In the 1960s, “experts” and cows were still sent to Rwanda to intensify agriculture. Today, international cooperation (IZA) is meant to be more aligned with the needs of local communities, yet many obstacles remain. Over 40 Swiss NGOs, including IAMANEH Switzerland, have therefore developed a manifesto calling for equitable partnerships and addressing key power issues in cooperation—such as who defines projects, who is involved in decision-making, and whose expertise is recognized.
Partnership and power-conscious collaboration have always been central values of IAMANEH Switzerland (see also our approach and values). Our work with partner organizations is based on the principles of equality, mutual respect, and joint decision-making. In our partnerships, we prioritize long-term collaboration and take into account the institutional needs of our partner organizations.
The newly published manifesto emphasizes that local self-determination not only increases the impact of projects but also strengthens the resilience of communities. It addresses both NGOs and donors to create conditions that enable flexible, ethical, and locally anchored cooperation. The goal is to pool experiences, tackle challenges together, and place the rights, perspectives, and needs of the world’s most vulnerable groups at the center of international cooperation.