In an effort to underscore the significance of Belgian development cooperation and its impact on both partner countries and Belgium itself, a new information campaign has been launched by the federal government in collaboration with the FPS Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade, and Development Cooperation. This initiative, primarily geared towards younger audiences, seeks to dispel misconceptions surrounding international cooperation while highlighting its tangible benefits.
At the heart of the campaign are narratives and testimonials from individuals in African countries, sharing their stories of ambition realization with the support of Belgian Development Cooperation. The campaign, predominantly online and on social media, aims to bridge the gap between the general public and the often complex world of international cooperation.
Belgium’s commitment to fostering a world of equal opportunities aligns with the United Nations’ global sustainable development goals. The country’s ongoing cooperation projects address crucial issues such as poverty reduction, access to healthcare and education, human rights, gender equality, and climate concerns.
The campaign introduces two compelling testimonials to convey the transformative impact of international collaboration. A woman entrepreneur from Burundi shares her success story of turning an invasive water hyacinth into sustainable art and textiles, providing employment for 150 women. Meanwhile, a researcher from Cotonou, Benin, highlights his team’s groundbreaking work in combating antibiotic resistance, showcasing a test with broad applications in the global fight against infectious diseases.
Caroline Gennez, Minister of Development Cooperation and of Major Cities, emphasizes the need for increased awareness about the importance of international solidarity. She states, “What happens in the rest of the world also impacts our lives here in Belgium,” emphasizing the interconnectedness of global issues and the shared benefits of progress.
To provide a comprehensive view of Belgium’s international cooperation efforts, the campaign directs the audience to the revamped website openaid.be. This online platform offers detailed insights into projects, programs, international contributions, and humanitarian aid funded by Belgium since 2014. Notably, openaid.be doesn’t shy away from highlighting the challenges faced in the pursuit of positive outcomes in the least developed countries.
Minister Gennez concludes, “Our international solidarity is much more than an informed self-interest. Inequality is the major challenge of our time. We need to tackle that. An unequal world is an unsafe world.” Through this campaign, Belgium strives to showcase that investing in the future of others is an investment in the collective well-being and security of our interconnected world.
