Development policy faces substantial challenges and changes at both national and international level. In addition to overcoming poverty, keeping peace and implementing human rights, the protection of global common goods and addressing climate change becomes increasingly important. The Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) define for the first time a global framework for sustainable development. Due to differentiation between developing countries and the strengthening of the newly industrialized countries, geopolitical relations are changing: former recipient states become donor countries and development policy and cooperation are facing reorganisation. That applies to both state and non-state actors. How can matters of social and ecological sustainability be politically and programmatically harmonised in an effective way? How does this affect the actors involved? We provide policy advice and conceptual advancement.