The Eschborn Dialogue 2010 focused on culture – a vitally important factor in sustainable development, perhaps even the crucial factor. 450 guests from the realms of politics and business, the academic community, partner countries, and German and international development organisations met to exchange experience and ideas, drive debate and establish contacts.

It was high time that the spotlight was turned more on the issue of culture. This became apparent in all talks and discussions. Culture provides not only the framework within which development takes place. It is a very important influence in its own right. Culture is at once the area of action, the field of intervention and the sphere in which impacts must be achieved. Sustainable results are only possible if projects flourish and bear fruit within the respective culture. It is the cultural environment that determines whether or not innovations lead to change, for instance. Cultural potential and existing knowledge must be harnessed in order to strengthen the cultural self-determination of our partners and identify societal issues that make it possible for our partners to take a critical look at their own identity, generating impetus for change.

We can only make change processes effective if we are prepared to learn ourselves. As cultures change, so too do the demands made of international cooperation. The solutions we propose must become increasingly flexible and adaptable. At the same time we must be conscious of our own values. We can only help our partners on their path if we are aware of our own standpoint. International cooperation is always an intercultural dialogue, which demands sensitivity, trust and respect for differences. An exchange of this sort enriches us as much as it enriches our partners.

We are thus delighted at the number of points to emerge from the discussions. We will be incorporating them in our work and hope that the exchange on culture, the ‘fourth dimension of sustainable development’, will continue.