Information about Danida

In 2010, Denmark launched a new strategy for development cooperation. The strategy places the defence for and promotion of human freedom at the center of Denmark's development cooperation while maintaining the fight against poverty as the overarching goal. The stategy focuses on five political priority areas. Feel free to explore the individual Danida programmes.

Denmark’s development cooperation aims to support individuals in taking charge of their own fate and assist them in  making use of their potential. Denmark’s development cooperation supports democracy and the creation of societies built on the rule of law which can guard civil rights. It also aims to promote the development of industrial production and create employment and economic growth. It aims to ensure girls’ and women’s equal opportunities. Problems like conflict, instability and environmental and climate change must also be addressed.

The many different needs are a challenge which Denmark and its partner countries must deal with. We will prioritise our efforts in order to make room for new initiatives and gain greater impact in our partner countries.

The five priorities

Denmark’s development policy priorities are expressed in the 2010 Strategy for Denmark’s Development Cooperation, ”Freedom from Poverty – Freedom to Change” which focuses Denmark’s development cooperation on five political priority areas. The implementation of the strategy in the five priority areas is outlined in annual road maps. The strategy and annual road maps can be downloaded from this page.
Freedom, democracy and human rights

Freedom, democracy and human rights

Respect for human rights, democratic participation in society and good governance are decisive for both social and economic progress and for long-term stability and social cohesion.

Growth and employment 

Economic growth and employment are prerequisites for eradicating poverty and hunger and for enabling developing countries to finance their own development in the long term.

Gender equality

Gender equality and respect for women’s rights constitute a goal in themselves and a crucial vehicle for growth and poverty reduction and for curbing high population growth.

Stability and fragility 

In many places prolonged conflict and instability impede poverty reduction and the creation of development.

Environment and climate

In other places climate change, environmental problems and natural disasters are threatening nascent development.

Focusing on these five priorities aim to ensure that Danish efforts achieve the greatest possible impact and support Denmark’s contribution to the international effort to achieve the UN’s Millennium Development Goals. Every year roadmaps are drawn up for the five priority areas that chart the course for Denmark’s efforts in the year to come.

Partnerships and focus

Impact and results require a clear focus and stronger engagement in fewer countries. That is why the Strategy for Denmark’s Development Cooperation has meant a stronger engagement in fewer partner countries. Read more about Denmark’s partner countries here.