Terre des Hommes on the reform of development cooperation
The German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) has presented its reform strategy for government development cooperation. We assess the opportunities and risks for children and young people worldwide.
The realignment responds to both domestic political pressure and the changed global political situation. Both can justify reforms – but the crucial factor will be implementation: concrete budgets, measurable programs, and a binding commitment to focusing on children and young people must follow.
Opportunities and risks
The reform plan for German development policy, with its focus on specific thematic and regional priorities, appears to be a response to domestic political pressure: cuts in development financing, questions about the relevance and effectiveness of development cooperation, and the recurring debate about the role of an independent Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). At the same time, the realignment is justified by the changed global political situation. Both factors can justify reforms.
Whether the balancing act between domestic and global political interests on the one hand and humanitarian and development policy needs and genuine cooperation on the other will succeed remains to be seen – above all, the concrete implementation of budgets, structures, and programs must be convincing. Two examples:
- The planned North-South Commission can be an important forum for dialogue, but it does not replace binding measures for fair cooperation with the Global South.
- The emphasis on strategic alliances and multilateral reforms must not lead to the erosion of universal institutions, human rights and international humanitarian law – especially given that countries like the USA are withdrawing from international bodies , the protection of these rules is particularly important.
Children and young people are the focus?
Overcoming current and future challenges in many countries of the Global South and in partner countries of German development cooperation depends crucially on whether it is possible to offer young people a protective environment and to open up prospects such as educational opportunities and social participation.
Children and young people are particularly affected by poverty. They are important actors in climate and environmental protection, a key target group for democracy and human rights education, and crucial for strengthening social participation – especially in authoritarian countries.
As a children's rights organization, we very much welcome Federal Minister Reem Alabali Radovan's repeatedly announced focus on children and young people. However, the reform plan only hints at the central role of children and young people as both target groups and active participants. This focus must now be implemented in a binding and concrete way.
What is needed now specifically
- Systematic and binding consideration of children and young people in all programs, budgets and structures – both as a target group and as active participants.
- Priority for the protection of children's rights from violations in wars and conflicts.
- Massive investments in education (from preschool to vocational school) and in labor market measures for young people.
- Strengthening local civil society partners who enable youth participation and democratic education.
outlook
The effectiveness of Germany's new development policy depends significantly on whether it opens up positive future prospects for children. Crucial to this is its implementation. Development cooperation must not be unilaterally subordinated to German economic and security interests; it must address the immense humanitarian needs and human rights obligations. Crucially, the rights of children and marginalized groups must be consistently protected.