AIV advises overhaul of international development cooperation

The Advisory Council on International Affairs (AIV) has recommended a fundamental restructuring of international development cooperation, stating that the traditional donor-recipient model is obsolete in a world where economic and political power is more broadly distributed.

AIV Chair Bert Koenders noted that the world in which current development cooperation models were formed no longer exists. He emphasized that both the Netherlands and countries in the Global South face shared challenges regarding employment, artificial intelligence, energy, climate, and conflict. The council suggests that instead of focusing on independent projects, the Netherlands should align more closely with the plans and priorities of partner countries.

The council advocates for investing in four key transitions: broad prosperity, sustainable peace, a livable planet, and addressing global challenges. The report warns that Europe must thoroughly renew its approach to international cooperation to avoid losing credibility and influence, particularly as the Global South gains more international partnership options through the rise of powers like China and India.