SolidarMed is committed to truly equitable partnerships.

For many years, key decisions in international cooperation were taken almost exclusively in Europe or North America – even when they directly affected the lives of people in the Global South, who often know far better what is needed in their own context. Historically rooted power structures continue to influence how projects are designed, how resources are allocated, and whose perspectives count. Even though more funding now reaches local partners, central questions remain: Who decides what matters? Who sets the priorities? Whose expertise is heard?

Why this step matters now

Across the world, conflicts, inequalities and authoritarian tendencies are increasing. At the same time, local organisations are often operating under pressure – facing restricted civic space, limited resources or political uncertainty.

This makes it all the more essential to build international cooperation that fosters trust, values local expertise and places human rights at its core. Projects can only achieve long-term impact when they are led by the people who understand the challenges firsthand.

Key elements of the manifesto

The signatory organisations recognise the historically embedded structures of oppression that continue to shape power imbalances and hinder equitable partnerships today. They commit to the following principles and priorities:

1. Ensuring local ownership. Local partners should hold real decision-making power – not merely advisory roles.
    
2. Building equitable partnerships. Risks are shared, resources are allocated transparently, and paternalistic or stereotypical portrayals in communication are avoided.
    
3. Protecting civic space. Human rights, local organisations and committed individuals must be supported and safeguarded rather than endangered.
    
4. Ensuring quality financing. This includes core contributions, covering administrative costs and ensuring more flexible reporting requirements.
    
5. Eliminating power imbalances. Historically rooted structures — including racist or colonial ones — must be actively questioned and transformed.

SolidarMed and other NGOs are taking the lead

Many Swiss organisations have worked in close collaboration with local partners for a long time. The manifesto, however, represents a joint commitment to share experiences, advance collective learning and further strengthen locally led approaches. At the same time, the appeal extends to public and private donors: they must create the conditions that enable local self-determination, for example through more flexible funding arrangements.

With this manifesto, SolidarMed and numerous other organisations are sending a clear signal in favour of a more just, effective and sustainable international cooperation.

Local expertise is the key to sustainable impact. Pictured: The SolidarMed team in Zimbabwe.