Government-to-government cooperation (G2G)

Government-to-government cooperation (G2G) is part of the Shiraka Programme, which has been developed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to support societal development in the MENA region.

The eligible countries are: Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Oman, Palestinian Territories, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates.

G2G objectives

G2G is an instrument to stimulate and offer tailormade and structural cooperation between governments in the Netherlands and the MENA region, in order to further develop:

• societies that accept cultural and religious differences;
• states that respect the rule of law and protect individuals, minorities and human rights;
• an economy which fosters prosperity and employment.

Where relevant, the Dutch business community is actively involved.

G2G projects

G2G projects offer exchanges in public knowledge, experience and a tailor-made approach to supporting counterpart governments in their public tasks. Projects are both demand driven and meet Dutch interests. In other words, there should be a match between an obvious foreign interest for bilateral cooperation and a clear commitment from the Dutch side.

Typically, a G2G-project lasts between 6 months to 2 years. The content, goals and activities of the project are highly dependent on the wishes and possibilities of the Dutch parties and their counterparts in the target country. Willingness and ownership are essential.

Typical activities in a G2G project include:

• Training
• Seminars
• Workshops
• Institutional or legislative analyses
• Study visits
• Awareness raising activities
• Advice and support on the development of legislation, regulations, strategies, policies, implementation techniques and strategies, pilot projects, study visits, etc.

The projects aim to combine a theoretical part with practical implementation and learning by doing.

How to initiate a G2G project?

Shiraka G2G projects require clear organisational commitment and involvement at the appropriate management level in the Shiraka partner country. A G2G project should therefore first be discussed within the government organisation, to make sure it corresponds to the needs of the organisation in the partner country.

To further discuss the idea and explore eligibility for Shiraka support and cooperation, please contact the Netherlands’ embassy in the relevant MENA country. Make sure the idea is sufficiently developed, including readily available answers to questions about envisioned results, activities, stakeholders, etc. If the idea proves suitable and there is sufficient commitment, a project plan for bilateral cooperation will be developed together with the Netherlands Embassy, RVO and the relevant government organisations. 

Key elements of a G2G project:

1. The project is demand driven; the local need is the starting point.
2. Strong commitment within the organisation of the Shiraka partner country and within the Netherlands counterpart organisation.
3. The project meets at least one of the Shiraka objectives, as mentioned above.
4. The project involves structural cooperation with the central or local government or other public institutions.
5. The project leads to tangible and sustainable results, such as development or implementation of a strategy, policy or legislation.

Costs and fees

A project budget is available, however, a project contribution by the beneficiary is required. During development of the project, specifics will be agreed upon. 

Examples of G2G cooperation

Jordanian visiting judges to the Netherlands
This project was aimed at capacity building of the Central Economic Chamber at the Amman Court of First Instance. Five key judges of the Chamber participated in a comprehensive programme to increase their knowledge and understanding of the Dutch court system, specialised chambers and international arbitration.

Support to Tunisia’s anti-corruption body at communicating with the public
Transparency and communication experts from the Netherlands supported INLUCC, Tunisia’s national institution fighting corruption in the North African country, in their efforts to reach out to and adequately inform the public about their rights and possible ways to act when encountering corruption. The project will contribute to developing a communication action plan and the launch of a media campaign.             

Capacity building at Algeria’s Institute of Diplomacy and International Relations
This comprehensive capacity building programme aimed to support Algeria’s Institute of Diplomacy and International Relations (IDRI). The goal of this project was to improve the quality of IDRI's training curriculum, its ability to operate as a centre for diplomatic knowledge and experience, and its adjustment to the needs of 21st century diplomacy. The programme consisted of workshops, study visits and trainings.

Netherlands Court of Audit multi-country cooperation
This five-year peer-to-peer programme helps build individual institutional capacity at the supreme audit institutions (SAIs) of Algeria, Iraq, Morocco and Tunisia. The activities focus on institutional development and raising the profile of the audit institutions, comprising know-how exchange sand practical experiences through interactive workshops, pilot audits, study visits and coaching. The objective of the programme is to improve the operation of public administration and the effectiveness of public services, as well as strengthening public financial management in the Netherlands and in partner countries.