What aspect does the New CED framework emphasize significantly?

The New CED framework places a significant emphasis on community empowerment and engagement because it recognizes that sustainable development is most effective when local individuals and groups are actively involved in the process. Empowering communities allows residents to contribute their knowledge, skills, and perspectives, which leads to solutions that are more relevant and beneficial to their specific needs and contexts. This engagement fosters a sense of ownership and accountability among community members, resulting in more sustainable and impactful development initiatives.

By prioritizing community involvement, the framework encourages the development of local leadership, strengthens social networks, and builds capacity within the community, which are all vital for long-term success and resilience. This approach contrasts with concepts that focus on top-down control or external directives, which can undermine local knowledge and participation.