The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation concludes the signing of three new Partnership Frameworks with the Dominican Republic, Paraguay and Honduras. These agreements take place within the framework of the reform process of Spain’s sustainable development cooperation policy and "consolidate effective and participatory cooperation aligned with partner countries' national priorities", according to José Manuel Albares, Minister for Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation.
These Partnership Frameworks, which guide Spanish Cooperation’s actions in the countries for the coming years, represent a key step in the implementation of Law 1/2023 on Sustainable Development Cooperation and Global Solidarity and the Spanish Cooperation Master Plan 2024-2027.
Alignment with national priorities
Each of these agreements has resulted from a broad process of dialogue and joint construction with national authorities and institutions at all levels, civil society and international organisations, as well as with Spanish Cooperation system actors, including the General State Administration, regional and local governments, universities, civil society and the private sector.
The Partnership Frameworks are aligned with partner countries' national priorities and are grouped around the three transitions defined in the Master Plan: social, ecological and economic transition. They also integrate the cross-cutting approaches of human rights, gender and feminist perspectives, the fight against poverty and inequalities, climate justice and environmental sustainability, cultural diversity and peacebuilding.
Sustainable development tailored to each country
For Honduras, the agreement concentrates on two major development outcomes, focused on reducing extreme poverty and promoting access to sustainable and resilient livelihoods, addressing key aspects such as child malnutrition, education, decent employment, access to basic services, water, health, boosting social and productive infrastructure and a culture of peace.
The agreement with the Dominican Republic focuses on strengthening the rule of law and the protection of human rights. It also prioritises improving working conditions, as well as access to quality, inclusive and gender-sensitive technical and vocational education; and sustainable territorial management, with an emphasis on universal access to water and sanitation, climate resilience and the preservation of ecosystems.
In the Republic of Paraguay, the Partnership Framework focuses on advancing towards real and effective equality, eliminating discrimination and violence against women and girls. The environmental sustainability of production systems is promoted, with an emphasis on innovation and the promotion of value chains, especially in rural and vulnerable areas. It also enhances resilience to climate change, improving planning and public services in cities and territories, and strengthening the rule of law, and respect for human rights and cultural diversity.
Commitment to 2030 Agenda
In the words of the Minister, "these new agreements not only deepen bilateral relations, but also strengthen Spain's commitment to the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals, through cooperation based on mutual trust, solidarity and the principle of leaving no one behind". "In this sense, we are looking for transformative cooperation, aligned with global challenges and centred on people", Albares stated.
Following the publication of the Spanish Cooperation Master Plan 2024-2027, new Sustainable Development Partnership Frameworks were also adopted last year with Peru, Ecuador and the Philippines.
Progress is also currently being made in the drafting of Partnership Frameworks with Senegal, Colombia and Guatemala, with the process with Jordan also beginning soon, thereby continuing "the deployment of a renewed cooperation, more coordinated and adapted to the needs and challenges of the partner countries".
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