By Gideon Maxwell
July 2, 2026
Former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has called for a new era of global partnerships to reform international development cooperation.
He made the call as world leaders and policy experts gathered at the Hamburg Sustainability Conference in Germany.
Speaking in his capacity as Co chair of the Future of Development Cooperation Coalition, Osinbajo held strategic talks with former German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and former Costa Rican President Laura Chinchilla, who co chair the newly established South, North Commission on Development.
The discussions focused on aligning the work of both bodies to create a development cooperation system that is more inclusive, responsive and fit for contemporary global realities.
Osinbajo also joined South Africa’s Minister of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, Maropene Ramokgopa, representing the Ubuntu Commission, during a high level panel session titled, Reimagining International Cooperation, New Partnerships for a Shared Vision.
Participants examined how international cooperation can better respond to shifting geopolitical, economic and development challenges.
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He later rounded off the day’s engagements alongside Future of Development Cooperation Coalition Head of Secretariat, Alexia Latortue.
The session brought together leaders from government, business, philanthropy and civil society.
They offered candid assessments of the coalition’s work and its future direction.
According to Osinbajo, the conversations reinforced the growing consensus that no single institution can effectively address today’s complex development challenges alone.
He stressed that stronger cross regional collaboration is essential to delivering meaningful and sustainable development outcomes.
“The goal is clear, new partnerships for a shared vision,” Osinbajo said.
The engagements formed part of the Hamburg Sustainability Conference, held from June 29 to 30.
The conference also witnessed the launch of the South, North Commission on Development and explored new approaches to international cooperation.
