Successful petition: German-Nepalese development cooperation to continue
July 31, 2022
NGOs can also make a difference at government level in development cooperation. Together with the Deutsch-Nepalische Gesellschaft e.V. (DNG) and the associations associated in the NGO Forum, a commitment over several years has led to success.
End of bilateral development cooperation
In May 2020, the German Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development announced that it would end bilateral development cooperation with 25 countries, including Nepal, as part of the “BMZ 2030” reform concept. These included nine countries that belong to the least developed countries, i.e. the poorest countries in the world – including Nepal! This was a negative sign, especially at the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, when supply routes were interrupted and a time of big uncertainties started.
Launch of the online petition "Show solidarity!"
When we learned of the BMZ’s withdrawal from bilateral cooperation with Nepal, Long Yang e.V., in cooperation with the DNG, jointly addressed an open letter to the then Minister Müller and launched an online petition under the slogan “Show solidarity!” to appeal for the continuation of bilateral cooperation. The campaign was immediately supported by many German NGOs and private individuals who are committed to Nepal.
Overview of the "Show solidarity" campaign continuing German-Nepalese development cooperation
- With a petition and an open letter, over 2,000 private individuals and 60 NGOs have campaigned to continue the joint development work of the state and civil society and to support important reform processes and positive changes that help the Nepali citizens.
- In an online forum in June 2020, German and Nepalese civil society actors, members of the Bundestag or their office heads and a representative of the BMZ discussed important issues of the cooperation and the consequences of the end of German involvement.
- In September 2020, we presented our position at the BMZ’s country talks.
- And finally, in December 2021, we approached the new government in the person of the Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development with a request to reassess the situation.
This joint commitment has paid off
On June 26, 2022, the German Embassy in Nepal announced the BMZ’s decision to continue bilateral development cooperation beyond 2023 and handed over a corresponding letter to Prime Minister Deuba through the German Ambassador. This has laid the foundation for continuing to support Nepal in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and bringing about positive changes for the people in Nepal.
This would not have been possible without the commitment of so many people and NGOs who have shown that they really care about this issue!
We would therefore like to thank you most sincerely, celebrate this positive news together and continue to support the people of Nepal in their sustainable, self-reliant development in the future.
