There has long been a critical debate about international cooperation (also known as development cooperation or development aid). In recent weeks in particular, I have taken up some of these points myself under #FutureOfCooperation.

Until recently, this discussion has been largely constructive, focusing on key weaknesses. But it has achieved - almost nothing. It was too easy for the industry to continue in its comfortable niche.

This inactivity has now made the sector an easy prey for populists in many countries.

What is currently reaching a sad low point in the US has already led to some drastic changes in European countries.

This populist rage is now putting the industry in a situation in which it has to fight for its role.

What remains under these conditions? We are likely to see a narrowing down to 1) activities with a clear humanitarian focus and 2) the pursuit of national interests or geopolitical issues. The air will be thin for everything in between and around these two areas.

It should therefore be a matter of urgency for all those responsible to actively and courageously tackle the problems in these two fields with a fresh perspective.

So, under these difficult conditions, the challenge now is to become both

• a genuine partner for the people in our partner countries
• and a much better, meaning faster and more flexible partner for the governments that continue to fund this policy area.

That is difficult. It would have been much easier if we had done it consistently in calmer times. But it is still possible.

#FutureOfCooperation