People, Governance and Diplomacy

## Cluster 1: People, Governance and Diplomacy The international landscape is becoming increasingly complex. Rising geopolitical competition, protracted conflicts, democratic backsliding, growing inequalities, demographic change and accelerating technological transformation are reshaping international cooperation. At the same time, Africa and Europe are redefining their partnership, with increasing emphasis on mutual interests, regional leadership, peace and security, migration, governance and sustainable development. ECDPM's People, Partnerships and Governance cluster works to strengthen the institutions, partnerships and governance systems that enable sustainable development and international cooperation. We support policymakers, regional organisations and international partners in designing policies that are politically informed, locally owned and responsive to rapidly changing global and regional dynamics. Our work combines political economy analysis, evidence-based policy advice and long-term engagement with decision-makers across Africa and Europe. The cluster brings together expertise across Europe-Africa partnerships, governance, peace and security, migration and mobility, and digital governance. By connecting these areas, we help strengthen cooperation between institutions, improve policy coherence and contribute to more effective, inclusive and resilient governance at national, regional and international levels. Our work focuses on five interconnected areas: Europe-Africa Partnerships and Global Engagement The relationship between Africa and Europe continues to evolve in response to changing geopolitical realities and shared global challenges. We analyse how both continents can build stronger, more balanced and mutually beneficial partnerships while strengthening multilateral cooperation and improving the coherence of European external action. Our work includes: * Europe-Africa political and development partnerships * EU foreign, development and external policies * Team Europe and international partnerships * Global Gateway and international cooperation * Multilateral governance * Policy coherence for sustainable development Migration and Mobility Migration and mobility are central to economic development, labour markets and international cooperation. We support evidence-based and human-centred approaches that maximise opportunities while addressing the governance challenges associated with migration across Africa and Europe. Our work includes: * Migration governance * Labour migration and skills partnerships * Forced displacement and protection * Return, reintegration and durable solutions * Diaspora engagement * Regional and continental migration cooperation Peace, Security and Resilience Sustainable development depends upon peaceful, stable and resilient societies. We examine the political and institutional dimensions of conflict prevention, peacebuilding and resilience, supporting African, European and multilateral efforts to prevent conflict and strengthen governance in fragile contexts. Our work includes: * Conflict prevention and peacebuilding * Peace and security partnerships * Humanitarian-development-peace nexus * Governance in fragile and conflict-affected settings * Climate, security and resilience * Women, Peace and Security Inclusive Governance and Democratic Institutions Effective, accountable and inclusive institutions are fundamental to sustainable development. We support governance reforms that strengthen public institutions, enhance accountability and promote inclusive political processes that respond to citizens' needs. Our work includes: * Democratic governance * Public sector governance and accountability * Rule of law and anti-corruption * Decentralisation and local governance * Civil society participation * Gender equality and inclusive policymaking Digital Governance and Transformation Digital technologies are reshaping governance, public services and international cooperation. We explore how digital transformation can contribute to inclusive development while addressing questions of regulation, digital rights, infrastructure and international digital partnerships. Our work includes: * Digital governance and regulation * Digital public infrastructure * Digital cooperation between Africa and Europe * Digital transformation for public policy * Digital inclusion and human development * Artificial intelligence and emerging technologies