Thu, 25 Jun 2026 Kyiv 22:36Berlin 21:36London 20:36 UKR / DE / EN

Former Chancellor Scholz to Lead New Development Commission

Germany's cabinet has appointed a new development policy commission, to be co-chaired by former Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) and former Costa Rican Laura Chinchilla.

Former Chancellor Scholz to Lead New Development Commission
Photo: tagesspiegel.de

The commission is tasked with delivering a report by the end of 2028 containing recommendations for the future direction of German development aid. Development Minister Reem Alabali-Radovan (SPD) said that with Scholz and Chinchilla, two globally respected and multilaterally experienced co-chairs are taking on this task.

The establishment of the commission stems from an agreement in the coalition agreement. The goal is to develop a new concept for cooperation with developing countries in light of global power shifts and increasing budgetary constraints. The commission is expected to include around 20 members from politics, science, the private sector, trade unions, civil society, and international organizations from the Global South and Global North.

The model is the Brandt Commission, which from 1977 to 1983 under the leadership of former Chancellor Willy Brandt (SPD) analyzed inequalities between North and South. The development ministry said the new commission is consciously building on this legacy.

Source: www.tagesspiegel.de