ETTG-GIZ-Enabel Project on Navigating Engagement in Fragile Contexts

Timeline: October 2024 – 2025

The ETTG-GIZ-Enabel partnership will explore strategic engagement in fragile global contexts, focusing on development agencies’ approaches to challenging political environments. Through comprehensive research, policy paper development, and high-level policy events, the project aims to critically examine how European implementing agencies can effectively support populations in regions experiencing democratic backsliding, conflict, and systemic shocks. Prioritizing a rights-based, locally-informed approach, the initiative will provide innovative recommendations for maintaining meaningful development interventions while navigating complex geopolitical landscapes, with a special emphasis on the Sahel region.

Project Objectives

 

1. 1. Raise awareness about development challenges in fragile regions

1. 1. Position Team Europe as a key player in complex geopolitical settings

1. 1. Develop strategies for effective engagement in conflict-affected areas

Key Deliverables

 

1. 1. Comprehensive policy paper on development agency approaches in fragile contexts

1. 1. Two high-level policy events:
      

       

      • • Expert roundtable to validate research findings
      • • Public event to disseminate policy recommendations

Focus Areas

 

• • Humanitarian, development, and peace intervention linkages

• • Localizing aid in challenging political environments

• • Identifying strategic engagement opportunities in regions with democratic backsliding

Unique Approach

 

• • Participatory, learning-focused research

• • Qualitative methods with political economy perspective

• • Emphasis on human rights, inclusion, and gender

Priority Regions

 

• • Sahel (primary focus)

• • Global fragile contexts experiencing political instability

The project aims to provide innovative, locally-informed strategies for European development agencies working in complex global environments.