD) commissioned us to conduct a strategic review of a muti-stakeholder regional migration dialogue initiative in the lead-up to its 10-year anniversary. The goal was to understand stakeholder perspectives on the initiative’s relevance and impact, future strategic options, and how the dialogue could adapt in response to shifting geopolitical dynamics, stakeholder expectations, and policy priorities across the region.
The review needed to be both inclusive and sensitive, gathering diverse perspectives from civil society, governments, and international actors, and navigating political and institutional complexities with care. At the same time, it needed to be rigorous enough to provide credible, evidence-based insights that could support meaningful strategic decisions.
How we helped
We began by reviewing core documents to map the dialogue’s evolution and strategic intent. Drawing on this foundation, we developed tailored data collection instruments - including an online survey and semi-structured interview guide - to explore four focus areas: outcomes and impacts, success factors and limitations, shifts in context, and future positioning.
We consulted a diverse range of stakeholders across Australia, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Malaysia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Thailand, the United States, and UN agencies. Careful attention was paid to managing sensitivities, including divergent perspectives on the role of government, the nature of civil society participation, and differing expectations about the future of regional cooperation.
We analysed the data using a mixed-methods approach, combining descriptive statistics with thematic coding. The findings were shared in a sensemaking workshop with CPD and key partners, creating a safe and constructive space to explore tensions, surface strategic questions, and co-develop insights.
Looking forward
The review highlighted key areas of alignment and divergence across stakeholder groups and helped to articulate the strategic trade-offs facing the initiative. It identified several future pathways and clarified where further engagement was needed, providing a solid foundation for more intentional, inclusive, and adaptive strategy-making in the years ahead.
Client: Centre for Policy Development
2025
