Conversations with youth for a Credible Future: Rethinking “development cooperation”

📅Friday September 19, 2025
⏰5 PM – 9 PM
📍Enabel, Rue Haute 147, 1000 Brussels (Hybrid: in person and online)
🗣 English & French (translation available)
💬 A call for critical reflection and dialogue 

Official development assistance (ODA) is under unprecedented pressure. Deep budget cuts and declining public support are driving the sector through a period of transition. In this context, Je m’engage pour l’Afrique (JMA) and BeGlobal invite you to Brussels on September 19, 2025, for two important conversations about the future of official development assistance.

In January 2025, the sudden suspension of USAID shook the international development world. In Europe, ODA is also under fire: -35% in France, -25% in Belgium, and up to -66% in the Netherlands by 2027. These cuts affect lives worldwide and threaten global solidarity. 

But: is ODA still relevant? Should it be reformed or completely reimagined? And how can citizens be involved in this critical conversation? 

Conversation 1 – A distant reality of citizens: is ODA still worth supporting? 

ODA is often misunderstood in the public discours. It’s not a simple form of aid asit involves loans, partnerships, and long-term strategies. We’ll unpack the political and historical roots of ODA and set the stage for a deeper debate. This first discussion raises the key questions that will be addressed in the second conversation. 

Conversation 2 – International cooperation in crisis: reallocate resources or change the paradigm? 

And now? What are the alternatives? From new financing mechanisms, innovative partnerships, epistemic justice, local ownership and fair partnerships… This session will explore new pathways for a more just, effective, and sustainable international cooperation. 

17h – Introduction

• Jean VAN WETTER – CEO Enabel
• Ileana SANTOS – Co-founder Je m’engage pour l’Afrique
• Stefano MANSERVISI – Chair of the Governing Board GCERF
• Alexander DE CROO – Former prime minister of Belgium

Conversation 1 – A distant reality of citizens: is ODA still worth supporting? 

Panelists

• Kalvin SOIRESSE NJALL – Member of Parliament, Brussels-Capital Region
• Holy RANAIVOZANANY – Executive Director of the Africa Europe Foundation
• Ousmane SORO – Former Reciprocity Volunteer, France Volontaires
• Adelaide HIRWE – Secretary General AU Youth Initiative

Moderator

Felipe BOSCH – Executive Director Intergenerational Center for Global Action 

Conversation 2 – International cooperation in crisis: reallocate resources or change the paradigm? 

Panelists

• Zunera RANA – Researcher Radboud University
• Mouctar BAH – President of Brussels Africa Hub
• Alice HUBENS – Sustainable Procurement Officer / Youth Sounding Board of Enabel
• Emily Wigens – EU Directer ONE Campaign

Moderator

Sara KINSBERGEN – Professor of Anthropology and Development Studies Radboud Universiteit

Keynote

Balázs NEMETH – Sustainability Manager Brussels Airlines 

Adélaïde CHARLIER – European Climate & Human Rights Advocate

Conclusion

David VAN REYBROUCK – Writer, Historian & Playwriter

20-21h – Reception

Students, young changemakers, professionals, activists, entrepreneurs, or curious citizens –this event is for everyone, with a with a special focus on youth-led perspectives and participation. 

• Location: Enabel, Rue Haute/Hoogstraat 147, Brussels 
• Date & time : September 19, 2025 from 5 PM to 9 PM
• Format: hybrid (in-person + online) 

Je m’engage pour l’Afrique 
JMA is a non-political association that supports engaged citizens, project coordinators, association representatives, and entrepreneurs in valuing their experiences, formulating concrete policy proposals, and actively participating in public debate. 

Practitioners’ Network
Organised in the context of Enabel’s co-presidency (together with SIDA) of the Practitioners’ Network, the platform of European international cooperation agencies. 

BeGlobal – Enabel
BeGlobal is Enabel’s youth porgramme, through global citizenship education, it fosters youth engagement for a more just and sustainable world. 

Be part of the conversation that will shape the future of public development aid!