The broad base and successful middle class of development policy characterize the situation in Baden-Württemberg. Traditionally, development cooperation in Baden-Württemberg has been characterized by strong and efficient civil society, small and medium-sized organizations, networks and initiatives, which have had a say and a commitment to the state's development policy.
In February 2013, the state government adopted new development policy guidelines for Baden-Württemberg, which were developed in a participation process that was unique in Germany at the time. More than 1,500 citizens from across the state, as well as 120 organizations and associations, actively helped to shape the state's development policy through the initiative Welt:Bürger gefragt! and continue to support it today. Even after the adoption of the development policy guidelines, the development policy dialog Welt:Bürger gefragt! will continue. At annual state conferences on development policy, the state's citizens review the implementation of the guidelines and develop new proposals for action. The Council for Development Cooperation (REZ), which is made up of experts from the state's major networks active in development policy, also advises the state government on development policy issues.
On the state side, development policy in Baden-Württemberg is a cross-cutting task and, in particular, an opportunity for the classic core areas of state policy: for example, in education policy via the anchoring of global learning and study in the educational curricula of schools or in the curricula, research priorities and internationalization strategies of universities; in economic policy in the areas of public procurement, (foreign) economic promotion; in the involvement of companies in development policy or fair trade; in environmental policy via issues of ecological sustainability and climate protection.
In Baden-Württemberg, development policy is a joint task that is primarily supported by the efficient and professional commitment of small and medium-sized actors. The state promotes this commitment, but does not want to replace it. It creates a reliable framework for advancing development policy and for networking and supporting its players. Around 3 million euros are available annually for this purpose:
The Stiftung Entwicklungs-Zusammenarbeit Baden-Württemberg (Baden-Württemberg Development Cooperation Foundation), a foundation established by the state of Baden-Württemberg, promotes advises and supports the initiatives of smaller and medium-sized actors as a service center. A department established specifically for development policy in the State Ministry is available to citizens, civil society organizations, ministries, municipalities and their umbrella organizations, as well as the state parliament and the federal level as a direct and competent contact on the government side.
With the funding lines bwirkt! Partnerships/Foreign, bwirkt! Education/Country and bwirkt! Burundi, the state supports the grassroots and the middle classes of development policy engagement: with an annual funding volume of around one million euros.
For a decade, the state has also been working with the federal government to promote the One World promoter program in Baden-Württemberg. With more than ten full positions at sponsoring civil society organizations, this program strengthens the valuable work of Baden-Württemberg's organizations, networks and initiatives.
Every spring, the FAIR HANDELN trade fair offers all stakeholders a forum for exchange, networking and joint initiatives - with a total of around 90,000 visitors. With over 150 exhibitors, the trade fair has become a beacon for the fair trade movement, with an impact far beyond Baden-Württemberg. With its Future Fashion theme, the trade fair focuses on modern and fair-trade clothing and thus appeals to a particularly young audience.
Another focus is on strengthening and promoting the self-organization of stakeholders. The establishment of development policy actor networks for migrant and young commitment as well as for the commitment of universities, schools and companies has been advanced in recent years through joint, state-wide annual focal points. Existing municipal and church networks have been strengthened in the process.
Common focal points of the stakeholders and the state are: relations with Africa and, in particular, the deepening of the state partnership with Burundi. The young involvement and commitment of the cities, municipalities and districts.
With the Africa in View study, the Council of Ministers established an initiative in December 2019 that provides an overview of Baden-Württemberg's relations with our southern neighboring continent and recommends concrete measures to expand cooperation with the African continent. Its cross-departmental and cross-stakeholder implementation has been adapted to the Corona pandemic and has been launched in 2020. The focus is on scientific cooperation and colonial responsibility under the leadership of the Ministry of Science, foreign trade promotion at the Ministry of Economy and partnership/development cooperation at the Ministry of State. In terms of partnerships, there is a focus on deepening the country's development partnership, which is benefiting from the political thaw in Burundi and the lifting of EU sanctions and has been bundled by the Baden-Württemberg Council for Development Cooperation in the Burundi Alliance.
Young engagement is under the umbrella of the pan-European MINDCHANGERS initiative until the end of 2024. Young people are strengthened in their commitment to the United Nations 2030 Agenda, especially in the areas of climate protection and international cohesion, and networked across Europe. The core element is the funding of young projects throughout Europe, which totals several million euros.
In the area of community engagement, a joint roadmap from the federal, state and local governments is in place since the summer in the form of the Baden-Württemberg Community Development Policy Action Plan. It aims to improve networking and collaboration. It contains an overview of successful examples as well as funding and networking opportunities to help municipal stakeholders find their way. An important concern is the design of joint initiatives, for example on globally sustainable communities, in the context of the state partnership with Burundi or on solidarity with Ukraine.