Ever since cuts to global development spending were announced, Peace Direct has consulted closely with civil society across the Global North and South on their vision for international cooperation going forward.
The many experienced people we spoke to see a future where we focus on international solidarity, equitable partnerships and collaboration, rather than charity or “aid”. Where unrestricted, flexible resources are shared directly with local communities. Where powerful countries acknowledge past wrongs and lead with trust and repair. And where investment is put into infrastructure and systems so local people can share decision-making at all levels.
Global North governments, institutions and international INGOs can still support this shift by enabling Southern leadership on the issues that impact them. They can give up space and take active steps to address the harms that are being done through our countries’ economic and foreign policies. This includes resolving the unfair influence of powerful countries on the international stage, through debt relief and building more democratic global institutions. It also means ending harmful military actions that are destabilising the Global South as we speak.
