Strategic Plan 2013-2014 (inclusive) 1. Faith in action APRODEV and its member organisations are part of the worldwide ecumenical family. Through our contacts and working relations with bodies like the World Council of Churches, the Lutheran World Federation, and Action by Churches Together (ACT), APRODEV is in touch with actors in all corners of the oikumene the whole inhabited earth. The vast majority of these actors are close to local realities. This provides those who are part of the ecumenical movement with the unique possibility to have their ears close to the ground and to engage, together with counterparts all over the globe, in activities which are embedded in, and tailor-made for each particular context. Therefore, these activities have the potential of being more relevant, more effective and more efficient. For the lobby and advocacy work of APRODEV, for example, this means that partner-based advocacy vis-à-vis European Union institutions can become a reality rather than a slogan. A second important feature of APRODEV, besides its worldwide reach, is its identity as a faith-based organisation. The importance of the interactions between development and religion, and politics and religion is increasingly recognised. Sometimes religion can be part of the problem, sometimes it can be part of the solution, but almost always religion plays a role in societal developments especially in areas other than the secularised parts of Europe. As faith-based organisations, APRODEV and its members are well placed to discern the role of religion and to engage in policies and activities which aim at enhancing the positive role religion can play in improving the livelihoods of people. Inter-religious dialogue is of paramount importance in this respect. Thirdly, APRODEV and its members are professional in the original sense of the word: they profess their faith and beliefs through the ecumenical identity of their organisations. They are, however, also professional in that the members can build on decades of expertise of working closely together with local partner organisations in the areas of development and humanitarian aid. Regarding humanitarian aid, the APRODEV agencies adhere to the SPHERE guidelines and codes of conduct approved by the ACT Alliance. The secretariat has, over the years, built up a reputation in Brussels of delivering serious work that is well recognised and respected by the EU institutions as well as other NGOs. A fourth characteristic of the APRODEV family of agencies is the strong ties they have with the constituencies in their home countries. These constituencies, which are largely but not exclusively church-related groups and parishes, are composed of committed people who are eager to translate their faith and convictions into concrete actions in day-to-day life, in politics, and through generous donating patterns. Fifthly, APRODEV members share a similar ethos. This contributes to the coherence of APRODEV as a network. One of the elements of this ethos is that, before taking positions on important policy issues, APRODEV members usually consult with each other and with other 1
ecumenical actors. This may result in longer decision making processes but it also means that, once a position is reached, it is consolidated and broadly based. Related to the ecumenical identity of APRODEV and its members is the sixth characteristic of APRODEV as a network which addresses a broad range of issues. APRODEV is not a single issue pressure group, simply because the far flung ecumenical movement has its roots in many different local situations, all struggling with common but differentiated agendas. This broad approach also prevents quickly changing agendas and guarantees follow through and continuity of policies. Finally, APRODEV is an independent organisation in the sense that its core programme is fully financed by its member organisations. With these seven features global reach, understanding of the dynamics between religion and development, professionalism, strong and committed constituencies, like-minded member organisations, continuity, and independence APRODEV and its member organisations are in an excellent position to engage convincingly, credibly and effectively in lobby and advocacy vis-à-vis the European Union, thereby putting their faith into action. In the two year period of this Strategic Plan, APRODEV will enhance its cooperation with the ACT Alliance. Eventually this may lead to the merger of the two bodies in which the whole will be greater than the sum of its parts. 2. Trends and context APRODEV and its member organisations are operating in a context in which the future of development is uncertain. Whereas there will probably always be a need for humanitarian responses to natural and man-made crises, the future of the development sector as we know it at present is in a state of flux. Various trends can be observed: Global trends Due to the rise of the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) and other emerging economies, the world s previously hegemonic order is changing into a multi polar order. The BRICS and some of the other emerging economies have designed their own development cooperation policies outside of the context of the OECD/DAC, adding to the increasing importance of South-South linkages. At the same time, however, the majority of the poor now live in middle-income countries, implying that inequality will become increasingly relevant to those seeking to challenge poverty. Economic growth and population growth, along with changing spending and consumption patterns, will increasingly put a strain on the provision of energy, food and water in the coming decades. The World Bank estimates that the demand for food will rise by 50% by 2030, as a result of the growing world population, rising affluence and the resulting dietary preferences. 1 There is a growing need for sustainable farming methods combined with more sustainable life styles of affluent consumers. 1 Mapping Future Trends in Global Economic and Political Power, Christian Aid Occasional Paper Number 6, June 2011, see footnote 2, page 8 2
The UN Development Report 2010 identifies climate change as the greatest threat to human progress, whether this is taking place through changing crop patterns, reduced access to water, or increasing vulnerability to natural disasters. 2 The EU is potentially an important player in efforts to unlock progress on climate change negotiations at the international level and to show leadership and commitment to the second period of the Kyoto Protocol. The Doha Development Round is in a deep coma. In the absence of movement on that front, bilateral and regional trade negotiations are flourishing. The results of these negotiations are rarely development oriented. In addition the blockage of the Doha Round may lead to sectoral agreements on some of the Singapore issues at pluri-lateral level, as is already happening on Government Procurement and service negotiations. A case in point is the EU s Global Europe strategy aimed at expanding the number of regional and bilateral trade agreements based on deep and comprehensive trade liberalisation with developing countries. This EU strategy promotes an offensive template and blueprint for competitive regionalism which ignores development concerns, and is pursued in an aggressive way in conjunction with other elements of foreign policy. In some parts of the world, space for civil society is shrinking. On the positive side, and also thanks to progress made in modern means of communication, civil society worldwide is better organised than ever before. In Europe and other parts of the world, the development paradigm is changing. Basic features of the change are growing scepticism about the effectiveness of aid as an instrument, promoting economic growth which is viewed as the main motor of development and consequently, a touting of the private sector as a key actor. In view of changing paradigms as well as the process of globalisation, the issue of policy coherence for development is gaining importance. Development policies need to be addressed in conjunction with the larger context including trade policies, climate change, the relation between security and development, agriculture and fisheries policies, and tax justice. The present Millennium Development Goals run until 2015. For the period beyond 2015, a new framework will need to be devised which takes account of some of the trends mentioned above. The EU s place and role in the world Global trends, some of which have been mentioned above, affect the place and role of the European Union in the world. Some elements can be mentioned in this respect. The development towards a multi polar world order, combined with the economic and financial crises in the old continent, diminish the importance of the European Union in the world. For example, China and other BRICS are quickly gaining ground in Africa at the expense of the traditional influence of some EU Member States in that continent. In 2010, the EU set up the European External Action Service (EEAS) to enhance the capacity and strength of the EU s foreign policy. This objective has not yet materialised as became painfully clear during the Arab Spring. The creation of the EEAS leads to a more intense interaction between development policies and policies 2 Human Development Report 2010. The Real Wealth of Nations: Pathways to Human Development, UNDP 2010, page 102 3
regarding security. This presents a challenge as development policies may be instrumentalised for foreign policy objectives. It may, however, also be an opportunity for mainstreaming development in other policy areas. Trade negotiations carried out by the EU are characterised by an offensive agenda (connected to the EU 20-20 Strategy ). This has tarnished the reputation of the EU in Central America, Colombia, Peru and many of the ACP countries. The EU has long standing relations with the ACP countries in Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific. There are, however, signs that the EU would like to replace relations with this rather diverse group of countries with relations with regional blocs. Efforts in that direction have already been made with regard to Africa (Joint Africa Europe Strategy) and the Caribbean. Whereas the JAES has now entered its second phase, the cooperation between the EU and the Caribbean is still in a probing phase. In another review, the EU is re-assessing its Neighbourhood Policy, making, among other things, a greater distinction between neighbouring countries on the eastern and the southern rim. Trends within the EU regarding development and related policies In some Member States of the European Union, support for development cooperation shows signs of weakening. Connected with a growing criticism on development cooperation and the economic problems in Europe, the discourse regarding development is changing. A new paradigm seems to be emerging, focussing more on self interest ( value for money ), the role of the private sector, and economic growth as the main motor for development. All this does not leave EU policies untouched. This can be illustrated with some elements that were brought to the fore in the debates about, and the actual text of the new EU policy document on development policies issued in 2011, the Agenda for Change. Some of these elements are: An emphasis on inclusive growth and an inclination to equate growth with development. The importance given to the role of the private sector in development. A gaining prominence of the concept of blending, which refers to leveraging loans with grants. A growing tendency that the EU should receive value for its (development) money. The introduction of the concept of differentiation between LDCs and MICs, with the European Commission basically proposing to end their bilateral development cooperation and preferential trade relations with UMICs in Asia and Latin America. The recognition of the important role of civil society in development and democratic processes, and the commitment to maintain and, if possible, enhance EU support to civil society, including as an actor of the political dialogue. The fact that civil society input is actively sought, enhances the possibilities for influencing European Union development and related policies. This trend is accompanied by a growing emphasis on directly supporting civil society in developing countries while questioning the role of EU NGOs. Some other political trends which play a role The Lisbon Treaty which gives more power to the European Parliament, thereby enhancing the lobby and advocacy potential. At the same time, however, closed negotiation sessions limit transparency. 4
In spite of the economic and financial problems in Europe, the Commission is in favour of a substantial increase in the development budget. The European project is experiencing serious set-backs as nationalistic movements and parties are gaining power in some of the EU Member States, and as the financial crisis in the Euro zone is expanding. With political shifts to the right, some EU Member States become less keen to prioritise development over other policies, or to commit to (let alone lead on) ambitious targets in climate change policies. 3. APRODEV and the ACT Alliance The various trends mentioned above reflect on the biotope in which APRODEV works. At the same time, most of these issues have global dimensions and need to be addressed in a broader ecumenical context. In June 2011, a MoU between APRODEV and ACT was signed. It states that the long term perspective for cooperation between the two organisations is for the present APRODEV secretariat to become an integral part of the ACT Alliance. In any form of cooperation, the main roles and functions presently performed by APRODEV should be maintained. Cooperation should lead to mutual benefits and build on the relative strengths of both organisations. The MoU further stipulates that all present and future APRODEV Working Groups and Advisory Groups as well as those within the ACT Alliance that are engaged in advocacy will be requested to identify and agree concrete ways of cooperation with their corresponding counterparts in the other organisation. The MoU will be reviewed by ACT and APRODEV in mid-2013, and in mid-2014 a final proposal for the relations between the two organisations will be discussed and decided upon. During the period of the Strategic Plan, APRODEV, ACT and their respective members will systematically make programmatic links between the work that is carried out in both organisations. 4. Criteria for programmatic work For the selection of programmatic priorities for the period covered by this Strategic Plan, the following criteria were used in order of priority: 1. The importance and urgency of the issue on the EU and the international agenda, and key developments and decision making moments in the EU context. 2. The importance and relevance of the issue to Southern partners of APRODEV members. 3. The question whether APRODEV can make a difference and can add value. 4. The prominence of the issue in the Strategic Plan of the ACT Alliance. Obviously, any work carried out by APRODEV, needs to comply with the mission and vision of the organisation. Other basic conditions for work undertaken include 5
the commitment of APRODEV organisations to support the programme priorities; the available human and financial resources; and the expertise in the Secretariat as well as within the APRODEV organisations and/or the possibility to obtain additional finance and expertise. On the basis of the Strategic Plan, annual Work Programmes, covering calendar years, will be drawn up. The Work Programmes include indicators for progress. That process involves the Secretariat, the Working Groups, the Advisory Groups (PAG and GRG) and the Board. This annual exercise provides an opportunity to reassess the ongoing work and to decide which emphases should be put on the various strategic objectives for the next year, within the overall remit of the Strategic Plan. 5. Core strategic objectives and special programmes The following four strategic objectives constitute the core programme and form the main agenda for the core staff team composed of four persons, a General Secretary, two Senior Policy Officers, and an Office Manager. There are three special regional programmes that are implemented by special staff who are appointed to implement these programmes. In the period prior to that of this Strategic Plan, a fourth special programme focussing on climate change and development has been implemented. At the time of the writing of this Strategic Plan, it was not clear whether that special programme could be continued in 2013 and 2014. Although the various APRODEV programmes focus on the European Union, many of them take place in a larger, global, context. Whenever that is the case, close cooperation will be sought with global ecumenical and other bodies, notably the ACT Alliance, with the objective to establish a synergy between the regional European agenda and the tasks we are facing at the global level. At the end of 2014, considerable advances in this respect should have been made. 5.1 Core programme Strategic objective 1: European Union development policies are based on, and will promote, the principles of ownership, partnership and civil society participation, and contribute to sustainable development, gender equality and equity, human dignity, and the alleviation and eventual eradication of poverty. Under this heading, APRODEV will try to ensure that the centrality of poverty reduction objectives, the commitment to Policy Coherence for Development (of the Lisbon Treaty) and the EU Consensus on Development are translated into reality. The focus will be on the EU s policies and practices with regard to the quality and quantity of aid in the context of the international debate on development effectiveness, the future of aid and the changing development paradigm, and on the role of civil society in these developments. Special attention will be paid to the issues of climate change (in cooperation with the ACT Alliance), and of integrating a gender equity and equality, and a rights-based approach in European Union development and related policies. Through CONCORD and ACT, APRODEV will contribute to the broad debate about the future of development and Beyond 2015. 6
Strategic objective 2: Gender equality and equity are mainstreamed in APRODEV policies and in its lobby and advocacy work, in cooperation with ecumenical partner organisations, notably the ACT Alliance. Work on this objective will be informed by the experiences of partner organisations. In this context, close collaboration will be sought with ACT. In addition, efforts will be made to ensure that gender relevant issues and analyses inform APRODEV s advocacy and lobby strategies, e.g. through promoting mechanisms for a) knowledge sharing, b) communication, and c) systematic reporting on progress made in achieving gender equality and equity. It is on the basis of these efforts that the lobby and advocacy activities vis-à-vis the European Union institutions will take place. Strategic objective 3: European Union agricultural and agricultural trade policies should contribute to sustainability, poverty eradication, food security and gender equity. APRODEV will monitor the impact of the Common Agricultural Policy and the EU s agricultural trade policies on developing countries and will work on the policy initiatives, with the objective of promoting food security, transition to sustainable agriculture, agroecosystems, bio-diversity, right to food, and participation of local stakeholders in rural and agricultural development. Links will be made with the issue of gender equity, EU policies concerning climate change and bio-energy and agrofuel ( land grabbing ), and agricultural research. Strategic objective 4: European Union policies with regard to climate change should be coherent with the EU s development policies and promote synergies with the objectives of poverty eradication, food security and gender equity. The major objective for work on this issue is to actively use APRODEV s resources and influence to ensure that all EU policies which have an impact on climate change, as well as the EU approach to the UNFCCC processes, promote development and contribute to poverty reduction. This will be on the basis that the EU recognises its historic responsibility for climate change and its obligation to protect and promote the right to development of developing countries. A specific focus will be on increased mitigation ambition for the EU, as well as a fair share of new and additional, scaled up climate finance in the coming years. The work will also strive to enable an understanding of the concept of equity. Work on this topic will be carried out in close cooperation with ACT and CAN. This issue can only be taken up by APRODEV as a Strategic Objective if there will be a Policy Officer on Development and Climate Change in the Secretariat and an appropriate budget for a programme on this topic. 5.2 Special programmes Three regional Working Groups operate within APRODEV: the Middle East Working Group (goal A), the Working Group on Eastern Europe, the Caucasus and Central Asia (goal B), and the Working Group on Central America (goal C). For all three programmes, Policy Officers are employed in the Secretariat. The Working Groups are committed to accompany and be closely involved in the work of the special staff persons. Although these Special Programmes 7
focus on specific regions, their work often touches on broader themes and policy areas related to EU policies. Wherever and whenever this is the case, synergies are sought between the work carried out on the core programme and the activities of the Special Programmes. During the Strategic Plan period, special efforts will be made to coordinate the work of the Special Programmes with activities and policies of ACT with regard to the respective regions. Special Programme A: European Union and Member States policies concerning the Palestinian-Israeli conflict should be coherent and aligned with their commitments to respect international law. Work in Special programme A focuses on monitoring and influencing EU policy preparation and implementation regarding Palestinian-Israeli issues, EU-Israel and EU-Palestinian Authority relations, EU conflict prevention and crisis management, and the European Neighbourhood Policy. In this, close connections will be established, maintained and nourished between advocacy initiatives in Europe and in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories, between advocacy initiatives and campaigns undertaken at national levels, and with other like-minded organisations. Special attention will be paid to establish good working relations with the ACT Palestine Forum. Special Programme B: European Union policies regarding Eastern Europe, the Caucasus, and Central Asia should be oriented towards development, poverty eradication, gender equality and fundamental rights, and aim at building up participatory and sustainable societies, and strengthening civil society organisations. Work in Special Programme B will focus on monitoring and influencing the European Neighbourhood Policy and the EU policies towards Central Asia with the objective of ensuring that these policies are more oriented towards poverty eradication and fundamental rights, and are informed by, and are coherent with, EU development policy. In this, close cooperation will be sought with APRODEV partner organisations, and their capacity in EU policy analysis and advocacy will be enhanced. Special attention will be given to seeking good working relations with the appropriate ACT fora in these regions. Special Programme C: European Union policies regarding Central America, in the context of the Association Agreement, should be based on the principles of ownership, partnership and participation and contribute to respect for human rights, human security, gender equality, and the alleviation and eventual eradication of poverty. Work in Special Programme C will concentrate on monitoring the EU-Central America Association Agreement. In this, it is important that a permanent and good quality dialogue between civil society and the European Union institutions is established. To that effect, APRODEV will work with civil society partners in Central America to engage in policy dialogue with, and advocacy vis-à-vis the European Union as well as their national governments. In this, synergies will be sought with the work done by APRODEV on the issue of EU trade policies and the programming of aid. Special attention will be given to strengthen the cooperation with the Central America ACT Forum. 8
5.3 Expert groups On the issue of security and development, a rather informal group of experts on that issue exists within APRODEV. They are informed about relevant developments concerning that topic in the EU context and are occasionally also asked to give advice to the Secretariat. On the issue of finance and development a mailing list of colleagues working on that issue in the various APRODEV agencies is used to exchange information. A small group of experts on development and religion will advise APRODEV on work on that topic. An expert group on development and the private sector will be led by ICCO and HEKS. 6. Strategic approaches The following strategic approaches will be applied by APRODEV during the period of the Strategic Plan: Secretariat, member organisations of APRODEV, and ACT - Concentrate on lobby and advocacy activities and, where possible, seek coherence and synergy with policy, lobby, advocacy and campaigning work of the ACT Alliance and the member organisations (lobby and advocacy activities focus directly on decision makers, whereas campaigning involves working with a mobilised constituency and via public media). For ACT and the member organisations it is important that they, in turn, seek, where possible, coherence with the work that is done in the context of APRODEV. - Work towards systematically using gender analyses in APRODEV s work, following a two-track approach by both mainstreaming gender dimensions in the ongoing work and by choosing a particular gender focus regarding certain activities. - Use the paper on Rights-based development from a faith-based perspective, which was adopted by the General Assembly in 2008, to guide APRODEV s work. - Whenever possible, build on and mobilise the strengths and expertise which exist in the ACT family and the member organisations. - Improve communication with ACT and the member organisations, e.g. through upgraded Information Technology and Communication facilities. - Follow a process-oriented approach allowing for flexibility to respond to changing realities during annual planning periods (work programmes). Partner organisations - Strengthen and intensify work with partner organisations (of APRODEV members) and ACT members, and engage with them in a more structured manner. Other European networks and organisations - Work through CONCORD (including by actively participating in relevant working and other groups) on issues which are best addressed in the context of a broad coalition of NGDOs. 9
- Continue to seek close working relations with our Roman Catholic sister organisations CIDSE and Caritas Europa, as well as with other ecumenical organisations in Brussels (such as the CSC/CEC, CCME, Eurodiaconia and EUCORD). - Seek cooperation with other networks and organisations as appropriate. Global ecumenical bodies - Continue to seek close cooperation with the World Council of Churches and the Lutheran World Federation (which are, together with the ACT Alliance, observers in APRODEV), as well as with the Ecumenical Advocacy Alliance, on issues of common concern. 7. Ways of working In addressing policy issues, APRODEV follows various different methodologies: - Working Group with heavy involvement of secretariat staff (watching brief on EU policies, convening meetings, minute writing). - Working Group with relatively little involvement of secretariat staff, following the lead agency model. The lead agency will have to be in the position to make a firm long term commitment of at least 2 years to serve in that role. - Expert Groups composed of staff in the member agencies who are specialised on certain topics, with whom information is exchanged, and whose advice can be sought when necessary. - Mailing lists composed of colleagues in the member agencies who are interested in specific topics, and with whom information can be exchanged. - Interface groups which link colleagues in the member organisations with specific bodies (such as VOICE and Eurodad). - The advisory groups (PAG and GRG) can form task groups that report to them on specific issues. - Staff secondment from a member organisation, for a minimum period of one year, to strengthen the work on a specific issue that is included in the core programme of the Strategic Plan. - Consultants for specific, well defined and time bound assignments for which adequate expertise and/or resources are lacking in the secretariat and/or the APRODEV member organisations. - When appropriate and needed, develop a communication strategy in support of specific lobby and advocacy work. For each programmatic activity, the appropriate model will be agreed upon between the secretariat and the relevant APRODEV member organisations. Each extra activity creates additional necessity for managerial and administrative support and requires extra efforts to promote coherence and synergy with other APRODEV activities. Given the size of the secretariat, there is, therefore, a limit to the number of activities that can be undertaken in the context of APRODEV. 10
ANNEX Mandate, Vision and Mission Mandate The mandate of APRODEV is to promote sustainable human development polices through the collaboration between development organisations located in different European countries. According to the Statutes: 1. The activities of APRODEV include the representation of the interests of its Members with the European Union and its bodies, including the European Commission, the Council of Ministers and the European Parliament as well as to carry out all activities directly or indirectly related with these interests and likely to promote them, all this in the widest sense of the word. 2. APRODEV will pursue its objectives by, inter alia, carrying out lobby and advocacy activities vis-à-vis bodies of the European Union. 3. In addition, APRODEV can develop any activity that contributes directly or indirectly to the realisation of above mentioned idealistic non profit purposes, including the subordinate commercial and profitable activities within the scope of what is legally allowed and the proceeds of which are at all times destined for the realisation of the idealistic non profitable purposes. Vision As the association of ecumenical development and humanitarian aid organisations in Europe which are related to the World Council of Churches, APRODEV and its associated organisations are inspired by the liberating message of the Gospel and the ministry of Christ who shared the human condition with us and who brought Good News to the poor. The APRODEV organisations believe that all human beings are created in the image of God. In their efforts to work alongside poor, marginalised, oppressed and excluded women and men, they seek to underline the equal value of all human beings, irrespective of race, colour, sex, creed, national, ethnic or political affiliation. The APRODEV organisations share the ecumenical understanding of development as a multifaceted and holistic concept which comprises social, cultural, spiritual, political, environmental and economic aspects. Basically, development is about overcoming the root causes of poverty, liberation from hunger and unjust power structures, respect for the dignity and rights of women and men, and providing equal access to vital resources. For this, APRODEV considers gender equality a prerequisite. The APRODEV organisations share a common understanding of partnership, which implies a high level of transparency, mutual support, trust and reliability, respect for pluriformity and diversity of gifts, commitment to gender equality, and the integrity of different points of view. On the basis of this understanding of partnership, APRODEV actively seeks alliances with those actors in civil society who share these convictions and this ethos. APRODEV s vision of the European Union is that of a Union which promotes justice, peace and sustainability through both its internal and external policies, which unites around a common goal of the eradication of poverty, which upholds multilateral approaches, and adheres to and promotes fundamental human rights and international law. Mission In efforts of working towards its vision, APRODEV and its member organisations engage in common programmes and projects aimed at promoting European Union development and related policies which focus in a coherent way on overcoming the root causes of poverty, the enhancement of peace, human dignity and human security, gender equality, fundamental rights, and the liberation from unjust structures. To this effect, APRODEV and its member organisations promote the strengthening of civil society organisations which share our basic convictions, and engage with these, both inside and outside of the European Union, in common actions to achieve our goals. At the EU level, Concord the European NGO Confederation for Relief and Development is an important channel through which APRODEV tries to achieve its goals. APRODEV s activities are informed by the experiences and concerns of partner organisations. In carrying out its mission, APRODEV co-operates closely with other ecumenical bodies such as the World Council of Churches, the Lutheran World Federation, the Ecumenical Advocacy Alliance, ACT (Action by Churches Together) Development and ACT International. 11