What is IODA’s History?
In 1986, a group of committed OD professionals from over 13 countries saw a need for a network that was truly global in nature, outlook and values. They saw the urgency underlying the expansion of the values of OD to future generations of experts with a philosophy coined to open processes for human development through change, and aimed to fuel and inspire a lifestyle of prosperity and success. Together they established this inclusive, decentralized and participative association which is committed to the expansion of OD practices around the world.
Have a look at this video about the history of IODA as told by K.C Soares, founding member and first President of IODA.
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IODA was originally created in order to:
- Host annual conferences in a different country and continent every year, highlighting what OD looks like in practice within the unique cultural and historical context of the host country (conferences typically offer participants a chance to give back to the local community)
- Create and offer scholarships in order to build a more representative network
- Encourage diverse worldviews
Since its founding, IODA Conferences have been hosted in the following countries
