I just recently posted about a paper describing how “Conjuring a Blockchain Pilot” worked in #HumanitarianAid in the early days of the #blockchain hype.

This article by Martine Dahl-Bastiansen published on the London School of Economics and Political Science (#LSE) website presents a variety of applications in the field.

As I am not familiar with all the projects described there, I cannot endorse them in terms of their meaningful and responsible use of blockchain technology.

So even when decentralised technology is used, many of these projects seem to continue to reflect centralised procedures. Moreover, the mere use of technology does not indicate acceptance if people have no alternative but to use the system defined by international donors.

Again: In the end, technology should not be first; it should be critically assessed, even if one is confident about the opportunities in selected use cases. And design should start with the people and communities, which the support should help to improve their living and create opportunities. #FutureOfCooperation #blockchain #web3

Read the post: How Blockchain is Contributing to the Humanitarian Sector as of 2025

🛰️ IRIS²: Europe’s Answer to Secure, Sovereign Satellite Internet

Many countries with limited telecom infrastructure are turning to satellite internet—often to Starlink. But relying on a single, geostrategically sensitive provider comes with risks: data sovereignty, dependency, and unpredictable access.

Enter IRIS², the EU’s new secure satellite constellation. Designed for resilience, interoperability, and security, IRIS² aims to provide high-speed, encrypted connectivity across Europe and beyond, especially where cables and towers fail.

Why it matters:

• Digital sovereignty: No more reliance on non-EU providers for critical communications.
• Multi-orbit resilience: Combines LEO and MEO satellites for low latency and global coverage.
• Beyond broadband: Supports crisis management, healthcare, and secure government operations.
• Future-proof: Built for 5G/6G, quantum-safe encryption, and seamless integration with terrestrial networks.

First services start in 2029, full deployment by 2030. A strategic move—not just for Europe, but for any region seeking independent, reliable connectivity.

🚀 Read more

#DigitalSovereignty #SatelliteInternet #IRIS2 #InternationalCooperation

Blockchain based solutions in #InternationalDevelopment seem to slowly pass the trough of disillusionment, entering the slope of enlightenment, following the Cycle of Overblown Hopes and Shattered Dreams defined by a large research and advisory firm.

But that does not mean the same mechanisms may again kick in that lead to the overstated expectations of the hype phase.

In the field of humanitarian aid, the paper ‘Conjuring a Blockchain Pilot: Ignorance and Innovation in Humanitarian Aid’, describes the mechanisms that came into play during the initial hype surrounding blockchain technology. While I do not agree with all of the paper’s arguments, I believe it provides a concise description of the dynamics within the sector that is also relevant to development cooperation.

In the end, technology should not be first; it should be critically assessed, even if one is confident about the opportunities in selected use cases. And design should start with the people and communities, which the support should help to improve their living and create opportunities. #FutureOfCooperation #blockchain #web3

In June, I shared a vision for the future of German government-funded development cooperation. The response was very positive, sparking many insightful discussions. Thank you for your engagement and valuable contributions!

Encouraged by your feedback, I am preparing a revised and refined version in German to continue this important dialogue.

My initial argument centred on the need to distinguish between different approaches to international cooperation in the German context. I proposed three pillars to focus the ministry of economic cooperation and development’s portfolio:

• Community-based work to unlock positive economic and social dynamics - the concept that replaces the traditional „development cooperation“ approach.
• Economic cooperation based on mutual benefit and high ethical standards.
• Support for low-resource countries to exercise “smart sovereignty” in international governance.

I believe that separating these pillars can help better align expectations of all involved parties aligned, which helps to consistently design the modes of cooperation and processes with the different stakeholders.

However, I was also told that some of my messages could be clearer. In the first pillar, I linked the argument for creating this specific pillar with the recommendation to fundamentally change the whole concept of ‘development cooperation’. Therefore, in my revision, I will separate these elements to present a more structured argument.

Interestingly, one aspect that was agreed upon without much debate was the suggestion to focus one column on economic cooperation involving, and even promoting, German and European companies based on high ethical standards.

The most significant revisions will be made to the third pillar, which I initially proposed should focus on the fair participation of low-resource countries in international governance. I intend to expand this perspective to include a broader view covering global public goods in areas such as climate and health. As governance is also a key component there, additional elements may be required to ensure the provision of these goods. This could include financing mechanisms for global public goods, such as health and vaccination initiatives.

I look forward to sharing my revised thoughts with you soon in both German and English, and continuing a productive discussions. Stay tuned!

#DevelopmentCooperation #InternationalGovernance #GlobalPublicGoods #FutureOfCooperation

Anyone in #InternationalDevelopment who still thinks that things could more or less continue as they have in previous decades, but with improved communication to maintain government funding, should listen to Douglas Alexander. He served as International Development Secretary from 2007 to 2010, and is now the UK’s Trade Minister:

Alexander said he had long believed it was “morally right” and “strategically smart” to invest in international aid but added: “I think we have lost the argument at various points.”

“We have an interest in building a stable, more equal, more safe world for our future generations,” he said. “But public consent has been withdrawn. And truthfully on aid, it’s not just fiscally challenged, it’s culturally challenged as well. Even if the money weren’t tight, the argument would have to be made.”

The whole concept needs to be rethought from the ground up, with a focus on reconnecting with the people on both sides of the system: those in the countries that should benefit from it, as well as those providing the funding. #FutureOfCooperation

Article from BBC: We’ve lost the argument on aid, says minister

Full interview (30 min) from the “Political Thinking with Nick Robinson” podcast

🚀 Deutsche #Entwicklungszusammenarbeit neu denken! Der derzeitige Ansatz scheitert an der Vermischung widersprüchlicher Ziele. Er sollte als #InternationaleZusammenarbeit mit klar abgegrenzten Konzepten gestrafft werden:

1️⃣ Community-Led Growth 🌱: Lokale Eigenverantwortung für nachhaltigen Wandel

2️⃣ Ethical Business Partnerships: Faire Zusammenarbeit und Handel, gemeinsamer Wohlstand.

3️⃣ Faire globale Governance: Marginalisierten Stimmen Gehör verschaffen.

Lesen Sie den vollständigen Beitrag (4 Min. Lesezeit) in meinem Blog.

Klarheit = Wirkung. Zeit, sich zu fokussieren!

#FutureOfCooperation

Rethinking German Development Cooperation: A Three-Pillar Approach to Reconnected Bilateral Cooperation 🌍

In a recent post, I suggested that the development cooperation industry is like a cruise ship that has drifted far from the people it aims to serve and become trapped in a self-referential bubble. In order to reconnect, the ship must dock and rebuild. #FutureOfCooperation

There are many reasons why development cooperation needs a rebuild. One is often overlooked: It currently tries to balance conflicting goals that simply don’t align. The result? Vague objectives, overly complex processes, and a disconnect between ambition and reality that undermines credibility.

Instead of a one-size-fits-all approach in structures, methods, and communication, I propose clearly distinct “cooperation concepts”. Each concept must have clear identities, tailored methods, and defined stakeholder groups, ensuring streamlined implementation, sharper communication, and evaluation by appropriate metrics. This clarity is essential not just for efficiency but for impactful, meaningful results.

I currently see three distinct concepts of cooperation:

1. Cooperation from the Ground Up 🌱

This first cooperation concept deliberately moves away from traditional top-down approaches. Sustainable change requires local leadership, indigenous knowledge and ownership. Methodologically, it overlaps with the Humanitarian-Development-Peace Nexus — success is measured by how well communities lead their own transformation, with external support strengthening local capacity rather than replacing it.

2. Responsible Business, Shared Success 🤝

This approach promotes ethical economic partnerships between European businesses and public/private sectors in partner countries. Prioritising responsible business conduct, fair trade, labor rights, environmental protection, and inclusive growth, it ensures mutual economic benefits. Success is measured by economic impact and shared prosperity, emphasising transparent, fair business practices.

3. Fair Representation, Amplified Impact 🗣️

The third cooperation concept is about fair global governance. So called Global South nations still often lack influence in international governance. This model seeks balanced global governance through capacity-building, institutional reforms, and advocacy support. Success involves shifting power dynamics, ensuring inclusive governance and effective representation.

Why This Matters

Breaking down international cooperation into clearly distinct concepts enables us to create a more focused and effective approach, generating powerful narratives. Proper implementation is key, and it would be made even easier if different institutions were held accountable. Political leadership must prevent scope creep and maintain clarity of concept. This will create real and lasting results, promote ethical business practices and inclusive global governance.

For too long, the development sector has operated in a self-referential bubble — talking mostly to itself, reinforcing its own logic, and shielding itself from broader scrutiny. But the world has changed, and the gap between the sector’s narratives and the realities on the ground has become impossible to ignore.

On one side, citizens of donor countries — the very people whose (tax) money funds development cooperation — have been kept at a distance. In many OECD nations, public engagement has been low, and skepticism high. Even before populist narratives gained traction, surveys showed significant doubts about the effectiveness of aid. In Germany, for example, only 10% of respondents in 2017 believed development aid was largely effective, while a quarter considered it mainly ineffective. But because the system continued to work for its established players, these concerns were largely ignored.

On the other side of the system, communities in recipient countries — those meant to benefit from #InternationalCooperation — have been given limited ownership over their own development. Decisions remain largely top-down, dictated by donor-driven priorities, rigid bureaucracies, and external expertise that often overlooks local solutions. Despite decades of discussion on localizations, meaningful shifts in power and decision-making remain rare.

A lot of the industry is like a ship drifting far from the shores where the people are. Passengers onboard are happy on their own and engaging in ever more sophisticated pursuits.

So, before we can talk about what can be done, we need to recognise that there’s a problem. The ship has to dock again and needs to be rebuilt! Because not only do populists ask the question already: Do we even need this ship anymore?

#FutureOfCooperation #DevelopmentReform #Localization