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.

UK's new strategic framework for ODA will only focus on countries where UK development, security and economic interests "align"

November 25, 2020 | UK, Agriculture, Climate, Gender Equality, Education, Global Health, Global Health R&D | Share this update

The UK’s Foreign Minister, Dominic Raab, announced that the UK will be putting in place a new strategic framework for guiding its official development assistance (ODA). The announcement came in a letter Raab wrote to the Chair of the UK parliamentary International Development Select Committee, Sarah Champion, on November 25, 2020. No date was given for the actual publication of the full strategy.

The UK’s new ODA strategy will focus "only on countries where the UK's development, security and economic interests align", such as those in sub-Saharan Africa and the Indo-Pacific region, according to Raab's letter. No specific priority countries were identified. Raab also highlighted seven key global challenges that the new strategy will focus on:

  1. Climate change and biodiversity: The new strategy will focus on research and development and supporting low-income countries' adaptation and mitigation plans. Raab confirmed that the new strategy will also maintain the government’s commitment to providing at least £11.6 billion (US$15.1 billion) of the ODA budget between 2021- 2025 for climate change via the International Climate Fund.
  2. COVID-19 and global health security: This includes continued support to multilateral initiatives and organizations (such as the World Health Organization and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance) as well as support to fragile health systems in low-income countries.
  3. Girls' education: The strategy will work towards ensuring that the UK contributes to the global commitment to get 40 million girls into education and 20 million more girls reading by age of ten.
  4. Science, research, and technology: The new strategy will continue to ensure that ODA for research and development remains a priority with focus areas including health, education, resilience, low-carbon technologies, agriculture and economic development, and conflict and poverty.
  5. Open societies and conflict resolution: The new strategy will focus on using UK ODA to strengthen democratic institutions, human rights, free media, and effective governance. While governance has been a long-standing priority for UK ODA, the focus on free media and human rights has gained greater traction recently, given Raab’s stated interest due to being a former human rights lawyer.
  6. Trade and economic development: UK ODA will focus on forging trade and investment partners for the future via its ODA in a far more explicit link of UK trade priorities with development efforts. The focus will be on supporting an improved trade and investment environment in low-income countries, infrastructure, and widening access to finance with support from the UK Export Finance (a UK government export credit agency and ministerial department) and the CDC Group (the UK’s development finance institute).
  7. Humanitarian preparedness and response: The strategy will focus on leading a stronger collective response to crises and famine and continuing the UK’s efforts at multilateral reform in this area. The strategy will also maintain the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office's (FCDO) crisis reserve.

Raab confirmed in the letter that the UK will continue to provide core investments to the multilateral development banks in the future, but these will be based on new strategic objectives. He noted that the UK will retain its place as the largest donor to the World Bank and a major donor to the World Health Organization.

Finally, Raab outlined three ways he is keen to improve the quality and impact of UK ODA spending:

  • Putting in place a new management approach for assessing assistance projects: Bilateral programs will also be the default option due to their advantages of effectiveness, local ownership, and strategic impact (exceptions for global research, core multilateral activity, and policy-influencing work), with most of the centrally-managed programs to be instead managed at regional or country level. Failing or underperforming projects will be closed.
  • Strengthening FCDO oversight of the assistance budget: The FCDO will be responsible for oversight of the majority of ODA, including that delivered by other governments. This is a change from the former Department for International Development (DFID), which did not have oversight powers over ODA delivered by other departments.
  • Reforming rules of contractors: Spending limits that forced the DFID to outsource to expensive consultants will be removed, and instead, the FCDO will work to build greater in-house project management expertise.

Letter - FCDO

Press release - FCDO

News article - Devex

Letter - FCDOPress release - FCDONews article - Devex

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Australia announces development seminars scheduled in 2024

July 2, 2024 | Australia | Share this update

On July 2, 2024, the Australian National University’s Development Policy Centre announced its conference schedule for 2024.

The annual Papua New Guinea update is slated to be held on August 21-22 at the University of Papua New Guinea in Port Moresby. The 2024 theme is securing a stable environment for growth and development.

The center’s main 2024 Australasian AID Conference is to be held from December 3-5 at the Australian National University campus in Canberra. Paper submissions and panel proposals for the conference close on August 30, 2024.

Web Page - Development Policy Centre

Japanese NGO pledges stronger partnership with ADB Group

July 2, 2024 | Japan, Climate | Share this update

On July 2, 2024, Japanese NGO Keizai Doyukai and the ADB Group convened in Tokyo to discuss enhancing private sector investment in Africa, with a particular focus on engaging youth.

Established in 2009, Keizai Doyukai’s Africa committee seeks to foster growth through increased trade and investment, reflecting a commitment to mutual development.

The meeting also addressed climate finance, critical minerals, and climate change adaptation. CEO of Shibusawa and Co. Ken Shibusawa highlighted the upcoming TICAD9 in 2025, emphasizing youth engagement as a major theme. Vice President of the ADB Group Kevin Kariuki highlighted Japan's recent US$10 million funding for the AGIA, which aims to make projects more attractive to private investors. The Bank Group’s chief economist, Kevin Urama, stressed that Africa's growth heavily depends on private sector involvement.

Shibusawa and Kariuki cited successful ventures, like the Menengai geothermal project in Kenya, to illustrate Japan's strengths. The ADB, with its deep ties in Africa, provides risk mitigation tools and advises Japanese investors in the region. Discussions also explored using Japanese development assistance to drive private infrastructure investment, demonstrating Keizai Doyukai’s ongoing efforts to bolster economic ties and private sector engagement in Africa.

Press release - African Development Bank Group

USAID points to acute food security report as basis for more action in Sudan

June 28, 2024 | US, WASH & Sanitation, Global Health, Nutritious Food Systems | Share this update

On June 28, 2024, based on a new report from the IPC, USAID Administrator Samantha Power raised concerns about growing acute food security reported in April and May 2024 in Sudan, along with dire projections for June 2024 through February 2025.

Power noted that the food insecurity crisis is historically severe, with more than half of Sudan's population facing severe levels of hunger, which are the highest levels ever measured.

Power pointed to the conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces and the inability to get humanitarian assistance to the region. Although the US and other partners are continuing to support the people of Sudan with provisions of food, malnutrition treatment, health care, and other assistance, especially to vulnerable populations, more is needed to assist the cross border assistance relief effort.

Power also called upon the warring factions to negotiate an immediate ceasefire.

Press release - USAIDReport - IPC

European Council adopts strategic agenda for 2024-2029

June 27, 2024 | EUI, Education, Climate | Share this update

On June 27, 2024, the Strategic Agenda 2024-2029, which emphasized the EU's commitment to peace, cooperation, and economic prosperity amid a reshaping of the global political landscape marked by strategic competition and instability, was adopted by the European Council.

The EU outlined the following priorities:

  • Bolster Europe’s economic competitiveness, including deepening the Single Market in strategic sectors like energy, finance, and telecommunications;
  • Strengthen security and defense capabilities within the EU;
  • Reinforce EU sovereignty and unity to address strategic competition, climate change, technological advancements, and global instability;
  • Strengthen external influence by supporting Ukraine in defending its sovereignty, promoting stability in its neighborhood and beyond, fostering strategic partnerships, and coordinating internal and external policies to address global challenges effectively;
  • Uphold human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, and human rights, while safeguarding the rule of law and enhancing democratic resilience;
  • Invest in defense readiness, supporting Ukraine, combating crime, and addressing cyber threats, while enhancing cooperation with NATO and other partners;
  • Ensure the proper functioning of the Schengen area, addressing irregular migration, and promoting legal pathways;
  • Support the international legal order, promoting peace, democracy, and sustainable development, and reforming the multilateral system;
  • Boost economic growth, supporting social welfare systems, investing in skills and education, and reducing disparities across the EU; and
  • Pursue a merit-based approach to EU enlargement, supporting aspiring members, and undertaking necessary internal reforms.
Web Page - European CouncilEuropean Council

European Council agrees on EU leadership for 2024-2029, renominates Ursula von der Leyen as Commission President

June 27, 2024 | EUI | Share this update

On June 27, 2024, the European Council reached an agreement on the suggested names for the top three EU positions, with the notable renomination of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

Von der Leyen ( EPP, Germany) must secure the European Parliament's support and win at least 361 votes on July 18, 2024, to secure her position.

Antonio Costa ( S&D, Portugal) will replace Charles Michel as European Council President on December 1, 2024.

Kaja Kallas (Renew, Estonia) was nominated for the role of High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy as well as Vice-President of the European Commission, pending the European Parliament’s autumn 2024 approval.

Roberta Metsola ( EPP, Malta) is expected to be re-elected as European Parliament President for a second 2.5-year mandate. The vote will take place at the first European Parliament plenary on July 16, 2024.

Web Page - European Council

USAID announces US$66 million to Zambia to strengthen food security

June 27, 2024 | US, Agriculture, Climate | Share this update

On June 27, 2024, USAID announced US$66 million to Zambia, which is designated by the US as a Feed the Future accelerator county, to mitigate worsening drought conditions, strengthen food security efforts, and build local resilience.

Zambia's crop loss has reached between 60-95% due to drought conditions, increasing food prices by 83%. USAID is providing emergency assistance to address the urgent nutritional crisis, as well as help farmers in Zambia strengthen longer-term resilience.

The US and Zambia are working together to help implement the Feed the Future program, including through implementation of the Feed the Future Accelerator effort.

Press release - USAID

Outgoing Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte appointed NATO Secretary-General

June 26, 2024 | Netherlands | Share this update

On June 26, 2024, outgoing Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte was officially appointed the next Secretary-General of NATO, to succeed Jens Stoltenberg on October 1, 2024.

Rutte received unanimous endorsement from all 32 NATO member states, after Romanian President Klaus Iohannis withdrew his candidacy the week prior. Known for his strong support of Ukraine and criticism of Russian President Vladimir Putin, Rutte is a significant figure in European politics. He began gathering support for his candidacy in late 2023.

Rutte will complete his duties as outgoing Prime Minister of the Netherlands on July 2, 2024, and will be succeeded by Dick Schoof.

News article - NOS (in Dutch)News article - Euronews

Canada announces US$14 million to strengthen Haitian police, civilian safety

June 26, 2024 | Canada, Gender Equality | Share this update

On June 26, 2024, Canada announced CAD19 million (US$14 million) in total funding to support Haiti, including an additional CAD6 million (US$4 million) to the UN Trust Fund for the MSS mission in Haiti as well as nearly CAD13 million (US$9 million) to support three projects to strengthen the Haitian National Police and improve security conditions for civilians.

Canada’s support to the MSS is in addition to the nearly CAD81 million (US$59 million) announced for the Trust Fund in February 2024. Canada is also working to provide training to officers being deployed and to establish mechanisms to prevent human rights abuses, including SGBV.

The three projects that will help strengthen the Haitian National Police and improve security conditions for Haitian civilians were listed as:

  • CAD5 million (US$4 million) through the Canadian Commercial Corporation to support the Specialized Tactical Training Program for the Haitian National Police;
  • CAD4 million (US$3 million) for the Organization of American States for its Securing Marine and Land-Based Trade Program in Haiti; and
  • CAD4 million (US$3 million) for the UN Office of Drugs and Crime for its Container Control Program in Haiti.
Press release - Global Affairs CanadaPress release - Global Affairs Canada

German development minister welcomes proposal for global minimum tax on billionaires

June 26, 2024 | Germany | Share this update

On June 26, 2024, German Development Minister Svenja Schulze welcomed a proposal, developed by economist Gabriel Zucman and commissioned by the Brazilian G20 Presidency, for a global minimum tax on the "super rich".

Zucman proposed a minimum global tax of 2% on all billionaires inadequately taxed by domestic income tax frameworks. Zucman estimated the tax could amount to an additional US$250 billion annually for development purposes such as education, health, and climate.

While other members of the German government remained hesitant, Schulze pointed to extreme inequality as a major cause of societal polarization globally and called on allies to help realize the proposal.

Press release - BMZ (in German)Report - EU Tax Observatory

Japan provides US$5 million for development in Laos

June 26, 2024 | Japan, Education | Share this update

On June 26, 2024, Japan signed and exchanged notes with Laos for two grant projects totaling JPY753 million (US$5 million).

The first project, the Human Resource Development Scholarship, is planned to address Laos' complex development issues by supporting up to 21 young government officials to study at Japanese graduate schools, starting in 2025. The initiative aims to enhance the administrative capacity of Laos' government agencies and ministries, contributing to solving priority development issues and strengthening bilateral relations through human networks.

The second project focuses on accelerating the clearance of unexploded ordnance in the southern provinces of Laos, particularly Sekong, Salavan, and Champasak. There are an estimated 80 million unexploded ordnance units remaining from the Vietnam War. The project aims to support clearance activities to improve safety, expand agricultural land, and facilitate infrastructure development, to boost regional development and reduce unexploded ordnance-related casualties.

Press release - Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan

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