The future of Dutch development cooperation
The world changes rapidly, and in many respects so does development cooperation. It is difficult to fully grasp the changes, let alone to make well-informed choices in an environment with many uncertainties. Partos members, Dutch development organisations, need all their capacity to fulfil their mission. Anticipating the future and keeping the organisation future-fit puts an additional strain on them. What do we need to adjust or abandon, and how to harness new opportunities? And how to better relate to our partners? These challenges and questions inspired The Spindle, the innovation platform powered by Partos, to launch this future exploration of (Dutch) development cooperation.
Transformative scenario planning
Together with Perspectivity, Partos organized this foresight, based on transformative scenario planning. Scenarios are used not only to understand and adapt to the future but also to change and challenge the world beyond the horizon of time. Transformative scenario planning offers a way to change ourselves, as well as the relationships with each other and with the ecologic system we are part of.
Diversity & transformation
Involving actors from different backgrounds is key to a successful transformative scenario planning process. In order to obtain as many perspectives as possible, Partos set up a diverse exploration group. In 2017, Partos conducted an online inquiry to which about 100 people responded. The results are to be found in the report Adapt, Counteract or Transform. The future of Dutch development cooperation, which was handed to Christiaan Rebergen (Director-General International Cooperation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs) at the Partos General Assembly on April 12th 2018.
Adapt, Counteract or Transform. The future of Dutch development cooperation.
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