Big shifts are shaking up the international cooperation (aka development cooperation, development aid) sector. Recent actions, with the temporary low of dismantling USAID, have highlighted the fragility of aid dependency. #FutureOfCooperation

In Duncan Green ’s post, this is the first lesson he lays out. We have probably also reached “peak aid”. He recommends looking more to local sources (and the diaspora). I would also add impact investors.

The second lesson is interesting in terms of the necessary transformation of the sector: refocusing on empowering local actors rather than directly providing services. He suggests building capacity as a kind of “public service advocates”.

Looking at the bigger picture, I think this underlines the need to empower local actors to drive their own development by demanding or building better services. By focusing more on local needs and capacities, and less on getting help from outside as a first preference, communities can become stronger and more self-sufficient.

So it’s time to rethink our approach and prioritise sustainable, locally-led solutions. 🌍🤝

Read Duncan Green’s full post here: t1p.de/74kxk

tl;dr: The future of development cooperation isn’t more aid most probably — it’s more local power. 🚀🌍 Move beyond dependency and invest in stronger, self-driven communities. Time to rethink, empower, and transform! 💡🔥 #FutureOfCooperation