Directorate general for international co-operation and development
1999 was the year of a reform that had been talked about for twenty years, a reform that brought together in one major directorate general at the Quai d’Orsay all the services responsible for co-operation and development.
Why reform?
What reform? Five main themes
The DGCID draws up the policy and programs the necessary means
Four functional departments each exercising a profession
Attached to the directorate General
The DGCID addresses
How to get there?
Why reform?
Until 1998, the Department of State for Co-operation was responsible for development aid to the so called countries "in the field", meaning those countries that were formerly under French influence and those in a similar position (i.e. former French colonies in Africa, from Mauritania to the Côte d’Ivoire, from Togo to Congo). The Quai d’Orsay was responsible for cultural scientific and technical relations with the rest of the world. However, these types of action have in fact the same goals: partners’ economic and social progress and extending the influence of France. Elsewhere, areas of influence have become less marked. It was globalisation that finally imposed the reform.
"It is not really possible to find satisfactory criteria for, in particular, distinguishing between countries requiring aid for development and countries in which co-operation based on influence should operate." Charles Josselin, Minister for Co-operation and the French speaking world; speech to the 6th conference of ambassadors, on 27 August 1998.
What reform? Five main themes
Every year, the inter-ministerial committee for international co-operation and development (CICID) sets the general directions and defines the priority solidarity zone (ZSP), which brings together countries that qualify for bilateral aid. The DGCID amalgamates the services in Foreign Affairs and those in Co-operation. Progressively, the two staffs will be unified. Beginning in 1999, a single budget was presented of about 8 billion francs. The French Development Agency will be the principal project operator. Co-operation will be formalised through contracts with countries in the priority zone. A Supreme Council for International Co-operation will provide a voice for other than state players and will help to ensure operations converge.
The DGCID draws up the policy and programs the necessary means
The department of strategy, planning and evaluation prepares the major directions and ensures that the means are appropriately used; a co-ordination service draws up programmes by country and by region.
Four functional departments each exercising a profession
The development and technical co-operation department includes a mission to provide financial support and undertake economic studies.
The cultural co-operation and French language department monitors the activities of the agency for French education abroad (AEFE) , the French artistic action association (AFAA) and the French association.
The department for scientific, academic and research co-operation promotes the choice of French higher education with the support of EduFrance, a new joint agency of the Quai d’Orsay and Education.
The department for external radio and television and communication techniques endeavours to develop the French presence in international networks.
Attached to the directorate General
The multilateral co-operation mission, which ensures contact and consistency between DGCID action and that of international organisations.
The non-governmental co-operation mission links the DGCID to regional authorities and to other public and private players.
The DGCID addresses
Saint-Germain
244, boulevard Saint-Germain
75303 Paris 07SP
01 43 17 90 00
Invalides
20, rue Monsieur ou 57, boulevard des Invalides
75700 Paris 07SP
01 53 69 30 00
Internet: www.diplomatie.gouv.fr
e-mail: cooperation.dgcid@diplomatie.gouv.fr
How to get there?
20, rue Monsieur ou 57, boulevard des Invalides
244, boulevard Saint-Germain
Print version
Video of the French Foreign Ministry