In the face of growing global challenges, such as global warming, instability, inequality, conflict and health crises, only an approach based on quality partnerships can build effective responses. Belgian international cooperation and humanitarian aid contribute to this dynamic through a range of partnerships with government partners (Enabel, BIO Invest), NGOs, scientific institutions, civil society organisations and multilateral institutions such as the EU, the United Nations and the development banks. New partnerships with other spheres, such as diplomacy, defence and the private sector, have now joined these cooperation partners. This diversity is a real benefit, as it enables to build on the complementarity of expertise and funding in order to produce tangible results in the field. The quality of these partnerships is based on transparency, dialogue, monitoring and evaluation of results and the complementary expertise of the different organisations. This report illustrates how these partnerships are helping to provide concrete, sustainable responses to global challenges.

A successful presidency of the EU Council promoting sustainable, inclusive partnerships

On 1 January 2024, Belgium took on its 13th presidency of the Council of the European Union under the motto "Protect, Strengthen, Prepare". Over six months, our country chaired meetings of the Council and its working groups, while encouraging dialogue with other European institutions, such as the Commission and Parliament.

In the field of international cooperation and humanitarian aid, Belgium focused its presidency on two strategic priorities: global health and neglected, underfunded crises. This six-month period was marked by several major initiatives, high-level events and tangible progress that strengthened cooperation in the health field, for example between the European and Africa Centres for Disease Control (CDC), in humanitarian aid thanks to the European Humanitarian Forum, and in politically constrained environments thanks to the adoption of cooperation principles.

 

Belgium, a champion of transparency

In 2024, Belgium confirmed its commitment to transparent and effective cooperation, achieving a score of 74.2% in the Aid Transparency Index. This result placed our country fourth among the most transparent donor countries.

This ranking confirmed Belgium's reputation as a reliable and transparent team player in international cooperation. Belgium focuses on effectiveness while ensuring the participation of all stakeholders, including the citizens of our country and our partner countries. Belgium intends to continue its efforts to further improve this score and consolidate its position as a reliable and exemplary partner on the international scene.

 

Multilateral and Thematic Cooperation

Global challenges call for a global approach. Agenda 2030 remains the reference framework for Belgian cooperation action. Dialogue, partnership and cooperation are essential levers for finding sustainable solutions to worldwide challenges such as climate change and global health.

As a committed player in the multilateral system, Belgium acts both as a partner and an advocate of an inclusive and effective approach to development. This report presents our country's main commitments and actions in key areas: global health, development funding, climate action, migration and development, and sustainability in the raw materials sector. One concrete example of the impact of our cooperation is the 423 projects and programmes financed by the Least Developed Countries Fund (LDCF) since its creation. These programmes and projects, for which Belgium is the second-largest donor, have had a positive impact on more than 74 million people, among other things by improving the management of 14 million hectares of land to make it more resilient to climate change.

 

Geographical Cooperation

The Directorate General for Development Cooperation (DGD) works to build solid, lasting partnerships with countries in the Global South. These relationships take the form of political dialogue with the governments of the 14 partner countries and strategic discussions with Belgian non-governmental actors.

The guiding principle of this cooperation is to work under the Team Belgium or Team Europe format, placing our partners at the centre. This report highlights the results and initiatives that have emerged from this approach, in the context of both bilateral and non-governmental cooperation, as well as the actions taken in the field of global citizenship education. The report explains, for example, how cooperation between the Belgian Development Agency Enabel, the Port of Cotonou and the Port of Antwerp-Bruges has contributed – through a Team Europe approach – to improving the business climate, increasing the flow of goods and enhancing the implementation of the port environmental policy in Benin.

 

Humanitarian Aid

2024 was once again marked by a string of major humanitarian crises linked to wars, protracted violence or climate disasters. This situation underlines the importance of sustainable partnerships and flexible funding for humanitarian aid.

Out of a total of almost 188 million euros, over 70% were awarded on a flexible basis, an all-time record. In this way, Belgium ensured that its partners could respond to the various humanitarian crises rapidly, effectively and locally. The high degree of fragility and the large number of crises once again highlighted the importance of cooperation between humanitarian, development and peace actors (Humanitarian-Development-Peace Nexus).

 

2024 illustrated Belgium's ongoing commitment to international cooperation based on solidarity, effectiveness and innovation. Thanks to a wide range of actors, a clear strategic vision and a strong commitment to transparency, Belgian cooperation works with its partners to provide concrete, sustainable solutions to the major challenges of our time.

You can read the Annual Report here: Jaarverslag

 

Also read the annual reports of our Team Belgium partners:
Enabel: Shaping tomorrow, today
Bio Invest: Annual report 2024 | BIO

The role of independent evaluation remains crucial, in order to hold policy accountable and to effectively integrate results on the ground. In this context, the Special Evaluation Office (DBE) produced its own 2024 report – with a focus on the fragile countries where Belgium is active: Fragilité et résilience : Quel avenir pour la coopération belge ? | SPF Affaires étrangères - Commerce extérieur et Coopération au Développement