Policy Updates

Each week, Donor Tracker's team of country-based experts bring you the most important policy and funding news across issue areas in the form of Policy Updates.

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US development experts provide recommendations for next administration

October 31, 2024 | US, Global Health, Climate, Agriculture | Share this update

On October 31, 2024, a joint event by the CGD and the MFAN saw US development experts recommend priorities and policies for the next US administration. The discussion was framed by a set of detailed recommendations released by MFAN.

The document, Building on a Legacy of Progress: Opportunities to Reform U.S. Foreign Assistance, covers a range of issues, including improved coordination with other national and global partners, creating a stronger path for country partners to transition to self-reliance, catalyzing innovation and strategic risk taking, and elevating transparency and evidence for better accountability.

The event included remarks by two former USAID Administrators, Mark Green and Gayle Smith, followed by a panel of senior former US government officials who reflected on their own experience, the need for a stronger US development experts to recommend priorities and policies for development approaches that meet the times, and their priorities for the future.

Report - MFANPress release - MFANSpeech - Center for Global Development

Netherlands announces COP29 priorities

October 25, 2024 | Netherlands, Climate, Agriculture, Gender Equality | Share this update

On October 25, 2024, Minister for Climate and Green Growth Sophie Hermans shared the Netherlands’ priorities and goals for the upcoming COP29 climate conference in Azerbaijan.

Key objectives include:

  • A new and inclusive international climate finance target that involves more contributors beyond traditionally HICs, aiming to scale finance for both adaptation and mitigation in LICs;
  • Advancing carbon market regulations with a robust framework under Article 6 of the Paris Climate Agreement to ensure quality and transparency, and prevent double counting of international carbon emissions;
  • Advocate for new climate adaptation indicators to help countries track progress, with a focus on integrating water management expertise in global strategies, food security, and safeguarding vulnerable communities;
  • Advocate for a renewed Gender Action Plan to promote women’s and marginalized groups’ roles in climate decisions and initiatives to make climate action more inclusive;
  • Promote sustainable transport and a circular economy with policies to reduce waste, support green technology, and improve energy efficiency. This includes backing international coalitions and frameworks for sustainable mobility, such as zero-emission vehicle alliances; and
  • Advance the Dutch Kingdom’s Climate Agenda Support for Caribbean islands by recognizing their unique vulnerabilities to climate adaptation and stressing the need for technical assistance and climate finance.

The Netherlands aims to use diplomatic partnerships, financial commitments, and technical expertise in water and energy to lead these initiatives, working closely with EU counterparts and other like-minded nations to build consensus and drive action.

Government document - Letter from the Minister for Climate and Green Growth (in Dutch)

South Korea announces five-year comprehensive plan for agriculture ODA

October 24, 2024 | South Korea, Agriculture | Share this update

On October 25, 2024, the South Korean MAFRA established a five-year comprehensive plan for international cooperation projects in the agriculture sector in an ammendement to the Overseas Agriculture and Forest Resources Development and Cooperation Act.

Under the amendment, the MAFRA can designate supporting organizations with expertise to carry out international cooperation projects in the agriculture sector and provide agricultural equipment to develop overseas agricultural and forest resources.

This will allow South Korea to pursue agricultural projects in a more systematic manner.

Press release - Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (in Korean)News article - Yonhapnews (in Korean)

US announces US$57 million in funding for Cambodia

October 23, 2024 | US, Agriculture, Global Health | Share this update

On October 23, 2024, USAID Administrator Samantha Power announced a series of investments for Cambodia during an official visit to Cambodia.

The assistance includes US$29 million through the US Feed the Future program to strengthen agricultural programs, including climate-smart technologies, new efforts to help with the conservation of biodiversity of the lower Mekong River basin, support to civil society and the media, and a grant from the US Department of Labor to help disabled and vulnerable workers.

In a separate appearance, Power announced US$17 million in health assistance. The resources include a 5-year program to fight tuberculosis, one of USAID's largest-ever direct awards to a Cambodian organization. The US also committed US$1 million to end childhood lead poisoning and US$17 for a range of demining activities.

Press release - USAIDPress release - USAID

EIB to support SMEs, women, youth in Kenya

October 17, 2024 | Gender Equality, Agriculture | Share this update

On October 17, 2024, the EIB and KCB Bank Kenya announced EUR230 million (US$254 million) to support small and medium enterprises, as well as youth and women at Global Gateway Team Europe’s IYBA initiative.

The EIB provided a EUR115 million (US$117 million) credit line to be matched by Kenya. This is the largest EIB financing support to businesses in Kenya so far. The Gates Foundation will provide technical assistance and help women with low incomes access finance through digital technology and risk sharing.

The IYBA initiative, supported by the EU, its Member States, and financial institutions, is meant to help create bankable and sustainable businesses, which in turn will create jobs. The initiative provides capital for startups and businesses at their early stages, helps build capacity, and provides technical assistance. Since 2021, IYBA has supported thousands of micro, small, and medium-sized businesses across Sub-Saharan Africa.

Out of EUR230 million (US$ 254 million), EUR30 million (US$33 million) will be allocated to women-led or owned microenterprises, EUR100 million (US$111 million) to capital and new investments for SMEs targeting women-owned businesses. EUR100 million (US$111 million) will focus on businesses led or founded by young entrepreneurs, or employing at least 40% young people.

Press release - Press release - EIB

Canada announces US$21 million to support small-scale financial institutions

October 16, 2024 | Canada, Agriculture, Gender Equality | Share this update

On October 16, 2024, Canadian Minister of International Development Ahmed Hussen announced CAD23 million (US$17 million) for the Aequitas Impact Investment Fund and over CAD6 million (US$4 million) for the fund’s Technical Assistance Facility to improve access to financial services for underserved global populations.

The 12-year project is in partnership with DID. The Aequitas Impact Investment Fund invests in small-scale financial institutions in LIC and LMICs across Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, and Latin America to help them improve the availability of financial products, such as bank accounts, loans, and insurance.

The project will support entrepreneurs who run micro, small, and medium-sized businesses, including women, youth and small-scale farmers.

Press release - Global Affairs Canada

Norwegian government releases 2025 budget proposal

October 7, 2024 | Norway, Education, Agriculture, Gender Equality, Nutritious Food Systems, Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health, Family Planning, WASH & Sanitation, Climate, Global Health | Share this update

On October 7, 2024, the Norwegian government presented its state budget for 2025, which includes an ODA budget of NOK52.9 billion (US$4.8 billion).

This amount remains largely consistent with the 2024 allocation, representing 0.92% of Norway's GNI, below the country’s longstanding target of 1%. Despite this, the government has reaffirmed its commitment to increasing ODA in future years, with the goal of eventually reaching the 1% target.

In presenting the budget, Norway’s Minister of International Development Anne Beathe Tvinnereim highlighted the importance of the 2025 allocations, emphasizing that the government is providing a robust budget designed to address critical global challenges. Beyond targeting immediate needs like poverty reduction and development, the budget also aims to foster trust and strengthen systems capable of addressing long-term challenges.

Key focus areas:

The 2025 development budget places particular emphasis on humanitarian assistance, climate action, business development, multilateral institutions, debt relief and refugee-related expenses in Norway (which will increase by 8%). However, certain areas will see reductions, including:

  • A 22% cut in support for refugees outside of Norway.
  • A 6% reduction in funding for peace efforts.
  • A 3.9% decrease in civil society funding.

Despite some cuts, several areas will receive increased funding:

  • Development assistance to Palestine will increase by NOK280 million (US$26 million).
  • Humanitarian assistance will rise by NOK300 million (US$27 million).
  • Climate adaptation and food security funding will grow by NOK380 million (US$35 million).

Crisis areas:

Ukraine remains Norway's top priority in light of the ongoing conflict with Russia. The Nansen Program for Ukraine will see a significant increase in funding, with the budget rising from NOK75 billion (US$6.8 billion) to NOK134.5 billion (US$12.3 billion). The program's duration has also been extended from 2027-2030.

The budget allocated substantial humanitarian assistance to Gaza, addressing the severe needs resulting from the ongoing conflict. Similarly, additional resources are directed towards Sudan, where escalating hunger and humanitarian crises are pressing concerns.

Global health:

Norway’s 2025 budget emphasizes global health cooperation and preparedness, with a focus on enhancing the world’s ability to prevent, detect, and respond to infectious disease threats and antimicrobial resistance. Key initiatives include:

  • Preventing infectious diseases and reducing child and maternal mortality.
  • Strengthening SRHR.
  • Expanding UHC.
  • Enhancing national healthcare systems, particularly in addressing climate-related health issues, such as the spread of infectious diseases.

While the allocation for health in 2025 stands at NOK3.6 billion (US$327 million), reflecting a NOK103 million (US$9 million) decrease from 2024, this aligns with the government’s prioritization of other areas like humanitarian assistance and climate adaptation. Norway remains committed to long-term global health partnerships, including a reallocated contribution of NOK20 million (US$2 million) to UNAIDS.

Government document - Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (in Norwegian)Press release - The Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (in Norwegian)

Local CSOs criticize Norwegian 2025 budget

October 7, 2024 | Norway, Education, Agriculture, Gender Equality, Climate, Global Health | Share this update

On October 7, 2024, Norwegian CSOs and political leaders expressed strong concerns about the government’s 2025 budget proposal on ODA.

Despite a slight increase in overall ODA spending, the government continues to fall short of the agreed 1% of GNI for ODA, which has drawn significant criticism from various quarters. The government plans to allocate NOK52.9 billion (US$4.8 billion) to ODA, which corresponds to 0.92% of GNI.

Lan Marie Berg from the Green Party criticized the government, stating, that Norway has profited from the war in Ukraine due to rising oil and gas revenues, and should contribute more to humanitarian efforts. Henriette Westhrin of Save the Children also expressed shock at the cuts, especially given the growing global crises.

Dagfinn Høybråten from Norwegian Church Aid and Hjalmar Bø of Digni pointed out that over NOK4 billion (US$343 million) of the budget is being used domestically for refugee reception, particularly for Ukrainians. They stated that this should not come at the expense of international development assistance meant for the world's poorest. Jan Egeland from the Norwegian Refugee Council echoes this sentiment, highlighting that the government's actions contradict its claims of international solidarity.

The SV and The Green Party strongly opposed the cuts, with SV's Kari Elisabeth Kaski calling them unworthy of a wealthy nation like Norway. Both parties emphasize that the reductions are coming when the world is facing severe humanitarian crises.

Dag-Inge Ulstein, from the Christian Democratic Party and former Minister of International Development, criticizes the budget for prioritizing domestic refugee costs over international development assistance. Ulstein also condemns the NOK150 million (US$13 million) cut to educational development assistance, arguing that it continues a trend that has seen over NOK1.1 billion (US$94 million) reduction in the funding to education since his tenure. He emphasized that these cuts could have been avoided if the government had met its own 1% development assistance target. This is also underlined by the Conservative Party, which says that Norway, previously a leader in education assistance, risks setting a negative example for other donor countries.

The Liberal Party noted the global refugee crisis and the need for greater international support. They also criticized the significant cut to education, pointing out that this leaves hundreds of thousands of children without access to schooling and opportunities for a better future. However, the party praises the increased funding for climate adaptation but argues that more could be done, particularly through mechanisms like the Climate Investment Fund.

News article - Panorama nyheter (in Norwegian)News article - Vårt Land (in Norwegian)

Italian Minister of Cooperation presents initiative for development of digital ecosystems

October 7, 2024 | Italy, Global Health, Agriculture | Share this update

On October 7, 2024, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Edmondo Cirielli spoke on behalf of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni at the first edition of the Hamburg Conference on Sustainability, a high-level event that addressed global challenges related to sustainability.

Cirielli highlighted Italy's commitment to promoting youth entrepreneurship through the Mattei Plan for Africa, which aims to foster sustainable and inclusive economic growth.

Cirielli presented Italy's Digital Flagship with West Africa-Bankable Project Origination initiative, managed by UNDP and supported by the AICS. The project, carried out in collaboration with UNDP, aimed at the creation of digital ecosystems in Senegal, Ghana, Côte d'Ivoire and Mozambique. Furthermore, Cirielli highlighted the AI Hub for Sustainable Development initiative, a significant project launched under the Italian G7 presidency. This initiative aims to strengthen local AI ecosystems in Africa, with a focus on crucial sectors such as agriculture, health, and energy.

Regarding funding access for youth enterprises, Cirielli highlighted Italian Cooperation's strategic partnership with the AfDB, which has launched innovative co-financing tools in recent months.

Press release - Minister of Foreign affairs and international cooperation website (in Italian)

Australian science agency calls for Indo-Pacific agriculture research applications

September 26, 2024 | Australia, Agriculture, Agricultural R&D | Share this update

On September 26, 2024, Australia’s science agency, CSIRO, called for applications under an initiative to improve agriculture in the Indo–Pacific region.

The AI-ENGAGE initiative aims to use robotics and sensors to help empower farmers and transform agricultural methods to increase resilience and yield.

Following a commitment by Quad leaders to support joint research in agricultural innovation, CSIRO will work with Japan’s Science and Technology Agency, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, and the US National Science Foundation.

Under AI-ENGAGE, Australian researchers can apply to host international researchers in Australia. Potential areas include robotics, supply chain management, crop planning and monitoring, and agricultural management and risk information. Research teams need to contain researchers from at least three of the Quad countries.

News article - CSIRO

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