A new model of cooperation from 2025… towards 2031…
A Shift in Context…
Over the past two decades, international cooperation has undergone a profound transformation. The processes of European integration, international geopolitical changes, and new economic, social, and environmental challenges have progressively reshaped the way relationships between territories are built, moving beyond an approach primarily based on neighbourhood policies and decentralised cooperation, towards models of territorial cooperation, strategic partnerships, and co-development processes.
PRO.DO.C.S.’s own journey reflects this transformation. It has accompanied major democratic transition processes, supporting the strengthening of local institutions, the protection of human rights, dialogue among communities, and the creation of networks between civil society organisations and territorial stakeholders, contributing to the promotion of ever-greater integration within different social contexts.
A Shift in Strategy…
Today, cooperation is built on a different vision: it is no longer understood as a one-way process of providing support, but as a relationship based on reciprocity, shared responsibility, and the recognition of the knowledge, skills, and experience of all actors involved. Communities and partner organisations are no longer seen as beneficiaries of external interventions, but as active participants in shared development processes.
Within this new paradigm, sustainability has become the guiding principle of cooperation. The aim is to strengthen local capacities, support self-sustaining development processes, and create the tools, expertise, and relationships needed to generate lasting positive impacts well beyond the end of individual projects.
Ensuring the long-term sustainability of partnerships has therefore become a fundamental element.
A Shift in Perspective…
Partnerships go far beyond the implementation of specific activities; they are strengthened through lasting relationships built on mutual trust, shared responsibility, and a common vision of development.
This perspective lies at the heart of PRO.DO.C.S.’s ongoing journey. Embracing the changes underway, the organisation has continued to uphold the values, principles, and approaches that shape its commitment to cooperation as a genuine driver and instrument of fair and inclusive social change.
A Shift in Action… with our Partners
Partnerships now lie at the heart of effective development cooperation. For PRO.DO.C.S., the relationships cultivated over the years with civil society organisations, public authorities, institutions, universities and local partners represent a shared wealth of knowledge, experience and expertise. Together, they form a lasting legacy that continues to generate meaningful impact and sustainable value for the communities in which we work.
Why the Shift from 2025?
During the 2025 Jubilee Year, PRO.DO.C.S. took part in the campaign promoted by FOCSIV, “Changing Course. Transforming Debt into Hope”, reflecting on the message of Pope Francis, who called for the promotion of fairer models of development based on social justice, solidarity and shared responsibility among peoples.
In a global context marked by growing inequalities, forced migration, environmental crises and the gradual decline in funding for international cooperation, it is becoming increasingly important to invest in the continuity of relationships and in the sustainability of development processes.
The Changes within the Shift…
For this reason, PRO.DO.C.S. chose to celebrate the Jubilee Year through a concrete act of partnership, dedicating part of its resources to supporting some of its long-standing partners, who are now facing new and more challenging situations of fragility and vulnerability.
This choice reaffirms the value of a cooperation model that continues to create impact and development opportunities beyond the duration of individual projects. It also strengthened local organisations, recognised by local authorities, enabling them to work independently by building on the knowledge and skills gained through their experience.
Our Partners
The partners featured below represent the tangible outcome of this evolution: a network of organisations working together to build sustainable and lasting development processes, creating benefits that can continue over time and be sustained by the communities and local contexts involved.
At a time when international funding is steadily declining, and many social programmes are being brought to an end, partnerships remain a vital means of ensuring continuity, sustainability and locally driven development.
