The GIZ Brussels Representation celebrates its 2024 Annual Reception Edition
On February 20, 2024, GIZ Brussels held its Annual GIZ Reception in Brussels at its Representation Office. Over 110 guests joined the event, including high-ranking decision-makers and partners from various organizations such as the European Institutions, GIZ colleagues and representatives of the international development cooperation community. The event was attended by all three GIZ management board members Ms. Ingrid-Gabriela Hoven, Ms. Anna Sophie Herken and Chair of the Management Board, Thorsten Schäfer-Gümbel. In his opening remarks, Mr. Schäfer-Gümbel acknowledged the challenges faced by the EU in the previous year, highlighting global conflicts and crises while also noting achievements such as the COP28 agreements and the EU enlargement decision. He emphasized the significance of the upcoming European elections and institutional changes for international cooperation.
Ms. Heidy Rombouts, Director General for Development Cooperation & Humanitarian Aid at the Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, delivered the evenings keynote speech. Ms. Rombouts shared with the attending guests her insights into the priorities of the ongoing Belgian Council Presidency and the importance of the Team Europe Approach in addressing current challenges in international development cooperation for 2024.
In her speech she especially highlighted the Belgian Presidencies goal to establish sustainable, reliable, and ‘honest’ partnerships, particularly with African nations as well as with fragile or least developed countries, while emphasizing the strengths and values of the EU. In times where Europe and the EU are confronted with multiple (global) crises, she positively remarked the overall shift of international cooperation from niche to the centre of attention. However, these crises highly affect how actors in international cooperation and development can operate. Therefore, Ms. Rombouts stressed the need to change perspective, to challenge and foster (“fordern und fördern”) international partnerships in order to develop long-term and sustainable solutions to complex issues.
The reception provided attendees with informal networking opportunities, allowing them to connect amongst each other and exchange perspectives on various topics. The GIZ Brussels Annual Reception serves as a platform for fostering dialogue and strengthening partnerships within the Brussels community and beyond every year.
