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The Donor Tracker team regularly brings you the most important policy and funding news across issue areas in the form of Policy Updates.
September 20, 2023 | Sweden, Gender Equality, Global Health | Share this update
On September 20, 2023, the Swedish government presented its 2024 budget proposal to Parliament, which showed an approximately SEK56 billion (US$5.5 billion) allocation to ODA.
Additional costs covered by the budget encompass assessed contributions to the EU, MFA management costs, and in-donor refugee costs, which comprise 3% of the total budget with an 8% cap on the use of ODA to cover in-donor refugee costs.
Sweden has exceeded the UN DAC target of 0.7% ODA/GNI since 1975. However, in September 2022, Sweden's then newly-elected right-wing government announced that it was ending the country's commitment to achieve 1% of its ODA/GNI and set ODA at SEK56 billion (US$5.5 billion) annually for 2023-2025, which is projected as approximately 0.88% ODA/GNI.
The budget lacked detailed information on specific allocations, but rather outlined general policy priorities. Sweden's international development cooperation priorities remain the promotion of Agenda 2030; poverty reduction; health initiatives for the most vulnerable; support for democracy aid to human rights defenders and champions of democracy; expanded and streamlined climate assistance; and women’s and girls’ rights and opportunities, including improved SRHR.
The 2024 ODA budget is slated to emphasize counteracting irregular migration, increasing repatriation, and contributing effectively to voluntary returns, as well as addressing the root causes of migration.
Synergy between Sweden’s global trade, export promotion, climate, foreign, and ODA policies was another priority. Sweden named a single minister responsible for both development assistance and foreign trade. The government also emphasized the importance of promoting ODA effectiveness metrics in development cooperation.
Ukraine remained Sweden’s main ODA recipient and priority, dedicating SEK6 billion (US$540 million) to Ukraine from 2023 to 2027. The Swedish government adopted a reconstruction and reform cooperation strategy with Ukraine on July 17, 2023, which included humanitarian assistance, financial backing, reconstruction initiatives, and support for civil crisis response capabilities.
Global health remained a priority in the 2024 budget, with particular emphasis on the creation of societal conditions for good and equitable health for the most vulnerable. There was further emphasis on promoting health systems that are effective, sustainable, and resilient. Another area of focus included SRHR and improved preparedness and capacity to detect and manage outbreaks of pandemics, diseases, and other health threats. The budget emphasized that Sweden will continue its efforts to increase global vaccination coverage, including against COVID-19.
According to OECD data, Sweden’s total ODA to health in 2020 was US$594 million, making it the 9th-largest DAC donor in absolute terms. Sweden’s multilateral ODA to health represented 43% of its total health ODA.
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April 9, 2025 | Germany, Climate | Share this update
On April 9, 2025, the CDU/ CSU and SPD parties in Germany finalized their coalition treaty, where Chancellor-designate Friedrich Merz, Bavarian Minister-President Markus Söder, and SPD Co-Chairs Lars Klingbeil and Saskia Esken presented an agreement that focuses on Germany’s global leadership, economic modernization, and migration control.
Key highlights include:
This coalition treaty signals a strategic pivot in Germany’s development policy, prioritizing geopolitical alignment and fiscal consolidation.
April 7, 2025 | Japan | Share this update
On April 7, 2025, JICA signed a grant agreement to provide equipment aimed at promoting emergency recovery and sustainable economic reconstruction,
The agreement focuses on supporting Ukraine’s recovery from ongoing challenges by enhancing infrastructure and providing critical resources to stabilize its economy. This initiative aligns with Japan’s commitment to fostering resilience and supporting reconstruction efforts in conflict-affected regions.
April 7, 2025 | Germany, Education | Share this update
On April 7, 2025, Germany adopted the Amman-Berlin Declaration which aims to ensure that at least 15% of development projects globally promote inclusion at the Global Development Summit.
The summit convened 4,500 participants from 100 countries, including persons with disabilities, government representatives, and international organizations. Over two days, attendees engaged in more than 60 sessions focused on advancing the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
In addition, over 800 pledges were made by participating governments and organizations to enhance accessibility and inclusion. The declaration marks a historic step toward measurable goals for integrating disability rights into international development.
April 6, 2025 | South Korea | Share this update
On April 6, 2025, South Korea pledged US$100 million in assistance to Ukraine, citing regional security threats linked to North Korea and Russia.
The funding will be allocated toward reconstruction projects, humanitarian relief, and infrastructure repair in conflict-affected regions. South Korea’s support underscores its commitment to international stability and countering aggression in Eastern Europe.
April 6, 2025 | Germany, Global Health, Global Health R&D | Share this update
On April 6, 2025, Germany pledged EUR2 million (US$2 million) to the WHO following the US withdrawal of funding.
This contribution is in addition to Germany's US$317 milllion contribution for 2024-2025 which aims to strengthen global health systems, improve pandemic preparedness, and ensure continued access to essential healthcare services in vulnerable regions. Germany’s leadership in global health funding highlights its commitment to multilateral cooperation.
April 5, 2025 | Canada, WASH & Sanitation, Nutritious Food Systems, Global Health | Share this update
On April 5, 2025, Canada announced CAD20 million (US$14 million) in humanitarian assistance for Myanmar following the earthquake.
The funding will support emergency relief efforts, including food, water, and healthcare, delivered through trusted partners like the UN and the Red Cross. Canada’s assistance aims to address the urgent needs of displaced families and those affected by the collapse of critical infrastructure in the hardest-hit areas.
April 4, 2025 | Japan | Share this update
On April 4, 2025, Japan announced US$6 million in emergency assistance to support relief efforts in Myanmar following the earthquake disaster.
The funding will be used to provide food, shelter, and medical assistance to affected communities. Additionally, Japan has deployed a 32-member Japan Disaster Relief Medical Team to Yangon to assist with humanitarian needs on the ground. This assistance underscores Japan’s commitment to disaster response and its ongoing support for Myanmar during times of crisis.
April 4, 2025 | UK | Share this update
On April 4, 2025, the UK pledged an additional GBP10 million (US$13 million) to support relief efforts in Myanmar following the devastating earthquake.
This brings the UK’s total contribution to GBP19 million (US$25 million). The funding will provide emergency shelter, food, water, and medical aid to affected communities, reaching over 15,000 people to date. UK-funded local partners are already on the ground delivering life-saving assistance, ensuring resources reach those most in need.
April 3, 2025 | Canada | Share this update
On April 3, 2025, Canada pledged CAD55 million (US$55 million) to bolster Ukraine’s air defense capabilities.
The funding will be used to procure advanced air defense systems and provide training for Ukrainian forces to operate the equipment effectively. This commitment is part of Canada’s broader support for Ukraine, which includes military, humanitarian, and economic assistance to counter ongoing regional threats.
April 2, 2025 | Japan | Share this update
On April 2, 2025, Japan announced an emergency grant of approximately US$6 million to support those affected by the devastating earthquake in Myanmar on March 28, 2025.
The grant will be channeled through international organizations to provide immediate humanitarian assistance, including shelter, food, and medical assistance.
This funding complements Japan's broader relief efforts, which include deploying a Japan Disaster Relief Medical Team and emergency relief goods through JICA. The government emphasized its commitment to delivering assistance that directly benefits the people of Myanmar, addressing critical needs amidst ongoing rescue operations.
US$ 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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