Join in on: Capacity4dev

The European Commission (EC) has launched an interactive website www.capacity4dev.eu aimed at providing a forum where the development community at large can meet and exchange best practices on the implementation of cooperation projects in all developing countries.

The website was created after weaknesses were flagged in the way technical cooperation is provided. EC officials say it responds to a demand for “exchange and cross fertilisation” of both ideas and practices.

"If we want to have a real impact on the eradication of poverty in the world, we have to go beyond 'business as usual'”, says EU Commissioner for Development, Karel De Gucht. Last year, the European Commission launched reform of its technical cooperation, seeking to make it more partner-led, more results-oriented, and more in line with international agreements on aid effectiveness.

“We need to open up, listen and engage with the development community at large and explore innovative ways to work together and the Capacity4dev.eu website will help us to achieve that goal,” said De Gucht.

It gives gives replies to frequently asked questions and carries case-studies, etc. But above all, it wants to stimulate interactivity and communication between all ‘stakeholders’ through such as discussion forums and online workshops.

Six topics are identified as a priority: capacity development, public sector reform and decentralisation, public financial management, governance, working with technical cooperation, technical cooperation and aid reform.

Anyone who is interested in development issues is encourgaed to visit the site and participate through uploading relevant documents, creating a forum, commenting on articles and sharing contact details, etc.

For more information:
www.capacity4dev.eu