Diplomacy & Defense Think Tank News

The 0.7 per cent official development assistance/gross national income (ODA/GNI) target, adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1970, is best understood as a partially successful norm that is now in active retreat. In this paper we discuss the history of the target using Finnemore and Sikkink's (1998) norm life cycle framework. We compare the 0.7 to analogous targets in defence, climate, education, health, and biodiversity. We argue that systematic underperformance is a structural feature of politically negotiated international input targets. The rise and retreat of the 0.7 is then not a distinct feature of development finance. The NATO 2 per cent/5 per cent case demonstrates that cascade is achievable under conditions of salience and enforcement. However, these are conditions that the 0.7 has not had. We propose ways forward based on the 0.7 target’s original rationale.

The 0.7 per cent official development assistance/gross national income (ODA/GNI) target, adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1970, is best understood as a partially successful norm that is now in active retreat. In this paper we discuss the history of the target using Finnemore and Sikkink's (1998) norm life cycle framework. We compare the 0.7 to analogous targets in defence, climate, education, health, and biodiversity. We argue that systematic underperformance is a structural feature of politically negotiated international input targets. The rise and retreat of the 0.7 is then not a distinct feature of development finance. The NATO 2 per cent/5 per cent case demonstrates that cascade is achievable under conditions of salience and enforcement. However, these are conditions that the 0.7 has not had. We propose ways forward based on the 0.7 target’s original rationale.

The OECD’s aid committee turns 70 in 2031, as record aid cuts and a shift from solidarity to self-interest reshape why countries give. Where this leads is still open. Aid could become a genuine partnership, a deal between elites, a tool of geopolitical bargaining or a purely commercial transaction. Each path would change the committee’s role, and with it the future of the 0.7% aid target.

The OECD’s aid committee turns 70 in 2031, as record aid cuts and a shift from solidarity to self-interest reshape why countries give. Where this leads is still open. Aid could become a genuine partnership, a deal between elites, a tool of geopolitical bargaining or a purely commercial transaction. Each path would change the committee’s role, and with it the future of the 0.7% aid target.

The OECD’s aid committee turns 70 in 2031, as record aid cuts and a shift from solidarity to self-interest reshape why countries give. Where this leads is still open. Aid could become a genuine partnership, a deal between elites, a tool of geopolitical bargaining or a purely commercial transaction. Each path would change the committee’s role, and with it the future of the 0.7% aid target.

The discussion paper assesses whether and how newly established national development banks (NDBs), specifically the Development Bank Ghana (DBG) and the Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN), are growing into independent and impactful institutions capable of fostering sustainable development. It focuses on five analytical dimensions: (1) institutional independence, (2) the diversification of funding sources and the scaling up of operations, (3) the relationship between NDBs and participating financial institutions (PFIs), (4) collaboration between NDBs and development partners (DPs), namely multilateral development banks (MDBs) and bilateral development finance institutions and (5) sustainability and green finance. The research adopts a qualitative comparative case study methodology, drawing on 55 semi-structured interviews conducted across Ghana and Nigeria with representatives from NDBs, PFIs, DPs, civil society organisations and other relevant stakeholders such as finance ministries, central banks and providers of technical assistance. The data are analysed using qualitative content analysis and triangulation. The discussion paper aims to provide insights for policymakers, central banks and DPs, and inform the design of future NDBs regarding how they can become strong institutions that support long-term development objectives. 
Our results show that DBG and DBN have emerged as relevant actors within the Ghanaian and Nigerian development finance landscapes, particularly through their role in facilitating access to long-term and often concessional funding, which helps PFIs expanding lending to MSMEs and underserved sectors. Furthermore, the study finds that both institutions have established governance and accountability structures that, together with their wholesale lending models, provide substantial protection against political interference. In particular, strong support from DPs proved central to the establishment, growth and operationalisation of both NDBs. Beyond financial resources, DPs provided technical assistance, institutional capacity building, governance support and sustainability expertise. Another notable finding of the study is that DBG and DBN foster sustainability by embedding environmental and social principles into their strategies and operations, and making sustainability a core institutional priority, especially through wholesale lending, technical assistance and the integration of sustainability. At the same time, the study identifies several constraints related to limited funding volumes, high pricing, limited risk-sharing mechanisms, administrative burdens associated with DP engagement and challenges in adapting international sustainability standards to local contexts. Overall, the findings suggest that although DBG and DBN have generated substantial development value, established strong governance structures and demonstrated institutional independence, increasing their impact will require the mobilisation of additional funding to scale up their operations and activities.
 

The discussion paper assesses whether and how newly established national development banks (NDBs), specifically the Development Bank Ghana (DBG) and the Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN), are growing into independent and impactful institutions capable of fostering sustainable development. It focuses on five analytical dimensions: (1) institutional independence, (2) the diversification of funding sources and the scaling up of operations, (3) the relationship between NDBs and participating financial institutions (PFIs), (4) collaboration between NDBs and development partners (DPs), namely multilateral development banks (MDBs) and bilateral development finance institutions and (5) sustainability and green finance. The research adopts a qualitative comparative case study methodology, drawing on 55 semi-structured interviews conducted across Ghana and Nigeria with representatives from NDBs, PFIs, DPs, civil society organisations and other relevant stakeholders such as finance ministries, central banks and providers of technical assistance. The data are analysed using qualitative content analysis and triangulation. The discussion paper aims to provide insights for policymakers, central banks and DPs, and inform the design of future NDBs regarding how they can become strong institutions that support long-term development objectives. 
Our results show that DBG and DBN have emerged as relevant actors within the Ghanaian and Nigerian development finance landscapes, particularly through their role in facilitating access to long-term and often concessional funding, which helps PFIs expanding lending to MSMEs and underserved sectors. Furthermore, the study finds that both institutions have established governance and accountability structures that, together with their wholesale lending models, provide substantial protection against political interference. In particular, strong support from DPs proved central to the establishment, growth and operationalisation of both NDBs. Beyond financial resources, DPs provided technical assistance, institutional capacity building, governance support and sustainability expertise. Another notable finding of the study is that DBG and DBN foster sustainability by embedding environmental and social principles into their strategies and operations, and making sustainability a core institutional priority, especially through wholesale lending, technical assistance and the integration of sustainability. At the same time, the study identifies several constraints related to limited funding volumes, high pricing, limited risk-sharing mechanisms, administrative burdens associated with DP engagement and challenges in adapting international sustainability standards to local contexts. Overall, the findings suggest that although DBG and DBN have generated substantial development value, established strong governance structures and demonstrated institutional independence, increasing their impact will require the mobilisation of additional funding to scale up their operations and activities.
 

The discussion paper assesses whether and how newly established national development banks (NDBs), specifically the Development Bank Ghana (DBG) and the Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN), are growing into independent and impactful institutions capable of fostering sustainable development. It focuses on five analytical dimensions: (1) institutional independence, (2) the diversification of funding sources and the scaling up of operations, (3) the relationship between NDBs and participating financial institutions (PFIs), (4) collaboration between NDBs and development partners (DPs), namely multilateral development banks (MDBs) and bilateral development finance institutions and (5) sustainability and green finance. The research adopts a qualitative comparative case study methodology, drawing on 55 semi-structured interviews conducted across Ghana and Nigeria with representatives from NDBs, PFIs, DPs, civil society organisations and other relevant stakeholders such as finance ministries, central banks and providers of technical assistance. The data are analysed using qualitative content analysis and triangulation. The discussion paper aims to provide insights for policymakers, central banks and DPs, and inform the design of future NDBs regarding how they can become strong institutions that support long-term development objectives. 
Our results show that DBG and DBN have emerged as relevant actors within the Ghanaian and Nigerian development finance landscapes, particularly through their role in facilitating access to long-term and often concessional funding, which helps PFIs expanding lending to MSMEs and underserved sectors. Furthermore, the study finds that both institutions have established governance and accountability structures that, together with their wholesale lending models, provide substantial protection against political interference. In particular, strong support from DPs proved central to the establishment, growth and operationalisation of both NDBs. Beyond financial resources, DPs provided technical assistance, institutional capacity building, governance support and sustainability expertise. Another notable finding of the study is that DBG and DBN foster sustainability by embedding environmental and social principles into their strategies and operations, and making sustainability a core institutional priority, especially through wholesale lending, technical assistance and the integration of sustainability. At the same time, the study identifies several constraints related to limited funding volumes, high pricing, limited risk-sharing mechanisms, administrative burdens associated with DP engagement and challenges in adapting international sustainability standards to local contexts. Overall, the findings suggest that although DBG and DBN have generated substantial development value, established strong governance structures and demonstrated institutional independence, increasing their impact will require the mobilisation of additional funding to scale up their operations and activities.
 

Preparing individuals to contribute to sustainability transformations has become an increasingly important challenge for higher education, professional training and leadership development. While research has identified a wide range of sustainability competences, comparatively less attention has been paid to how these competences can be fostered through purposefully designed learning environments. Drawing on nearly 20 years of experience with the Managing Global Governance (MGG) Academy of the German Institute of Development and Sustainability (IDOS), this paper offers a practice-informed perspective on competence development for future changemakers.
The paper addresses two questions: what competences are particularly relevant for individuals seeking to contribute to sustainability transformations and global cooperation, and how can learning environments be designed to strengthen these competences? Building on experience from the MGG Academy and relating it to literature on sustainability competences, transformative learning and adult education, the paper develops a competence model organised around three complementary dimensions – sense-making, cooperation and transformation – and operationalises 11 competences by distinguishing the knowledge, skills and attitudinal components associated with them. The paper further derives six recommendations for learning design: intentionally curating diversity, fostering trust and psychological safety, enabling mutual learning, aligning learning activities with the intended competence development, creating structured opportunities for reflection, and designing learning for transfer to professional practice.
Rather than proposing a universal blueprint, the paper demonstrates how competence models can provide orientation for coherent programme design and how learning theory can be translated into practical educational approaches. It concludes that competence development constitutes an important contribution to sustainability transformations, while recognising that impact also depends on supportive organisational environments, professional networks and broader institutional conditions. By connecting theoretical insights with nearly two decades of practical experience, the paper contributes to the growing discussion on how learning and dialogue programmes can strengthen the people and relationships through which transformative change becomes possible.

Preparing individuals to contribute to sustainability transformations has become an increasingly important challenge for higher education, professional training and leadership development. While research has identified a wide range of sustainability competences, comparatively less attention has been paid to how these competences can be fostered through purposefully designed learning environments. Drawing on nearly 20 years of experience with the Managing Global Governance (MGG) Academy of the German Institute of Development and Sustainability (IDOS), this paper offers a practice-informed perspective on competence development for future changemakers.
The paper addresses two questions: what competences are particularly relevant for individuals seeking to contribute to sustainability transformations and global cooperation, and how can learning environments be designed to strengthen these competences? Building on experience from the MGG Academy and relating it to literature on sustainability competences, transformative learning and adult education, the paper develops a competence model organised around three complementary dimensions – sense-making, cooperation and transformation – and operationalises 11 competences by distinguishing the knowledge, skills and attitudinal components associated with them. The paper further derives six recommendations for learning design: intentionally curating diversity, fostering trust and psychological safety, enabling mutual learning, aligning learning activities with the intended competence development, creating structured opportunities for reflection, and designing learning for transfer to professional practice.
Rather than proposing a universal blueprint, the paper demonstrates how competence models can provide orientation for coherent programme design and how learning theory can be translated into practical educational approaches. It concludes that competence development constitutes an important contribution to sustainability transformations, while recognising that impact also depends on supportive organisational environments, professional networks and broader institutional conditions. By connecting theoretical insights with nearly two decades of practical experience, the paper contributes to the growing discussion on how learning and dialogue programmes can strengthen the people and relationships through which transformative change becomes possible.

Preparing individuals to contribute to sustainability transformations has become an increasingly important challenge for higher education, professional training and leadership development. While research has identified a wide range of sustainability competences, comparatively less attention has been paid to how these competences can be fostered through purposefully designed learning environments. Drawing on nearly 20 years of experience with the Managing Global Governance (MGG) Academy of the German Institute of Development and Sustainability (IDOS), this paper offers a practice-informed perspective on competence development for future changemakers.
The paper addresses two questions: what competences are particularly relevant for individuals seeking to contribute to sustainability transformations and global cooperation, and how can learning environments be designed to strengthen these competences? Building on experience from the MGG Academy and relating it to literature on sustainability competences, transformative learning and adult education, the paper develops a competence model organised around three complementary dimensions – sense-making, cooperation and transformation – and operationalises 11 competences by distinguishing the knowledge, skills and attitudinal components associated with them. The paper further derives six recommendations for learning design: intentionally curating diversity, fostering trust and psychological safety, enabling mutual learning, aligning learning activities with the intended competence development, creating structured opportunities for reflection, and designing learning for transfer to professional practice.
Rather than proposing a universal blueprint, the paper demonstrates how competence models can provide orientation for coherent programme design and how learning theory can be translated into practical educational approaches. It concludes that competence development constitutes an important contribution to sustainability transformations, while recognising that impact also depends on supportive organisational environments, professional networks and broader institutional conditions. By connecting theoretical insights with nearly two decades of practical experience, the paper contributes to the growing discussion on how learning and dialogue programmes can strengthen the people and relationships through which transformative change becomes possible.

Zum 1. Oktober hat die Bundesregierung die Energiesteuer auf Benzin und Diesel für drei Monate gesenkt. Rechnerisch werden die Kraftstoffe damit knapp 17 Cent pro Liter billiger. Ob diese Entlastung die Verbraucher*innen erreicht, ist bislang unklar. Die Abteilung Unternehmen und Märkte im ...

Weekly schedule of President António Costa, 5-11 October 2026.

Der Rat hat eine Unterstützungsmaßnahme im Rahmen der EFF in Höhe von 10 Mio. € angenommen, die der Balkan Medical Task Force zugutekommen wird.

Der Rat hat endgültig grünes Licht für neue EU-Vorschriften gegeben, durch die eine wirksamere Rückführung von Personen ohne Aufenthaltsrecht in der EU ermöglicht wird.

Press briefing ahead of the Environment Council will take place on 8 October at 16:00. The briefing will be "off the record".

Az EU nyilatkozatot adott ki az etiópiai helyzetről, amelyben azonnali dezeszkalációt sürgetett az országban a fokozódó erőszak és az Eritreával való feszültségek közepette, továbbá felszólított a polgári lakosság védelmére, a humanitárius segítség célba juttatására, a szuverenitás tiszteletben tartására és a diplomáciai erőfeszítések megújítására.

Press briefing ahead of the upcoming Eurogroup meeting of 8 October will take place on Wednesday, 7 October 2026 at 13.15.

Az Európai Unió és a Moldovai Köztársaság 2026. október 5-én tartotta a Társulási Tanács 10. ülését, amelyen az EU és Moldova újólag megerősítette szoros partnerségét, és bejelentette, hogy a növekedési terv keretében 157 millió EUR összegű finanszírozás folyósítására kerül sor.

Press briefing ahead of the Economic and Financial Affairs Council will take place on 6 October at 17.00. The briefing will be "off the record".