The case for global solidarity and development
Authors
In a world increasingly defined by geopolitical rivalry and economic competition, the traditional values of international development are under scrutiny. As budgets shrink and global trust fractures, development agencies face a critical question: should they simply compete for resources and influence, or is there still a place for solidarity?
ECDPM director San Bilal speaks to Simon O'Connell, CEO of SNV, the Netherlands development organisation, as it celebrates its 60th anniversary. The discussion explores how development actors can navigate a "race to the bottom" in aid financing and how reframing the narrative around solidarity isn't just old-fashioned idealism but a pragmatic necessity for a stable world.
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Against a backdrop of rising poverty, climate crisis and conflict, Simon O'Connell argues that the sector must fundamentally change its approach to stay relevant.
A central theme of the discussion is the danger of letting competition dominate the development landscape.
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While competition can drive innovation, an unchecked rivalry between nations and agencies risks fragmenting efforts and leaving the most vulnerable behind.
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O'Connell warns against tying all official development assistance (ODA) to private sector leverage and national interests. This approach inevitably steers investment towards larger, lower-risk markets, neglecting fragile states like the Central African Republic or Haiti that urgently need support.
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The conversation advocates for a more honest assessment of what different actors do best, using these strengths to collaborate rather than compete.
The Strategic Case for Solidarity
At a time when "solidarity" is often dismissed as soft or outdated, the episode makes a strong case for its strategic importance. Challenges like the climate crisis and migration cannot be solved through competition alone. O'Connell argues it would be "mad" for Europe to compete with China on solar panels when collaboration could accelerate the green transition globally.
Far from being a counter to growth, solidarity is essential for upholding the rules-based international order and human rights. The discussion highlights that public support for international cooperation remains high, suggesting a disconnect between political rhetoric and public sentiment .
A New Model for Cooperation
The episode concludes with a call to rethink how development agencies work together. Instead of fighting for attribution and revenue, the focus must shift to contribution and shared impact . By combining "competition that stimulates" with "cooperation that strengthens" and "solidarity that unites," development actors can build a more effective and humane global system .
About the podcast series
Faced with geopolitical and economic turbulence, Europe needs new and better partners to secure its prosperity. Europolis: the global Europe podcast looks at how new dynamics are reshaping relations between the EU and the wider world and how Europe might navigate this new terrain.
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