Adapting Development Cooperation to a Changing World

Predictions about the world’s future are increasingly pessimistic. Polarization on geopolitical and national levels is increasing. It is proving challenging to find common will and commitment to tackle global issues — whether they be climate change, regional conflicts, poverty, advances in Artificial Intelligence, or other matters threatening humanity.

Years of economic growth, peace and prosperity in the Global North no longer seem assured. The pandemic and Russia’s war on Ukraine have been huge political and economic shocks, reverberating in many parts of the world in the form of soaring energy and food prices. Devastating conflict in the Middle East has killed thousands, most of them civilians. Western governments are ramping up military spending after years of stagnation. The influence of China, India and Russia as global powers competing with the USA and Europe in much of Asia, Africa and Latin America is taking hold, both through direct investment and social media. Most of the Sustainable Development Goals seem unlikely to be met; progress on some is even backsliding. Throughout the world, in countries with very different economic standing, there is a growing recognition of inequality and injustice. A small, elite group of very high worth individuals has highly disproportional impact on world affairs.

What does this mean for development cooperation? The most obvious current trend is a growing need for humanitarian assistance for people having their lives torn apart through conflict, extreme weather events and other disasters. The line between humanitarian assistance and development cooperation is blurring, with many donors and development actors adopting a nexus approach (often including peace as a third pillar). Funding from the North is strained due to other demands on domestic budgets. Conventional “North – South” perspectives are also questioned, with calls for localization and a decolonization of aid. The influence of the private sector and private foundations is growing.

Global politics are fundamentally changing, and this requires a systemic rethinking of development cooperation. In discussing current challenges, we plan to address questions such as:

• What should be the priorities for international cooperation in the coming 10-20 years?
• What should be the role of different actors, given the changing global context?

13:30   Door opening and start of registration

14:00   Session 1 - Global Audience - fully hybrid session in Englisch

The first session of the day will examine the topic from a global perspective. 

15:30   Break

16:15   Session 2 - Swiss Audience - in German for the guests present at the event location (session also available online)

The second session of the day will look at the topic from a Swiss perspective. 

17:30   Networking Happy Hour

20:00   End

The registration form will open soon. Please contact us at symposium@helvetas.org if you have questions before.

Read about the Helvetas Symposium  2023 and watch the recording on the event website.