Multilateral cooperation The Global Community approach

Broad membership, political neutrality, capital and know-how – these are the things that make international organisations important players for development cooperation. They offer forums for discussing development policy principles or developing international standards for economic, social and environmental policies.

Multilateral institutions play a leading role in the implementation and coordination of development cooperation in partner countries. They realise large-scale programmes in partner countries and, thanks to their special legitimacy, they frequently coordinate the inputs of various donors.

In terms of Technical Cooperation, international organisations offer funds and programmes for policy advice, and support their partner countries' efforts to develop and expand their capacities. As international financing institutes they mobilise private capital for development purposes, establish funds, and award soft loans.

International organisations are funded by their member countries. These members pay either voluntary or compulsory contributions, deposit promissory notes, which can be called in if needed, or buy capital shares in the respective organisations. Through its membership in international organisations, Germany can ensure that its position and experience are represented on the global stage.