Practitioners' Network for European Development Cooperation #TeamEurope #InternationalCooperation #Development #Partnerships
Vorstandssprecher der GIZ // Arbeitsdirektor // International // Sozialdigitale Transformation // Wertebindung
In times of multiple, overlapping crises it is pivotal to strengthen partnerships and demonstrate the power of international cooperation. With Expertise France, GIZ has a trusted partner at its side. As leading European implementation agencies, we share a joint responsibility for the reputation and the impact of European development cooperation. I am therefore delighted to have signed a Statement of Intent with Jeremie Pellet, CEO of Expertise France, in Paris, further strengthening our cooperation. Among other things, we agreed to further develop the EU Practitioners' Network, the most important platform for European implementation agencies. We aim to promote the development of a unified approach regarding topics of mutual interest like the collaboration in fragile contexts or the effective promotion of gender equality. In addition, we see an overlapping interest of the French and German governments as well as the European Commission in many regions and countries across the world. We share the concern to limit the coordination effort for the partner governments through a more aligned approach by #TeamEurope. To enhance the understanding of each other’s portfolio, we aim to provide a solid basis for continued cooperation on the ground and for a joint portfolio development. Like the previous meetings in Eschborn and Marseille, this one was also characterised by constructive and impactful discussions. I am convinced that our partnership is key to position European technical cooperation for the future and to highlight our contribution to the pursuit of Europe’s international interests.