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Koenders: new public information policy

News item | 12-05-2009

Development minister Bert Koenders is to reform the system of grants for public information activities. He plans to get ordinary citizens, especially younger people, much more involved in development cooperation policy.

The National Committee for International Cooperation and Sustainable Development (NCDO) will cease awarding grants and become a knowledge centre. The total amount to be spent on public information will be halved.

In a letter submitted today to the House of Representatives, Mr Koenders says he is drawing up a new grant framework for the 2011-2014 period. 'In future,' he says, 'we're only giving money to campaigns that yield measurable results.'

The new public information policy is the next step in his modernisation agenda. The new policy will have two pillars: a knowledge and advice centre (the new-style NCDO) and a separate grant programme. The clear separation of roles and responsibilities between these two organisations will help ensure that decisions on the award of grants remain as transparent as possible.

The new grant programme will have front offices for three target groups: young people, small private initiatives, and networks. Mr Koenders hopes that this will enable it to finance activities not eligible for grants from the cofinancing system.

At present, more than 60 million euros is available for public information activities. Mr Koenders is making drastic cuts. As a knowledge centre, the NCDO will receive up to 11 million euro, and the new grant programme will receive 19 million euros.

Last month, Mr Koenders decided that cofinancing organisations should stop using public funds to finance public information activities. This will halve the amount spent on public information about development cooperation.

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