What is meant by development cooperation?
Development cooperation (DC), also known as development aid, is the joint effort of industrialized countries and developing countries to permanently and sustainably reduce global disparities in socio-economic development and general living conditions. The basic principle of cooperation is “helping people to help themselves” as opposed to merely providing emergency aid in crisis situations. Source: Wikipedia
The task of development cooperation is to give people the freedom to shape their lives in a self-determined and self-reliant manner and without material hardship, thus creating the basis for a good future for their descendants. Its mission is to sustainably improve economic, political, social and ecological conditions worldwide. The aim is to combat poverty, promote human rights, the rule of law and democracy, and support the prevention of crises and violent conflicts in partner countries. Development cooperation serves to promote a socially just, ecologically viable and thus sustainable shaping of globalization.
Based on humanistic values, German development cooperation is based primarily on ethical responsibility and international solidarity, while at the same time also serving to secure Germany’s future.
Development cooperation covers various technical, financial and personnel cooperation services. It is always a task for society as a whole, which is fulfilled by private and public institutions. Development cooperation can take place in both material form (finance or aid) and immaterial form (knowledge, education and training).
Countries and organizations with which the German government cooperates on development policy are not primarily regarded as recipients of aid, but as equal partners. As such, both sides define goals and measures together. Responsibility for planning and implementation, successes and failures is shared, and in many cases both partners are also involved in financing the programs.
Germany and the other donor countries themselves also benefit from development cooperation, as it offers a good opportunity to establish cultural and economic contacts with partner countries and to sustainably improve global economic conditions.
The term ” development cooperation ” describes this intensive, equal partnership much better than the previously common term ” development aid“.
Source: German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development
