On May 29th, 2020, Cordaid and 5 allies were selected by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs to co-create a new five-year strategic partnership. This partnership, called the Just Future partnership, is one of 20 selected by the Ministry within the Power of Voices framework. It will enable Cordaid to sustain and expand its dynamic work on security and justice in the period 2021-25.
“This new partnership will deliver real change for people in some of the most fragile and conflict-affected countries in the world,” says Cordaid CEO Kees Zevenbergen. “It is a testament to the credibility and track record of Cordaid and its partners, and the relationships of trust we’ve built with civil society actors in Afghanistan, Burundi, DRC, South Sudan, Mali, and Niger over many years.”
“That four of the six members of the alliance come from the Global South demonstrates Cordaid’s commitment to acting in solidarity with activists and innovators affected by fragility and conflict.”
The overarching aim of the Power of Voices framework is to strengthen civil society organisations so that they can lobby and advocate for achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.
The alliance
The Just Future alliance consists of Cordaid, Search for Common Ground, Afghanistan’s SALAH Consortium, and three coalitions operating mainly in sub-Saharan Africa: African Security Sector Network, West African Network for Peacebuilding, and Women’s International Peace Centre.
“That four of the six members of the alliance come from the Global South demonstrates Cordaid’s commitment to acting in solidarity with activists and innovators affected by fragility and conflict,” says Iris Hartevelt, who coordinates the alliance. “The whole Cordaid community is thrilled to work for change with this outstanding group of allies.”
The Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs will also participate in co-creating the partnership. In this way, Just Future will support the Netherlands to realize its commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and especially SDG16 on peaceful, just, and inclusive societies, by 2030.
Working in and on fragility
Fragility, conflict, and violence are the most significant obstacles to achieving the SDGs. The Just Future alliance will work with civil society and communities to demand more responsive and accountable security and justice institutions, like police and courts, as well as public decision-making and peace processes that include the voices of all people—especially women and young people, who are most often excluded.
“That focus is in line with Cordaid’s commitment to not only work for the rights and dignity of people in the most fragile contexts, but to work with them on the very drivers of fragility,” Iris Hartevelt concludes. “A world where all people enjoy security, justice, and a voice in the decisions that affect their lives is a less fragile world.”
More information
Visit the Just Future website: