A manifesto for international cooperation
In the 1960s, «experts» and cows were still being shipped to Rwanda in order to
intensify agriculture. Today, however, it is part of IZA's self-image to
to local needs. Nevertheless, there are still many stumbling blocks. Over 40
Swiss NGOs have therefore jointly drawn up a manifesto. It is a call to
joint steps on the way to equal partnerships.
In recent years, the discussion surrounding the decolonization and localization of international cooperation (IC) has often been conducted with a narrow focus on financial flows: Localization of cooperation would be achieved if more funds were allocated directly to local partners. However, this perspective ignores central power issues that also exist in partnerships. For example, who defines the projects and programs, who is involved in relevant decision-making processes and whose expertise is heard. Allocating more funds directly to local actors is not enough if the strategic priorities in Switzerland are determined at the same time.
Local self-determination at the center of impact
Local self-determination not only ensures greater impact, but also strengthens the resilience of communities, especially against the backdrop of increasing global challenges. However, there are many barriers to implementing projects and programs that are aligned with the needs and challenges of local communities. Rigid guidelines from donors can prevent local partners from being supported flexibly and efficiently. Or fundraising and communication strategies can contradict the ethical principles of a partnership of equals. This manifesto is therefore both a guideline for the working methods of Swiss NGOs and a call to donors to design their framework conditions in such a way that locally anchored IC is possible.
Manifesto for a human rights-based IC
At the same time, the manifesto is also a response to the rise of authoritarian forces that deliberately undermine human rights, restrict civil society's scope for action and weaken the foundations of multilateralism. This makes international cooperation that focuses on the world's most vulnerable all the more important today. However, this can only be achieved if local actors, Swiss NGOs, governments, donors, the private sector and academia see themselves as allies who work together to contribute to the realization of human rights.
Many of the signatory organizations have already made great progress in their localization efforts. Nevertheless, there is still a need for action for all of them. This is because each organization faces its own challenges - and develops different approaches to solutions accordingly. The task now is to pool this experience and move forward together.
Connexio develop stands behind this manifesto. We see it as a mandate to critically reflect on our programs, partnerships and internal processes and to further develop them in such a way that local self-determination and human rights-based approaches are consistently strengthened.