This paper will deal with the aspects of the question of the role of German to provide more leadership – and of Poland to be more present – in the global development context in the future. It gives a short summary of the German and Polish policy towards developing countries. Relevant topics include the German and Polish development policy guidelines, partner countries, and higher offi - cial development assistance (ODA) expenditure. The analysis take look at forthcoming global and development challenges and the role of both countries particular in addressing these challenges.