Reem Alabali Radovan: 'I myself came to Germany as a refugee child'

Germany is actively engaged in international cooperation to foster global justice and peace, with a particular focus on supporting developing nations. Minister Reem Alabali Radovan highlighted the challenges faced by many countries, including poverty, inadequate access to clean water and food, and limited educational opportunities. She emphasized that government actions can also contribute to inequality within these nations.

“

We work with other countries to make the world more just and peaceful. There are many countries where people live under more difficult conditions than we do in Germany. These countries are also called developing countries. Many families there are very poor, have no clean drinking water or not enough to eat. Many children cannot go to school at all or only rarely. In some countries, their own governments also act unjustly and do not provide for all people equally.

Alabali Radovan pointed to the significant impact of global conflicts and crises on children, forcing them to flee their homes and separating families. In response, Germany has launched a school nutrition program designed to reach 100 million children globally with a daily meal. This initiative serves as a crucial incentive for children to attend school rather than enter the workforce, thereby improving their chances through education.

“

There are currently many wars and crises in the world. Children are particularly affected by them. They have to flee their homeland. Families are torn apart, and there is a lack of security.

Addressing concerns about fund accountability, Alabali Radovan assured that strict regulations and thorough controls are in place. "Before we spend money, we must know exactly who is implementing the project and what is to be achieved," she stated. Partners are required to submit evidence of how funds are used and demonstrate the impact of their work, ensuring transparency and effectiveness in development aid.

“

Germany can do a lot. For example, we have just launched a school nutrition program. We want to reach 100 million children worldwide with one meal a day at school. For some children there, this meal is the only meal of the day. For parents who have little money, it is an important reason to send their children to school – and not to work as a child.

The minister acknowledged the immense scale of the challenge in combating global poverty and hunger, with nearly 700 million people lacking sufficient food. While direct food aid offers temporary relief, Alabali Radovan stressed the importance of empowering people in poorer countries to grow and produce their own food. This approach, she explained, fosters self-sufficiency and provides a long-term solution to food insecurity.

“

For this, there are strict regulations and many controls. Before we spend money, we must know exactly who is implementing the project and what is to be achieved. Our partners must provide proof of what they use the money for and show what they have achieved with it.