DWS Partners
Gujarat earthquake relief distribution. |
DWS works within a global ecumenical network of partners with shared values and a wealth of diverse and specialized resources. This global partnership and resource base offers a multitude of possibilities for cooperation and diversity of response. DWS is positioned to link with local communities, government and non-governmental partners, NGO coalitions, and churches and agencies within the global Lutheran and ecumenical network. Such networks promote the exchange of relevant information and expertise in a mutually supportive way.
Lutheran Church and Related Agency Partners
As the humanitarian and development agency of the LWF, DWS acts on behalf of LWF member churches around the world. This constitutes an extensive network of relationships for advocacy, support, cooperation and community-based response and development. DWS endeavors to cooperate as fully as possible with local churches to serve those in need.
The "related agencies" of the LWF member churches constitute a significant network of expertise, support and collaboration. Together with the member churches, the related agencies are involved in planning and policy decisions, evaluations, education, staff training and advocacy initiatives.
The Program Cooperation Frame Agreement (PCFA), signed by the LWF and its related agencies, ensures broad participation in the decision making of the LWF. The DWS Annual Forum, involving related agencies, Geneva staff, field staff and the member churches, makes recommendations for the programmatic work of DWS. Regional meetings and planning workshops for Country Strategy Outlines for field programs also provide opportunities for partners to contribute to decision making.
Click to access the LWF Member Churches
Click for a list of Related Agencies
Ecumenical Partners
AIDA convoy and the arrival of an LWF-AVH ambulance with medical supplies at a UPMRC clinic. |
DWS works strongly within an ecumenical context and is committed to close cooperation with its ecumenical partners. LWF is a founding member of ACT (Action by Churches Together) and DWS is the leading ACT operational agency for emergencies. DWS also participates actively in EAA (Ecumenical Advocacy Alliance) in the areas of HIV/AIDS and international trade, and APRODEV, the association of WCC-related development organizations in Europe, which works with the European Union, particularly in relation to development policy.
Humanitarian Partners
DWS works closely with other humanitarian organizations in carrying out its work and bringing its experience into public policy debate. It gives particular attention to its relationships as a founding member of Steering Committee for Humanitarian Response (SCHR) and the International Council of Voluntary Agencies. As a member of SCHR, DWS is also part of the management committee of the SPHERE Project (Humanitarian Charter and Minimum Standards in Humanitarian Response).
UN Agency Partners
Refugee incentive worker (food scooper) distributing 2 week maize rations at Kakuma Refugee Camp, north west Kenya. |
DWS has long enjoyed a partnership relationship with United Nations agencies involved in humanitarian response, especially UNHCR (UN High Commissioner for Refugees), WFP (UN World Food Programme), UNICEF (UN Children’s Fund) and UNDP (UN Development Programme), as well as the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, and (through the SCHR) the UN Interagency Standing Committee. The depth of these partnerships is reflected in the fact that DWS is the second largest operational partner of UNHCR.
Government Partners
DWS also has partner relationships and agreements with many governments around the world, and inter-governmental bodies such as the EU (European Union), often facilitated in liaison with LWF member churches or related agencies. These enable DWS to work in local situations where it has an operational presence, as well as to negotiate and work with governments to ensure support and financial assistance for policy and advocacy issues.
For further information please contact:
DWS Director Rev. Eberhard Hitzler or Program Coordinator Mr Rudelmar Bueno de Faria.
