The Minister for Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, José Manuel Albares, today presented, during the event “#WeCooperateWeChange: The Transformation of AECID”, the latest milestones in the reform of the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID), following the approval of the Law on Sustainable Development Cooperation in February 2023 and the Agency’s new Statute in December last year. The event took place in the newly renovated multipurpose room of the AECID Library and was also attended by the full membership of AECID’s new Advisory Council, to reflect on this transformation and on the present and future of Spanish cooperation.

The reform of Spanish Cooperation, along with the new AECID Statute, has brought about a deep renewal of the institution: more strategic, more digital, more transparent, and closer to citizens. “The work has been intense, but it has clearly been worth it. Thanks to these reforms, Spain will arrive at the Financing for Development Conference in Seville with a renewed and strengthened cooperation system, ready to work for people and the planet alongside our partners,” the Minister stated in his speech.

MAIN DEVELOPMENTS

During the event, a new visual identity was unveiled, symbolising the renewal phase that culminates the reform of Spanish Cooperation. “Such a profound transformation of the Agency required a new perspective,” said Albares. This redesign aims to represent a stronger, more modern and open Agency, better reflecting its identity as a channel of international solidarity on behalf of Spanish citizens. “AECID stands as the image of a Spain that is engaged with the world, tolerant and supportive. A Spain that, when faced with global challenges, chooses to cooperate, to build alliances and friendships to tackle them together,” added the Minister.

One of the key milestones in this transformation process was the approval of AECID’s new Statute last December. The Agency has adopted a more agile and strategic structure, focused on results and capable of anticipating major global challenges such as climate change, migration, poverty or humanitarian crises. The new Statute and its implementation consolidate a new way of working: more coordinated, based on partnerships and impact-oriented.

Minister Albares also announced the reinforcement of AECID’s human resources, both at headquarters and in the field, and new opportunities for young people, such as the upcoming call for 35 positions for project officers based in Madrid and in the Spanish Cooperation Offices (OCEs), which make up AECID’s external network. This marks a step forward in strengthening AECID’s HR policy with new professional profiles, improved working conditions and a strong commitment to technical expertise and professional diversity.

In line with the spirit of the reform, digitalisation plays a central role. AECID is committed to more efficient, accessible and transparent processes through digital tools, both for internal management and in its relationships with partners and beneficiaries. In addition, the Agency has renewed its institutional website and is in the process of updating all OCE websites to make them more accessible, visual and user-focused.

Also aligned with the strengthening of links with civil society and the general public, the event included the presentation of the reunification of AECID’s headquarters and staff, and new spaces such as the renovated Library and the new multipurpose hall for events and exhibitions—expressions of AECID’s commitment to openness, shared knowledge and public participation.

THE ADVISORY COUNCIL

One of the new developments presented at the event was the recent establishment of the Agency’s Advisory Council, created on 23 May 2025, which held its inaugural session today. It is chaired by the Secretary of State for International Cooperation and President of AECID, Eva Granados Galiano, with the Director of AECID, Antón Leis, serving as Vice President.

The current members of the Advisory Council are:

• Ibrahim Assane Mayaki, Special Envoy for Food Systems of the African Union and former Prime Minister of Niger;
• Carolina Jiménez Sandoval, democracy and human rights activist and President of the Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA);
• Mario Pezzini, Special Advisor for Social and Human Sciences at UNESCO and former Director of the OECD Development Centre;
• Andrea Meza Murillo, Deputy Executive Secretary of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) and former Minister of Environment of Costa Rica;
• José Antonio Sanahuja, Professor of International Relations at the Faculty of Political Science and Sociology at Complutense University of Madrid;
• Paula Marcela Moreno, former Minister of Culture of Colombia and President of Manos Visibles;
• Megumi Muto, Senior Executive Director and Deputy Head of Sustainability at Japan’s Mizuho Financial Group and former Vice President of JICA (Japan’s international cooperation agency);
• Paula Gil Leyva, President of Médecins Sans Frontières Spain