Together, we have set a lot in motion: from a petition around Prinsjesdag to opinion pieces and national advertisements, and major campaigns such as ‘Running for Justice’, in which we called on ten political parties to invest in development cooperation once again. We reached thirteen national media outlets and saw our message taken up widely. Most importantly, it now seems to be paying off politically as well.
At Partos, we are cautiously optimistic, but we will continue to monitor critically how many of the promises made are actually fulfilled. Because it is still not enough. International cooperation must be put back on the agenda — not as an afterthought, nor as a means to serve all sorts of other agendas. It must be seen for what it is: a tool that enables people in low-income countries to build a future for themselves and lead a dignified life.
A tipping point for international cooperation
DEVEX editor-in-chief Raj Kumar has once again shared his predictions for 2026, and the core message is clear: the old system of international aid has had its day. That system sat at the intersection of foreign policy and human development. Now, the balance is shifting globally towards a transactional foreign policy — with an emphasis on trade, defence and major investments via development banks and programmes such as the Global Gateway.
Kumar advocates a new model that balances realism with moral purpose, and innovation with accountability and transparency. New ‘minilateral’ coalitions — between countries, NGOs, businesses and philanthropic organisations — can help to safeguard global public goods. The greatest risk is not that the old system will collapse, but that whatever replaces it will lack a clear purpose and moral compass. That is where our task lies. We cannot view our work in isolation from the new geopolitical context and will have to ensure that major investments also reach the most vulnerable.
For us as NGOs, this means that the central question is: what are the purpose and values of a new development model? Now that old systems such as USAID and other bilateral partnerships are being phased out, there is scope for a serious debate on what should replace them. A purely transactional approach, driven by national self-interest, risks leaving people in poverty. We cannot agree with that.
Love above Hate
Because we choose to prioritise the guiding principles of humanity and solidarity, Partos will be focusing this coming year on New Coalitions for International Cooperation, based on the conviction that we as a sector have a wealth of experience and expertise to offer other actors who, for example, wish to strengthen international relations, engage in trade or invest in security. After all, the Netherlands is not an island, and the need for connection and solidarity is felt everywhere — even beyond the policy-making chambers. When we look at the Olympic Games or surprising performances such as Bad Bunny’s at the Super Bowl, we see that there is a growing global demand amongst a growing number of people for Love above Hate. And when it comes to prioritising love over hate, I believe we are all experts.