VNG International contributes to Dutch parliamentary debate on effective international cooperation

Deputy Director Renske Steenbergen represented VNG International at a parliamentary roundtable in the Dutch House of Representatives on the Dutch Diamond approach, alongside several other organisations.

A more strategic approach to international cooperation

The roundtable took place in the context of a more strategic Dutch foreign policy, in which diplomacy, trade, development cooperation and security are increasingly seen in connection with one another. The Dutch Diamond brings together government, businesses, knowledge institutions and civil society organisations to address international challenges and make better use of Dutch expertise.

Local institutions as a condition for success

VNG International was invited to contribute because of its long-standing experience in strengthening local governance and public institutions in partner countries. During the discussion, Steenbergen delivered a clear message: international cooperation becomes more effective and sustainable when local public institutions are strong enough to support investment, service delivery and long-term development.

In her contribution, she stressed the practical role of municipalities and local authorities in making cooperation work. They are responsible for permits, spatial planning, public services and local governance systems that create predictability and trust. This makes them essential to stable investment, economic development and resilient communities.

Examples from partner countries

She  also referred to examples from Mozambique, Benin and Namibia. Work on water management, land administration and port development shows that investments only deliver lasting impact when local governments have the capacity to guide, manage and sustain them. Strong local institutions are particularly important in fragile and conflict-affected contexts, where local authorities are often the most visible and accessible layer of public administration.

Making the Dutch Diamond work

Through this contribution, VNG International brought the perspective of local governance directly into the parliamentary discussion. The central message was clear: strong local public institutions are not a side issue in international cooperation. They are a practical and strategic condition for making the Dutch Diamond more effective, more sustainable and more relevant in today’s international context.