Transatlantic Cooperation in the GIZ

Project context

The transatlantic cooperation program of Inwent (Internationale Weiterbildung und Entwicklung gGmbH) is confronting far reaching changes at the international level. The global context in which Inwent has successfully run transatlantic programs for over 60 years has changed dramatically. International cooperation requires a fresh approach due to factors such as the rise of powers like China, India and Brazil, the increasing importance of non-state actors and the need for new, inclusive solutions to global challenges, among them climate change, financial crises, poverty and migration.

As these global shifts are occurring, so are structural reforms in development cooperation on both sides of the Atlantic. In particular, the decision to create a new German organization for development cooperation – the GIZ – by merging three agencies – GTZ, DED and Inwent – opens a window of opportunity for Inwent to put its transatlantic cooperation programs to the test and respond to global trends with a new strategy.

Project objectives

How can Inwent capitalize on its long experience in transatlantic cooperation within the new institutional structure of the GIZ in order to contribute to the solution of global challenges together with Germany’s transatlantic partners?

Inwent commissioned GPPi to conduct a study to support the organization’s efforts to sharpen the strategic focus of its transatlantic cooperation programs and to develop new modalities of transatlantic cooperation. The study:

• Analyzed which GIZ activities have the most potential for transatlantic cooperation
• Identified current supply and demand for transatlantic cooperation as well as financing opportunities
• Based on the study’s findings, provided recommendations on how Inwent and the GIZ can respond to the demand for transatlantic cooperation in Germany, the United States and Canada

GPPi conducted this analysis through a literature and document review, interviews with stakeholders and external experts, as well as an online survey among current and potential stakeholder groups to establish concrete areas of demand for transatlantic cooperation. The project concluded with an internal participatory workshop to draw out strategic implications from the study’s findings.

For more information on this project, please contact Julia Steets.