With great shock, we learned yesterday that the Flemish government has announced its intention not to renew the management agreement with the Institute of Development Policy (IOB) at the University of Antwerp. The funding associated with the management agreement amounts to €2,643,429 in 2025 and forms the backbone of our operations, sustaining 32 core staff and our teaching and research activities.
Since its creation in 2000 IOB has consistently received highly positive evaluations. Only weeks ago, as requested by the Flemish government administration, we submitted our new policy plan and our budget for the 2026–2030 period. Like earlier agreements, the ongoing 5-year management agreement (2021-2025) announces its renewal in case of a positive evaluation. Negotiations with the Flemish government administration on a new agreement are well advanced. Yesterday’s announcement therefore comes as a great surprise and goes against the reasonable expectations created by the Flemish government.
IOB is widely recognised as a global key player in development studies, and for its regional expertise on Central Africa. Drawing upon a multidisciplinary approach, IOB offers three Master programmes that are particularly oriented towards students from the Global South, while also attracting participants from the Global North. Our global network of high-level alumni active in governments, international organisations, business, NGOs, academia enhances the soft power of Flanders and Belgium by strengthening their visibility, influence and partnerships worldwide. In doing so, IOB contributes directly to the international reputation and policy impact of Flanders and Belgium.
What makes the announcement particularly painful is the timing of its supposed implementation, which would mean we only have 3 months of funding left. This leaves us with pressing concerns about how we can complete the current academic year responsibly, and about the consequences for our students, staff, and international partners.
We therefore regard this announcement as both misinformed and short-sighted, with potentially harmful consequences not only for our institute, but also for the international reputation of Flanders as a hub of academic excellence and global engagement, as well as for the many policy actors with whom we collaborate on a daily basis – both in Flanders and the Global South. We hope that in the next steps – the parliamentary debate, and conversations with the Flemish government – this can be addressed.
Our alumni & global community are standing with IOB!
Sign the petition to oppose cuts to IOB’s core funding & protect students’ futures, global collaboration & academic excellence. https://chng.it/8DhtrFSBpm
Stand with our students and staff —please share your thoughts below or stand with us in this crucial moment. #SaveIOB
The IOB has long been a key center for high-quality research and an important training ground for future scholars and practitioners. When I served on the UN Group of Experts on the Democratic Republic of the Congo, we traveled to Antwerp before beginning our fieldwork specifically to consult with faculty and students at IOB. IOB’s reputation is stellar and its track record of success is indisputable. The proposal to cut IOB’s funding is short-sighted but hopefully the Flemish government will correct its error. Please fully fund the IOB.
Ik hoop oprecht dat deze beslissing nog wordt herzien.
De beslissing om de financiering van het IOB stop te zetten, met amper drie maanden voorafgaande communicatie en zonder duidelijk plan voor wat daarna volgt, baart grote zorgen.
Dit gaat niet alleen over een instelling. Het gaat over de mensen die er werken, de studenten die er studeren, het onderzoek en de projecten die uitgevoerd worden en het internationale netwerk dat er opgebouwd en ondersteund wordt.
Het IOB heeft iets opgebouwd dat zeldzaam is: een plek voor echte internationale samenwerking, kritische reflectie en solidariteit. In een wereld die geconfronteerd wordt met enorme uitdagingen, is dat werk belangrijker dan ooit.
Het is moeilijk te begrijpen waarom iets met zoveel waarde zo plots wordt stopgezet. Als Vlaamse burger hoop ik dat de Vlaamse overheid stil staat bij de bredere gevolgen van deze beslissing, en een manier vindt om het IOB toe te laten zijn waardevolle werk verder te zetten, zowel lokaal als wereldwijd.
Het IOB is veel meer dan een academisch instituut. Het is een essentiële brug tussen Vlaanderen en de wereld. Meer dan ooit hebben we plekken nodig die inzetten op dialoog, wereldwijde solidariteit en langetermijndenken.
Gooi dat niet zomaar overboord. Er moet een andere weg zijn.
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I truly hope this decision can be reversed.
The decision to end IOB’s funding, with only three months’ prior communication and no clear plan for what comes next, is deeply concerning.
This isn’t just about an institution. It’s about the people who work there, the students who study there, the research and projects that are being carried out, and the wider international network it builds and supports.
IOB has built something rare: a space for genuine international cooperation, critical thinking, and solidarity. In a world facing huge global challenges, that kind of work matters, now more than ever.
It is hard to understand why something so valuable would be cut so suddenly. As a Flemish citizen, I sincerily hope the Flemish government will take the time to reflect on the broader impact of this decision and find a way forward that allows IOB to continue its valuable contribution, both locally and globally.
IOB is far more than just an academic institution, it is a vital bridge between Flanders and the world. Now more than ever, we need spaces that foster dialogue, global solidarity, and long-term thinking.
Don’t cut that off. There has to be another way.
It’s a sad world right now, defunding research to the point of risking IOB’s whole operations sends a clear message to the world of development: evidence based decision-making, critical thinking and decolonial lenses, no longer matter. Research is intertwined with development interventions because it allows you to make informed decisions. The IOB stands out due to its ability to reflect what development should be, its partnerships in the Global South and so much more. Now what would be left? #IStandWithIOB
“It’s unbelievable. It can’t be. Please support IOB. #Request to The Flemish Government#
My year at UAntwerp – Institute of Development Policy (IOB) was truly transformative, both personally and professionally. For the first time in my life, I was part of a global community — sharing, debating, and learning alongside people from many parts of the world, all working towards a common goal: making a meaningful difference in global development.
This experience challenged me and made me question many things, while at the same time reaffirming my motivation to keep working towards improving people’s lives in more integral ways.
It would be a real loss if IOB is no longer able to continue its work. Opportunities like this are important for students and professionals from the so-called Global South, whose voices and experiences are often missing in global policy and development debates.
I am an Associate Professor at the University of Bath in the UK. My engagement with IOB goes back more than a decade, and in more recent years some of my colleagues have also begun to work collaboratively with staff at IOB. Much of my research has focused on the DRC, and has been informed by the consistently high-quality and pioneering research produced by scholars from IOB, among whom including a wealth of Congolese. The landscape of scholarship on the DRC would be infinitely worse off without the wealth of contributions that have come out of IOB since its founding. And I suspect the same can be said for other countries where it has developed a research focus and specialisation. IOB holds a strong international reputation for research and teaching, built on the world-leading scholarship of its faculty staff that informs and enriches our understanding of the world around us. It must remain fully funded and able to continue to provide this service to society.
I don’t understand this government’s decision to severely cut development cooperation funding, including that of the IOB.
They claim they want to curb illegal migration.
How does this help?
I cannot believe the Flemish government intends to discontinue IOB’s core funding. We are talking about one of the most influential development studies institutes of Europe and an outstanding beacon of Flemish soft power in the world. Think of all those hundreds of IOB alumni all over the world, now holding key-positions in their countries’ government and civil society: the best ambassadors Flanders can think of. Think of the countless policy interventions IOB helped design and implement: numerous people were able to secure their livelihoods through that. Never has so little money had so much impact.
Therefore and for the sake of good governance – and if not than for the glory of Flanders – I call upon the Flemish government to reconsider its decision.
Leo de Haan
Emeritus-Professor of Development Studies and Emeritus-Rector of the International Institute of Social Studies, The Hague.
I truly hope this decision will be reconsidered. It is about the credibility of the Flemish government to different constituencies- professional staff, academic community, students who engaged for an academic year of learning . It is about its reputation and its ambition to be a centre of excellence in a turbulent world . IOB is a partner into this endeavour.
I have recently arrived at UoA and I don’t really know much about your work. However, I can really relate to what is happening to you. I was ‘at risk’ of redundancy for nearly two years in my previous institution where most humanities programmes were discontinued as they did not make enough money… Wishing you strength in those difficult times and happy to share with you some actions that saved jobs at my previous institution if that helps…
The contributions the IOB has made over the past 25 years are truly invaluable. Not only it has fostered cooperation by bringing students to Antwerp, but it has also enriched the academic world with its significant research work.
Today, the IOB is a recognized leader in Development Studies, and this achievement should not be overlooked. I believe that now, more than ever, the world needs spaces for critical thinking, cooperation, and discussion, and that is exactly what the IOB provides to students, academics, and development practitioners.
I sincerely hope the Flemish Government will reconsider its decision to cut funding for the IOB.
En tant que membre d’une association de la société civile pour l’évaluation, depuis plusieurs années nous avons reçu l’appui et l’accompagnement de l’institut IOB pour un soutien de taille sur le renforcement de capacité de nos membres et pas nous seul, plusieurs associations soeurs de l’Afrique de l’ouest et de l’Est….cela a contribué à renforcer a la fois nos membres, la.qualite de mise en oeuvre des programmes gouvernementaux et la prise en compte des besoins des plus vulnérables dont les populations déplacées par ces nombreuses années de conflit et d’insécurité…
Nous soutenons vivement IOB et nous recommandons le financement de ces activités.
Vive IOB et merci pour tout ce que vous avez eu à faire
This decision is not only a setback for IOB, but also a profound blow to the dreams and aspirations of students and partners from the Global South who have been deeply transformed and empowered by the institute’s programs. I sincerely hope that the Flemish Government will reconsider this decision and safeguard the legacy of impact that IOB has built over nearly two decades
I am deeply sorry to hear this news, and I stand firmly with IOB in this crucial moment.
The Flemish government’s decision to cut funding for IOB, placing the Institute at serious risk of closure, is profoundly concerning. As a proud graduate of this institution, I feel compelled to speak out about what such a decision would mean- not only for current and future students, but also for the many communities worldwide that have benefited from its legacy.
For decades, IOB has been recognized as a global leader in development studies, celebrated for its academic excellence, research leadership, and inclusive vision. Each year, it has welcomed students from across the world – particularly from developing countries – by offering full scholarships and the chance to pursue an education that would otherwise remain out of reach. For many of us, this opportunity was life-changing, opening doors to leadership and service in our home countries.
In fact, the impact of IOB extends far beyond the classroom. I graduated in 2016 and remain in contact with almost all of my classmates from around the world. Nearly all of them now serve as policymakers, civil servants, NGO leaders, educators, and development practitioners in their respective nations. They are at the forefront of fighting poverty, advancing equitable development, and promoting peace. Closing the Institute would not merely end an academic program; it would silence a vital voice in the global struggle for sustainable development.
Such a closure risks undoing decades of progress. It would restrict access to higher education for scholars from disadvantaged backgrounds, diminish the diversity of voices in global development debates, and undermine the very foundation of academic inquiry into how poverty can be eradicated.
I therefore urge the Flemish government and its communities to recognize the immense value of IOB and to continue supporting it – whether through renewed funding or by seeking alternative means to secure its future. The fight against poverty and inequality requires strong institutions, not fewer of them.
For those of us fortunate enough to study here, IOB was more than an academic home. It was a community, a catalyst, and a beacon of hope. Its closure would be an irreversible loss to the many communities it has touched and to the world at large.
IOB has transformed countless development leaders worldwide who now serve as Flanders’ best ambassadors. The institute’s global network and reputation provide exceptional soft power at minimal cost.
Cutting funding to one of Europe’s premier development studies institutes damages Flanders’ international standing and contradicts its own development goals. I urge the government to reconsider.
Everyone convinced by the importance of academic freedom and academic thinking is concerned (or should be) by this announced possible cut in IOB funding. Global partnership / higher education involvement in development cooperation in not dispensable. It is an important leverage to build a better world.
I sincerely hope that a return is possible. #SaveIOB
Sad news: cutting funds to IOB means disinvesting in development cooperation, with heavy consequences for our sustainable future. As ICA World Foundation, we have long valued IOB as a key academic partner for youth capacity building, and we join the call to the Flemish government to reconsider.
It is deeply saddening to learn that the Institute of Development Policy (IOB) has been placed under financial threat. Critical academia, especially in the fields of development and policy, plays an irreplaceable role in challenging dominant narratives and producing knowledge that addresses real-world inequalities.
I personally experienced the quality and rigor of IOB during my first Master’s in Governance and Development, with a focus on Peace and Conflict Studies. The academic excellence of its programs and the dedication of its staff left a lasting impact on me, as I know it has on countless others around the world. But above all, the exchange of perspectives, stories, and narratives of territory that I had the fortune to share with other students from around the world was the most precious part of my journey at IOB.
The idea of a world where spaces for critical development thinking and policy research are silenced is difficult to imagine. Losing institutions like IOB would not only be a loss for students and scholars, but also for the many communities and global debates.
I want to share my strong support for keeping the funding for the Institute of Development Policy (IOB), University of Antwerp.
As a former IOB student from Vietnam (2008–2009), I was fortunate to receive a scholarship from the Belgian government to pursue my postgraduate studies in Belgium. That opportunity shaped the course of my professional career. Today, I am working as a Project Manager at Helvetas, a Swiss development organization, where I lead and implement multiple EU-funded projects in Vietnam. These projects directly contribute to improving the economic, social, and environmental development of Vietnam and the wider Asia region.
The education I received at IOB was exceptional. It provided not only advanced academic knowledge but also a global perspective and a strong professional network. For me, IOB was more than a university—it was a bridge between the EU and developing countries, fostering dialogue, capacity building, and long-term partnerships that continue to generate impact worldwide.
For these reasons, I firmly believe that maintaining funding for IOB is essential. It has been fulfilling its mission with excellence, and its role as a hub for knowledge exchange and cooperation remains as relevant as ever.
IOB is a Great Institution, i am a product of IOB. I feel pained that it’s very existence is under threat. Knowledge and exchange of culture, contextualising capacities is just but some of the things experienced. Let funding be sustained to support this academic excellence hashtag#IStandWithIOB
Flanders should be proud of an institution like IOB. In times of isolationist reflexes, it shows our strength to look at the world with an open mind, offer opportunities, and see people grow into our best ambassadors.
That’s not a cost, but an investment to be proud of.
Tearing down is easy, building much harder – that’s why we must cherish and fully support institutions that work day in, day out to build a solidarity-based and inclusive world.
It is crucial to continue funding master’s programs and capacity-building programs for national systems in East Africa, West Africa, Asia, and other parts of the world.
This decision will impact current programs and others to come. As a beneficiary, I urge the Flemish government to continue these funding efforts, which have enabled many members of civil society to strengthen their evaluation skills in order to improve the quality of programs and projects in their countries and to have staff with M&E skills.
This decision will affect more than one person, and I reiterate here my call for the continuation of this funding, which has proven its worth and no longer needs to be demonstrated.
Full support for IOB’s actions.
#saveIOB
#developmentpolicy
#IOBcommunity
How horrifying is this, really? IoB has significant international reputation and a remarkable body of research. It is an institution widely recognised globally and brings reputation and intellectual prestige to the University of Antwerp. I strongly urge the Flanders Government to rethink this decision. It will only lead to loss of academic reputation for the region
IOB has impacted positively on the lives of the students from the southern hemisphere through scholarship opportunities and reduced study fees affordable even to self sponsored students who which pursue advanced masters at IOB.
I myself, coming from a poor family background and the youngest country in the world South Sudan,have been planning to join IOB either through scholarship or self-sponsorship using my small savings anytime from 2025-2026 calendar year. This move was in the quest to make a difference in my country or any society I am affiliated to by using the IOB advance masters in development evaluation and management training to fight for social justice by ensuring the poorest of the poor population are being look up to though provision of equitable and sustainable services.
Cutting funding for IOB will meant shattering and killing my dream and the broader dream of creating a sustainble and equitable services for my country and any society I might be affiliated to.
Hence,I am humbly requesting for the flanders government to reverse their decision which will impact negatively on the great reputation it has built in creating sustainable development to the developing countries through the Institue of Development Studies at University of Antwerp.
May God hear the prayer of the extreme vulnerable populations hoping to benefit from IOB’s continues funding from the flanders government.
IOB played a great central role in developing policy makers in the Global South, they helped Universities and local communities to better understand their situations and solved a real life problems like water etc.. these news are indeed of great shock and we urge any possible actions to reverse and put things back to normal again will help the beneficiaries both within and outside the Global South, including students, academia and industries .. for collaborators like us this is a very sad and disappointing news for a country like Belgium that has been central and diplomatic in leading solutions towards global issues … Please authorities, please make this decision reversed as soon as possible ..
This move will have a long term negative impact to several groups!, the workers, students, the University. May the responsible government revisit their decision, please go back to the drawing board
Een internationaal gerenommeerd instituut dat binnen de UA telkens als voorbeeld werd gehouden en telkens een positieve evaluatiz heeft gekregen zomaar platleggen is Trumpiaans! Wat doen de socialisten nog in die regering?
I find it hard to believe that such decision-making and approaches are possible in an educational and academic environment. After thorough research, I identified IOB as offering the most engaging and relevant curriculum, and I am eager to become involved in the next academic year. I sincerely hope that an alternative solution will soon be found, as education and spaces for critical thinking cannot and should not be shut down—especially given today’s global dynamics.
Defunding Institute of Development Policy (IOB) risks losing more than research capacity — it undercuts the soft power and influence that its global networks of alumni bring #saveIOB
As a proud alumnus of the Institute of Development Policy (IOB), now serving in a leading international organization focused on trade and development, I am deeply concerned by the Flemish government’s decision to discontinue funding for this vital institution.
IOB is not merely an academic institute—it is a strategic instrument of soft power for Flanders. Its impact reaches far beyond the classroom, shaping generations of professionals who go on to influence policy, drive development, and foster international cooperation across continents.
Graduates of IOB have consistently demonstrated excellence in global institutions, national governments, and civil society. They carry with them not only technical expertise but also a deep appreciation for Flemish values and academic rigor. This alumni network, diverse, accomplished, and globally positioned represents an untapped diplomatic and economic asset for Belgium, and especially for Flanders.
To withdraw support now would be to weaken the bridge between Flanders and the countries of origin of the scholars. The University of Antwerpen hosting the IOB may also loss some points in it’s international development ranking. The ripple effects would be felt not only by future students, but by the communities and countries beneficiary students.
I urge policymakers to reconsider. Continued investment in IOB is an investment in global engagement, strategic influence, and in the kind of international partnerships that the government of Flanders, can be proud of.
It’s saddening to learn of this décision, as former beneficiary of this funding that tranformed my life in the field of Monitoring and evaluation. I call upon the Flemish Government to reverse this decision and restore the funding as going to affect international development as whole. Save IoB students and staff. Correct this error please
This announcement is not just shocking; it is deeply alarming.
The IOB’s argument is irrefutable: this move is not only “misinformed and short-sighted” but actively damages Flanders’ international reputation.
IOB is a vital institution that empowers students and professionals from developing countries, providing them with the skills needed to drive sustainable development in their own communities. Cutting this funding undermines years of progress and betrays a commitment to global education and equity. Defunding IOB doesn’t just cut a budget; it severs vital global connections and betrays a commitment to evidence-based development policy.
My full support is with the students, researchers, and staff at IOB. I sincerely hope that during the parliamentary debate, reason and a commitment to long-term, impactful cooperation will prevail over this abrupt and damaging decision.
As an alumna of IOB, I am deeply saddened to read the news that support for this institution will be withdrawn. IOB gave me (and many other Peruvians) the opportunity to pursue a master’s degree during challenging times for our country. I sincerely hope that this decision will be reconsidered.
My learning journey in IOB empowered me to be independent, critical, and socially responsible. I hope IOB are always there to support us to develop myself and my community
#saveIOB
The Institute of Development Policy (IOB) is a key academic center that provides high-quality education and opportunities for international students. hopefully the Flemish government will reconsider it .
Sad news. I sincerely hope the budget cuts are not implemented, as IOB is making outstanding contributions to Development Economics.
I’m from global south, and was directly benefited from IOB, received Masters of Science n DEM. The University is source of knowledge and center of high quality research, then it really supports the global development. So, I strongly oppose the current Femish government decision on resisting the funding matter.