In September 2009 the DPRN Taskforce published the so-called PROVO document, which underlines the need to shift from development cooperation to international cooperation and to position the Netherlands more strategically. It also argues in favour of better integration of the Dutch business and knowledge sectors into international cooperation. Finally, the PROVO document proposes the setting up of an independent, non-political and market-oriented project office or clearing house that is independent of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
A shift from development cooperation to international cooperation means that classic poverty alleviation is no longer the only driver for development cooperation. Action is also required to deal with the many new problems that the globalised world is facing and which affect both the North and the South, such as environmental problems, climate change, migration and security.
The PROVO document emphasises the need for a more strategic positioning of the Netherlands by focussing on specific Dutch areas of expertise and by grounding policy more in Dutch society. Related to this, there is a tension between the international dimension of the architecture for international cooperation (i.e. multilateral organisations) and the organisation and use of instruments and capacities available for that purpose in the Netherlands. If the Netherlands chooses to engage primarily in aid structures at international level, this implies that development cooperation is brought ‘further from home’, with less support for Dutch organisations and policies that are not specifically linked to the expertise that is available in the Netherlands.
Another main point is that the business and knowledge sectors – and their respective values of focussing on returns on investments and investing in learning capacity – would need to be integrated more into the field of international cooperation. Participation of the knowledge and business sectors should, however, not lead to new proliferation and an excess of organisations. The PROVO document argues in favour of operational management with a hybrid public-private character.
There are serious doubts about whether effective international cooperation can be achieved through the bilateral and multilateral channels as they are now organised. In this respect the PROVO document proposes setting up an independent, non-political and market-oriented project office or clearing house. This institute would match the supply and demand of development cooperation on an international scale – itself being independent of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The PROVO document sketches the contours of a new direction, but at the same time it uncovers the dilemmas associated with reorganising Dutch development cooperation.