By joining forces, the two NGOs aim to become a major player in international solidarity and to more effectively meet the global challenges of sustainable development, climate change and social justice.
Last summer, AVSF-Agronomes et Vétérinaires Sans Frontières and GRET held their general assemblies in June and August respectively, during which the creation of an Alliance between the two NGOs was validated. The two organisations have already been working together for a number of years within Groupe initiatives and projects conducted together in West Africa, Asia, Haiti and Madagascar. On Wednesday 12 October, they held the new Alliance’s first steering committee. With this stronger partnership, GRET and AVSF intend to pool their resources and develop increased capacity to meet major challenges at local and international levels: climate emergency and ecological transition, protection of biodiversity, solutions for young people, growth of the social and solidarity economy, etc.
“The purpose of this Alliance is to become a major player in international solidarity, in cooperation and development, recognised for its professionalism, its capacity to innovate, its technical expertise, its long-standing presence in partner countries and the impact of its action”, says Henry de Cazotte, chairperson of GRET.
This Alliance has several operational ambitions: development of sectors of activity, innovations and new geographies; strengthening of the two NGOs’ national partnerships thanks to coordinated strategies and actions; diversification of funding sources; and an increase in capacities to influence and advocate.
“We are stakeholders in advocacy that focuses on solutions and proposals. In France and in partner countries, this advocacy is based on sectoral expertise, confirmed partnership practices and local presence, combined with a political vision focused on strengthening civil society,” explains Philippe Collin, chairperson of AVSF. “We want to play a greater role in international civil society that is connected and mobile, and better influence political choices for development and cooperation, in particular in the area of agriculture and food”.
Built on common principles of cooperation and the prospect of greater solidarity, this alliance could gradually be opened to other organisations that are receptive to the approach initiated by GRET and AVSF, and share similar values.
Press contacts
Claire Labat, Head of communication and advocacy coordination at GRET: labat@GRET.org
+33 (0)6 06 61 74 22
Camille de Chevigny, Head of communication at AVSF: c.dechevigny@avsf.org
+33 (0)6 64 96 49 69
AVSF–Agronomes et Vétérinaires Sans Frontières is an international non-profit solidarity association. Since 1977, it enables farming communities threatened by exclusion and poverty to avail of the skills of agriculture, livestock breeding and animal health professionals. AVSF supports their initiatives to obtain better living conditions, defend their rights, sustainably manage the natural resources they depend on, and actively participate in the socio-economic development of their territory. www.avsf.org
GRET is an international solidarity organisation that aims to improve the most vulnerable populations’ living conditions, promote social justice and conserve our planet. Founded in 1976, the association is now present in Africa, Asia and Latin America. Its actions are based on co-construction with communities and the creation of links with a vast network of partners. By sharing its experiences and knowledge, GRET also contributes to the evolution of development policies and practices. www.GRET.org
