The SEZ wants to initiate, support and promote partnerships. We are interested in encounters between people in Baden-Württemberg and people in countries in the Global South. We want sustainable, long-term partnerships at “eye and heart level”. We want to enable partnerships that are lively, active and stimulating and that are a win-win for both sides. The SEZ's understanding of partnership does not exclude anyone, but sees diversity as an opportunity.
We promote partnerships because we believe that relationships between people broaden horizons. They require mutual learning, create understanding for each other, create solidarity with one another, create responsibility for others and for oneself. In partnerships, head, heart and hand work together.* This creates common solutions for sustainable cooperation.
The SEZ supports Baden-Württemberg and its partners in the global south towards an interculturally sensitive, respectful, equal, trusting and transparent partnership that pursues a common and sustainable goal for mutual benefit.
According to the motto “No one is so poor that he has nothing to give.” Nobody is so rich that he has nothing left to receive.”** the SEZ’s understanding of partnership includes:
* in: “World Church partnerships between parishes and dioceses”, Secretariat of the German Bishops’ Conference, Bonn, p. 4 / ** ibid., p. 5
What actually seems "self-evident" is always experienced differently in partnership work. Because cooperation between people from Baden-Württemberg and their partners in the so-called Global South is not a sure-fire success. It requires an understanding of cultural and linguistic differences. If this is lacking, misunderstandings arise. Prejudices are often (un)consciously reproduced, dependencies are not perceived and even less addressed. But this is exactly what real partnership means: that power differences are reflected and (financial) decisions are made jointly and with the partner's perspective included. To support people in building and maintaining such partnerships, the SEZ offers advice and information materials.
Here you will find materials that will help you make your partnership work even more successful, networked and professional. We can provide you with some materials online here. For further information and advice on South-North partnerships, you can visit our Specialist Promoter for International Partnership Work Contact.
Our Practical Guide – Young commitment to the 2030 Agenda
A practical guide for newcomers and active municipalities to make them “grandchild-friendly”.
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