Our response to Minister Klever’s development policy: A call for fair and sustainable action

Yesterday, Minister Klever of Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation presented her long-awaited development policy. Dorcas is shocked by the tone of the letter and finds the direction taken in the new policy concerning. The new policy focuses solely on the interests of the Netherlands. It does not do justice to fundamental values such as compassion, international solidarity, and stewardship – values that have been central to Dutch development policy for decades. These values have enabled us to tackle global challenges together and build sustainable partnerships with countries that share our interests. 

The new policy direction is not, as suggested, in the long-term interest of the Netherlands. In these uncertain geopolitical times, we need strong international partnerships based on equality. International cooperation is one of the key ways to establish such partnerships and to serve Dutch interests on the global stage. The cuts of more than 2 billion euros per year, the reduction of embassy staff, and the one-sided focus on national self-interest hinder the formation of these sustainable partnerships. 

If this policy is pursued, it will reduce future prospects for people in low-income countries. The removal of higher and vocational education programmes deprives young people of the opportunity to thrive in their own countries, while cuts to international climate policy will impact people in regions vulnerable to droughts, floods, and other climate disasters. While the focus on trade, migration, and security may seem attractive in the short term, in the long run, we stand to lose something far greater: a safe, prosperous, and stable world for all. Ultimately, this will also harm the Netherlands, as we are intrinsically connected to the countries around us. 

We therefore urge national policymakers to realign development policy with its true purpose: effectively supporting people around the world who face poverty, exclusion, and crisis. This is good for the world – and good for the Netherlands. 

As Dorcas, we will continue engaging constructively with national policymakers and other stakeholders to develop sound policies together. Additionally, we remain committed, alongside our partners, to working towards a just society, standing with those in disadvantaged positions. We actively seek structural solutions that contribute to resilient communities, where no one is left behind and everyone has the opportunity to develop and flourish. We do this with the support of a dedicated and active network of churches, businesses, volunteers, and donors. Together, we will continue to stand up for ‘those in need’! 

21 February 2025