Cordaid and ICCO Join Forces

Global crises increasingly challenge human co-existence. They undermine our common future. The climate crisis, growing inequality, armed conflict, food insecurity and declining democratic space are among the most important ones.

Those who live in fragile settings – 1.6 billion people – are the most affected by these hardships. They seek safety and freedom, shelter, a doctor when needed, food security. Many are displaced, roaming the globe, surviving in transit. Their quest is universal: to live their lives in good health and in dignity.

Adapting to an aid sector under pressure

Whilst their number grew to staggering heights over the past years, there has, at the same time, been a gradual and global trend to cut funding for humanitarian assistance. Likewise, funding for development aid is under increased pressure. While challenges are rising, resources are dwindling. These trends have deeply impacted the aid sector. More importantly, they have put the lives of millions who seek survival and human dignity under further pressure.

Against this backdrop, Cordaid and ICCO have decided to join forces as of January 1st 2021. There are several reasons to make this bold move.

Sharing the same vision

Firstly, we have a lot in common. We share the same vision: a world where everyone can live life in good health and in dignity. Where people can break through barriers of poverty and exclusion, influence decisions that affect them, and participate in equitable and resilient societies. A world with an economy not driven by greed and growth, but by inclusivity, social justice and gender equality.

Having emerged from Christian social traditions, both Cordaid’s and ICCO’s foundation lie in the values of human dignity, justice, and compassion. We participate in like-minded, often faith-based networks, on grassroots, national and international levels.

Defragmenting development

By joining forces, we are defragmenting the Dutch development sector. This makes us more in sync with society and more adapted to the needs of international development.

We will continue as one organisation, under the name of Cordaid, with one global office in The Hague. By combining our international in-country infrastructure, networks, and knowledge, and with geographic and thematic complementarity of a joint organisation, we increase our scope and scale and become more cost efficient. This allows us to create more social impact and strengthens our position in the increasingly tight and competitive funding market.

We believe that together we can better make our mark in addressing today’s and tomorrow’s global challenges. In standing side by side with the many millions who take the first and biggest blows. And we reach out to people of all backgrounds and faiths who want to act in solidarity.