Policy Updates

On May 9, 2025, Norway announced that it is allocating NOK580 million (US$55 million) to support people displaced by Russia’s war in Ukraine.

The funds will go to the UNHCR to assist refugees in Ukraine and Moldova, providing essentials like shelter, protection, and basic services. This is part of Norway’s broader humanitarian response and commitment to international solidarity with Ukraine.

On May 9, 2025, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephu pledged an additional EUR40 million (US$43 million) in humanitarian assistance to Ukraine during a EU meeting in Lviv, underscoring Germany's continued support for Ukraine amid ongoing conflict.

The assistance package aims to address urgent needs, including medical assistance, shelter, and essential supplies for those affected by the war. Wadephul emphasized the importance of European solidarity.

On May 7, 2025, US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff informed the UNSC of a new US plan to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza in coordination with Israel, creating Secure Distribution Sites managed by a new Geneva-based organization, GHF, with the aim of delivering assistance directly to civilians.

The plan would replace the UN in its role as primary coordinator of humanitarian assistance in the region. A representative for UN Secretary-General António Guterres confirmed they had not been notified of the contents of the briefing, prompting criticism from Witkoff over UN relief agencies' opposition to the plan.

The exchange has further strained relations between the US and UN. The growing rift reduces the likelihood that the US will reconsider the proposed 87% cut to UN funding outlined in the Trump administration's 2026 budget request. If enacted, this reduction would significantly impact the UN’s operational and financial capacity.

The initiative has sparked controversy, with concerns raised about its potential impact on existing development structures and the politicization of humanitarian assistance. Proponents contend that this allows assistance to bypass Hamas interference, which has previously been accused of complicating assistance distribution.

On May 12, 2025, the Trump administration confirmed their advancement with the plan. The announcement comes as the Netherlands and France place pressure of the EU to reconsider the EU-Israel Association Agreement, which requires adherence to human rights standards in Article 2, as a result of the humanitarian assistance blockade where nearly 500,000 Gazans face catastrophic hunger.

On May 7, 2025, German Development Minister Svenja Schulze announced that Germany is shifting from traditional humanitarian assistance toward long-term development partnerships, aiming to reduce reliance on international development assistance workers by scaling down foreign deployments, focusing instead on funding local actors and state structures to build sustainable systems.

This move aligns with broader EU development goals and Germany’s emphasis on efficiency, local ownership, and geopolitical strategy. Critics warn the change may weaken rapid response capacity.

On April 29, 2025, The Straights Times reported that the UK is reconsidering its GBP2 billion (US$2.5billion) commitment to the World Bank’s IDA, this move follows a shift in government priorities, with funds redirected from foreign assistance to bolster defense spending amidst heightened security concerns in Europe.

The pledged amount, which marked a 40% increase from the previous commitment, was announced in November 2024. However, the Labour government is now reviewing their ODA budget under Development Minister Jenny Chapman, with potential reductions to the IDA contribution being considered.

Critics argue this would represent a significant departure from the UK’s historical leadership in global development under previous governments.

On April 28, 2025, Canada's Liberal Party, led by Mark Carney, secured a fourth consecutive term in the 2025 federal election, winning 168 seats—just shy of the 172 needed for a majority. Carney capitalized on rising tensions with US President Donald Trump, whose trade threats galvanized Canadian voters concerned about national sovereignty.

The Conservative Party, under Pierre Poilievre, achieved its best performance since 2011 with 144 seats and 41% of the vote, however Poilievre lost his own seat to Liberal Bruce Fanjoy. The Bloc Québécois secured 23 seats, while the New Democratic Party (NDP) faced a significant decline, winning only 7 seats. NDP leader Jagmeet Singh lost his Burnaby Central seat and subsequently announced his resignation.

Despite falling short of a majority, the Liberals are expected to form a minority government, likely relying on alliances to pass legislation.

On April 28, 2025, SIDA contributed EUR2million (US$2 million) to Afghanistan through the WFP and to support critical nutrition programs, which will enable the WFP to distribute over 550 metric tons of specialized nutritious food to 125,000 Afghan mothers and children over three months to combat malnutrition.

Between 2021 and 2024, SIDA contributed over EUR32million (US$35million) to WFP, establishing itself as a top donor. WFP remains a critical lifeline for Afghan women and children, who make up over half of the 12 million people reached by WFP in Afghanistan in 2024.

This partnership underscores Sweden's commitment to addressing Afghanistan's nutrition crisis and ensuring vulnerable populations receive the support they need.

On April 25, 2025, the German Development Minister Svenja Schulze stressed the need to strengthen multilateral cooperation to address climate change, conflict, and inequality at the World Bank Spring Meetings, reaffirming Germany's commitment to the World Bank's reform agenda, including increased focus on climate resilience, poverty reduction, and gender equality.

Schulze pledged continued German support for the IDA , and backed the ongoing reform to enhance its financial capacity through innovative tools such as hybrid capital and portfolio guarantees, emphasizing that global challenges require joint, reliable funding efforts.

She called for expanded partnerships between the World Bank, other multilateral development banks, and private sector actors to mobilize more resources for global development goals. Schulze also highlighted the need to integrate climate action and social protection into its core mission without losing focus on poverty reduction.

On April 24, 2025, Italy and the World Bank signed an agreement to increase their financial support to the IDA by around 25%.

This agreement accelerates the Mattei Plan for Africa, which seeks to increase growth through energy investments, infrastructure, and human capital. The agreement also increases its forthcoming subscription of hybrid capital issued by the IBRD.

The new agreement highlights Italy’s intention to work closely with international programs led by institutions like the World Bank and the AfDB. One of the major goals is to help support Mission300 by bringing electricity to 300 million Africans by 2030.

On April 23, 2025, Belgium and Sweden, through Enabel and the SIDA, have assumed the Co-Presidency of the PN for 2025–2026.\
The PN, a collaboration of 25 European international cooperation organizations, fosters knowledge exchange, strategic dialogue, and joint initiatives with EU institutions. Under the leadership of Enabel and SIDA, the network will prioritize contributions to the EU’s Global Gateway Strategy, focusing on energy, critical raw materials, migration, and digitalization. It will also strengthen partnerships with the private sector and align technical assistance with financial instruments.

Other key initiatives include advancing the Team Europe approach, addressing post-war reconstruction in Ukraine, Gaza, and Syria, and engaging in EU-level events such as the Global Gateway Forum. This Co-Presidency aims to enhance the EU’s collective response to global challenges through strategic and visible international cooperation.