The Adapting Role of Global North Professionals in International Cooperation

Localisation prioritises local actors – civil society organisations, public institutions, and community leaders – to drive economic and social development. The call to move beyond traditional "aid" models toward inclusive partnerships was a key theme in the discussion. Fatou stressed, "The focus should go beyond funding and include coordination, local leadership, and capacity building." Ifechukwude went further to say, "One size fits no one." He highlighted the importance of considering local contexts from the conceptual stages of projects to ensure sustainability and impact. 

The focus should go beyond funding and include coordination, local leadership, and capacity building.

Shifting from Aid to Inclusive Partnerships 

Engaging local actors from the project design phase, not just at implementation, fosters equitable partnerships. Their early involvement helps identify challenges and co-develop solutions. "International cooperation should no longer be about what the North can offer but how the North and South can collaborate on equal footing," Fatou emphasised. Ifechukwude added, "There shouldn't be an assumption that we know what people need – it's for local communities to tell us where their challenges lie." 

There shouldn't be an assumption that we know what people need – it's for local communities to tell us where their challenges lie.

Mixed project teams that include local experts can provide insights into cultural and infrastructural nuances, reducing the risk of oversight and promoting mutual learning. 

Strengthening Knowledge Transfer and Capacity Building 

Localisation involves not just resource transfers but mutual knowledge exchange. Ifechukwude stressed the importance of human capital: "In development, we often focus on finance, but equally important are the skills and competencies of the people implementing projects." Long-term capacity building fosters autonomy through diverse teams that encourage collaboration. "Development work requires more than technical skills; it calls for behavioural competencies such as adaptability, cultural humility, and teamwork," he affirmed. 

Swiss institutions can enhance their impact by investing in training programmes that upskill local professionals and adopting best practices from regional partners. This reciprocal approach strengthens both local institutions and the insights of Global North professionals. 

Leveraging Digitalisation and Technology 

Digitalisation presents an opportunity to modernise sectors like agriculture, healthcare, and education. "We must move beyond subsistence-level practices and transform sectors into sustainable businesses," Fatou noted. 

Global North professionals can introduce digital solutions that enhance efficiency and scalability, such as data analytics for optimising agricultural yields or mobile health technologies for remote care. However, collaboration is essential to ensure these technologies are relevant and effective in local contexts. 

Building Trust and Long-Term Commitment 

Trust is crucial for successful partnerships. The panellists agreed that fostering trust requires consistent dialogue, transparency, and accountability. Projects must prioritise human capital, ensuring local professionals have the support to lead. 

Ifechukwude emphasised, "Development is not fast food; it's a marathon, not a sprint." He urged professionals to invest time in building relationships that extend beyond individual projects. 

Swiss professionals must demonstrate cultural humility and a willingness to listen, learn, and adapt. Respectful engagement is particularly important in addressing historical power imbalances and building long-term partnerships. 

Expanding Opportunities in Key Sectors 

The panel highlighted critical sectors where localisation can have transformative effects, including agriculture, energy, trade, and infrastructure. Ifechukwude pointed to the African Development Bank's efforts to improve agricultural practices through technology and scale. "The crisis in global wheat supply due to the war in Ukraine exposed Africa's vulnerability and underscored the need for self-sufficiency," he remarked. Introducing scalable agricultural solutions can transform subsistence farming into thriving enterprises. 

Fatou added that digitalisation and improved coordination could unlock the potential of local markets. "Every actor, whether from the North or South, has a role to play in making these systems more resilient and inclusive," she said. 

Every actor, whether from the North or South, has a role to play in making these systems more resilient and inclusive.

By aligning technical and project management skills with local priorities, Swiss professionals can support initiatives that enhance food security, expand renewable energy, and improve regional connectivity.

Localisation presents an opportunity for Swiss professionals to contribute to more inclusive and sustainable cooperation. Swiss institutions can lead by example by valuing local knowledge, prioritising mutual learning, and promoting equitable leadership. 

Actions for Swiss professionals and institutions: 

• Embed local leadership in project governance: Ensure local experts are involved at every stage of project development 
• Invest in reciprocal capacity building: Develop programmes that support mutual learning between North and South professionals 
• Leverage digitalisation: Use technology to enhance communication, knowledge-sharing, and data-driven decision-making 
• Use Technology Mindfully: Ensure digital solutions are designed and implemented in collaboration with local stakeholders 
• Promote cultural competency: Provide training in adaptability, relationship management, and cultural sensitivity 
• Foster mutual respect: Build trust through respectful engagement and openness to feedback 

International cooperation must evolve to reflect the realities and aspirations of the communities it serves. As a parting message, Ifechukwude reminded us, "Development is not about us and them – it’s about building a more inclusive world." By fostering equitable partnerships, Swiss professionals can help make localisation a shared practice that honours local expertise and drives meaningful, lasting change. 

Development is not about us and them – it’s about building a more inclusive world.