Germany and Korea: Comparing Systems, Policies and Cooperation Patterns

Although geographically distant, there is considerable convergence in the development policy priorities of Germany and the Republic of Korea (hereafter referred to as Korea)—and indeed scope for cooperation between them. Whereas Germany was a founding member of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and its Development Assistance Committee (DAC), Korea joined the DAC more recently in 2010 as an important former recipient as well as a current provider of development cooperation. Both countries maintain a centralized political responsibility for development policy—in Germany’s case with a dedicated ministry, whereas in Korea, two ministries share the responsibility for development cooperation. With various line ministries and organizations with implementing mandates involved in both countries’ development cooperation systems, fragmentation is a challenge and raises questions about issues that include results reporting, the introduction and use of standard indicators, independent evaluations, consistent official development assistance (ODA) reporting and ensuring effective cooperation.