This comprehensive toolbox is developed by the Danish Youth Council (DUF) to support youth organizations and civil society actors in initiating and managing international partnerships and projects, especially in the context of intercultural cooperation. The toolbox provides both theoretical frameworks and practical tools to guide users through the different stages of international project work. These stages include identifying shared goals with partner organizations, understanding cultural dynamics, establishing equitable cooperation, developing inclusive project design, and evaluating impact. The publication is grounded in DUF’s extensive experience facilitating youth collaborations between Denmark and countries in the Global South and the MENA (Middle East and North Africa) region, especially under programs such as "DUF’s international pool."

Special focus is placed on intercultural understanding, mutual capacity building, and participatory approaches to partnership. The toolbox also includes templates for needs assessments, budgeting tools, checklists for cross-cultural communication, and exercises to ensure power-sensitive cooperation. A key value underpinning the material is the concept of “equal partnerships,” where both Danish and international partners contribute meaningfully and shape the project from inception to evaluation.

Although rooted in Danish civil society practices, the resource offers broad relevance to the Euro-Mediterranean region, where cooperation among youth-led initiatives is vital for fostering intercultural dialogue, peacebuilding, and social innovation. It’s especially suited for practitioners working on projects involving youth empowerment, civic engagement, migration, and global education. The toolbox is ideal for organizations new to international work as well as those seeking to deepen existing partnerships through structured and values-based collaboration.