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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Norway releases new strategy on engagement in Sahel region

December 9, 2024 | Norway, Gender Equality, Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health, WASH & Sanitation, Climate, Global Health | Share this update

On December 9, 2024, the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs presented its new strategy for Norway’s engagement in the Sahel region.

Norway has been actively involved in the Sahel for decades, providing significant humanitarian and development assistance. Recent years have been marked by growing instability, violent extremism, and human suffering due to conflict, climate change, and weak structural governance.

The Sahel region, as defined by the strategy, includes Burkina Faso, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Senegal and Chad. This new approach will guide Norway’s efforts in the region through 2030.

With substantial ODA already allocated to these nations, the strategy outlines how Norway aims to help reverse negative trends and establish a foundation for long-term sustainable development.

A key element of the strategy is the establishment of a Norwegian embassy in Dakar, Senegal. This step will provide a broader regional perspective for Norway’s Sahel engagement and allow for preventive efforts in neighboring coastal states.

The strategy prioritizes three main areas of focus:

  • Humanitarian response and sustainable development: Addressing urgent humanitarian needs, supporting local resilience, preventing irregular migration and promoting inclusive sustainable development;
  • Peacebuilding and stabilization: Preventing and combating violent extremism, supporting peacebuilding and stabilization efforts and encouraging the participation of women and youth in peace and security initiatives; and
  • Democracy and gender equality: Promoting good governance, mobilizing national resources, fostering democratic development, and upholding human rights and gender equality.
Government document - Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (in Norwegian)

Norway reaches agreement on state budget for 2025

December 1, 2024 | Norway, Education, Agriculture, Gender Equality, Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health, Family Planning, Climate, Global Health | Share this update

On December 1, 2024, the Norwegian government and the SV reached an agreement on the 2025 state budget with a notable focus on domestic issues, particularly climate initiatives and social welfare programs.

The ODA budget for 2025 is set at NOK53 billion (US$4.9 billion), marking a slight increase from the NOK52.9 billion (US$4.7 billion) proposed in October. Although the overall allocation for ODA remains relatively unchanged, there are modest increases in specific areas, including civil society initiatives, disarmament and nuclear safety efforts, peace organizations, and humanitarian initiatives.

Domestically, the SV achieved significant gains, securing NOK7 billion (US$644 million) in additional funding for social welfare programs and climate initiatives. The largest portion of this funding is allocated to increasing child benefits, reflecting the SV’s focus on supporting families. Importantly, these new investments are financed through increased use of oil revenues, avoiding budgetary cuts to other programs or services.

Press release - The Labour Party (in Norwegian)News article - Panorama Nyheter (in Norwegian)

Australia commits US$57 million to improve SRHR in Southeast Asia

November 27, 2024 | Australia, Gender Equality, Family Planning, Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health | Share this update

On November 27, 2024, Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade announced an allocation of US$57 million to the Towards Universal SRHR in the Indo-Pacific Program.

Program partners UNICEF, the UNFPA, Marie Stopes International, and the International Planned Parenthood Federation would work to improve information, education and the quality of services on reproductive and sexual health.

This program aims to advance the rights of women and girls in Southeast Asia, and work to eliminate violence against girls and women.

Web Page - DFAT

Sweden pledges US$5 million to reproductive health in Ukraine

November 26, 2024 | Sweden, Gender Equality, Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health, Family Planning, Global Health | Share this update

On November 26, 2024, the Swedish government approved an additional SEK50 million (US$5 million) in funding to UNFPA to support its operations in Ukraine; the funding is intended to address the impact of Russia's invasion on SRHR.

Sweden's SEK50 million (US$5 million) contribution from the ODA budget will be channeled through UNFPA's Humanitarian Thematic Fund to support operations in Ukraine.

According to Swedish Minister for International Development Cooperation Benjamin Dousa, Russian attacks have compromised access to essential healthcare, particularly maternal care and safe abortion services in the regions affected by the war. The need for humanitarian assistance has risen during winter, with many forced to flee Ukraine. Dousa noted that the support will help to support safe maternity care by building birthing rooms that are better equipped to withstand Russia’s attacks.

Press release - Government of Sweden

Norway reaches 1% ODA target due to increased support for Ukraine

November 22, 2024 | Norway, Education, Agriculture, Gender Equality, Nutritious Food Systems, Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health, Family Planning, Climate, Global Health | Share this update

On November 22, 2024, the Norwegian government proposed a NOK1.5 billion (US$137 million) increase to the international development budget for the Nansen Program, focused on supporting Ukraine.

This adjustment was intended to ensure that the country meets its target of allocating 1% of GNI to ODA in 2024. According to Norweigan Minister of International Development Anne Beathe Tvinnereim, Ukraine remains the largest recipient of Norwegian ODA, with the funds primarily aimed at bolstering critical energy security and preparing for the winter season.

Additionally, lower refugee-related costs in Norway have made NOK930 million (US$85 million) available for other global development initiatives. Of these funds, NOK176 million (US$16 million) is allocated to the Middle East.

Increased funding is earmarked for sectors such as health and education, each receiving NOK100 million (US$9 million). Additional priorities include renewable energy, food security, and development efforts in Afghanistan, Sudan, Myanmar, Haiti, and Colombia.

Press release - Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (in Norwegian)News article - Panorama Nyheter (in Norwegian)

Norway increases support to IDA by 50%

November 18, 2024 | Norway, Education, Agriculture, Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health, Family Planning, Climate, Global Health | Share this update

On November 18, 2024, Norway announced its contribution to the World Bank's IDA for the period 2026-2028 during Norweigan Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre's attendance at the G20 meeting in Rio de Janeiro.

The Norwegian pledge represents an increase of 50% compared to previous replenishment periods. Norway committed NOK5 billion (US$454 million) in this round, which is an increase from NOK3.4 billion (US$303 million) in the previous round.

According to Støre, the Norwegian funding will be used to help provide people with food and access to electricity, as well as to implement measures to address climate change.

Norweigan Minister of International Development Anne Beathe Tvinnereim says that the IDA is one of Norway's most powerful tools in the fight against poverty. She declared that increased support to the IDA is a means of translating the Africa strategy launched in August, 2024, into action by enabling Norway to promote efforts to increase food security and enhance climate-resilient agriculture, areas in which the IDA plays a key role.

A total of NOK600 million (US$54 million) of Norway’s contribution will also be set aside to be used over three years to promote food security.

Press release - Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (in Norwegian)

USAID contributes additional US$26 million to GFF

November 1, 2024 | US, Global donor profile, Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health | Share this update

On November 1, 2024, USAID announced that it would provide an additional US$27 million to the GFF as part of the US strategy to support health workers and advance primary health care, bringing the total US investment since 2023 to more than US$30 million.

The GFF trust fund and investors groups are meeting next week in Abuja, Nigeria. With this latest funding round, the US now has a seat on the GFF Trust Committee and will have a voice in the GFF strategic vision and grant approval.

The GFF is a multi-stakeholder initiative that works with 36 low and middle income countries in African, Asia, and Latin America which have the highest mortality rates for maternal, child, and newborns coupled with significant financing gaps.

Press release - USAID

G7 Ministerial Meeting on Development calls for financial commitments

October 24, 2024 | Global Health, Climate, WASH & Sanitation, Family Planning, Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health, Nutritious Food Systems | Share this update

On October 22, 2024, the G7 of the ministerial meeting on Development occurred in Pescara and took place until October 24, 2024.

In the communiqué released, the Ministers expressed support for a successful 2025 replenishment for Gavi and the GF.Furthermore, the communiqué focuses on multi-stakeholder engagement and innovation against malnutrition, focusing on childhood stunting and wasting. The Ministers call for a Nutrition for Growth Summit that will take place in Paris on 27-28 March, 2025, concerning development financing.

The G7 Ministers recognize the Fourth UN Conference on Financing for Development in 2025 as a crucial moment to forge a global consensus around a modernized development finance architecture that will accelerate progress on the SDGs.

The Civil Society engagement group, the C7, reacted with a statement in which they expressed appreciation for the political commitment of the G7 countries; nevertheless, they expressed concern about the lack of financial commitment to support the implementation of development policies and the increase of ODA.

Government document - G7 Development Ministers’ CommuniquéPress release - C7 press release

G7 Health Ministers reaffirm support to Gavi, Global Fund

October 11, 2024 | UK, France, Japan, Canada, US, Germany, Italy, EUI, Nutritious Food Systems, Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health, Family Planning, WASH & Sanitation, Global Health, Global Health R&D | Share this update

On October 10 and 11, 2024, the G7's Health Ministerial Meeting took place in Ancona, Italy. The discussion focused on three overarching priorities: Global Health Architecture and Pandemic Preparedness and Response, healthy and active aging, and the One Health Approach.

The G7 Health Ministers Communiqué, released at the end of the meeting, highlights the G7's commitment to supporting SDG #3 through universal health coverage, primary health care, and sexual and reproductive health. This also includes maternal, neonatal, child, and adolescent health, strengthening the global health architecture by investing in PPR, promoting regional manufacturing of health products, and equitable access to quality health services.

The communiqué emphasized the health-related impacts of conflicts with a reference to the crises in Ukraine, Gaza, Lebanon, and Sudan. Furthermore, in the communiqué, the G7 Ministries committed to continue to support Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance and the Global Fund, whose replenishment processes will occur in the upcoming months.

The Civil 7 engagement group, a platform through which civil society can engage with the G7, reacted with a communiqué in which they expressed an appreciation for the re-commitment to ending HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria through robust support for the Global Fund in its replenishment next year. This support is crucial to ending the three epidemics as agreed upon in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Finally, the G7 Health Ministers also adopted a policy brief on the opportunities presented by AI for both healthcare providers and patients.

Conference statement - G7 Health Ministers’ CommuniquéConference statement - G7 Policy brief on Artificial Intelligence: opportunities and challenges for the Health SectorPress release - C7 statement - International civil society calls for ambitious action for global health by the G7

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)

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US$ amounts are cited directly from sources; in the absence of an official conversion, they are calculated using the previous week's average of the US Federal Reserve's daily exchange rates.

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