On the 11th of August, 2018, the city of Helsinki, Finland, was transformed into a hub for international development dialogue, thanks to the Anambra State Association Finland (ASA Finland), which hosted the pioneering NGO Roundtable Conference themed “The African Third Sector.” This landmark event brought together a wide array of stakeholders from non-governmental organizations, community-based organizations, faith-based organizations, civil society organizations, UN agencies, donor/corporate organizations, and philanthropists. The focus was squarely on addressing the complex challenges hindering Africa’s development, with particular emphasis on Nigeria’s developmental hurdles.
Finland’s Role in Global Development Initiatives
The selection of Finland as the conference’s locale was a deliberate choice, reflecting the nation’s profound dedication to achieving global development goals. In the wake of the United Nations Millennium Conference in 2000, Finland, aligning with the European Union’s objectives, committed to dedicating 0.7% of its Gross National Income (GNI) towards development cooperation, with a notable focus on aiding the world’s least developed countries. This pledge highlights Finland’s significant contribution to international development, establishing the country as a fitting backdrop for such a critical conference.
Fostering Solutions through International Cooperation
The roundtable aimed at unraveling the complexities of mobilizing funds designated for the development of Africa, with Nigeria serving as a case study. It sought to enhance the operational efficacy of Third Sector Organizations by promoting partnerships with entities like the Anambra State Association/Foundation. The goal was to streamline the process of securing development funding, thereby enhancing transparency and accountability within developmental projects.
Bridging Gaps with Finnish NGOs
Although Finnish individuals and NGOs are actively engaged in development cooperation, there has been a noticeable gap in the participation of Nigerian NGOs within these efforts. The conference offered an invaluable opportunity for these Nigerian organizations to engage directly with Finnish NGOs, gaining insights and drawing lessons from their development cooperation endeavors. Such interactions are anticipated to open up new avenues for addressing the needs of Africa’s rural poor.
A Gateway to International Collaboration
The NGO Roundtable Conference in Helsinki has set a precedent for fostering international collaboration and partnership. It assembled a broad spectrum of development sector stakeholders, all united by a common goal: to effect tangible change and drive sustainable development across Africa. The conference not only underscored the pivotal role of NGOs in the realm of development cooperation but also bolstered the importance of solidarity and collective action in overcoming the continent’s developmental challenges.
This groundbreaking event has laid the foundation for future collaborative efforts, promising to catalyze a series of initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable development in Africa and beyond. Through fostering a spirit of cooperation and shared responsibility, the conference has marked a significant step forward in the global quest to address development challenges, making it a milestone in the annals of international development cooperation spearheaded by the Anambra State Association Finland.
