Policy Updates

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

On June 25, 2024, the Dutch House of Representatives passed a motion by Sarah Dobbe ( SP) and co-sponsors to enhance support and protection for women human rights defenders.

The motion, supported by 144 out of 150 votes from multiple parties, including PVV, VVD, and BBB, highlighted gaps in the Netherlands’ current human rights policy.

Outgoing Minister of Foreign Affairs Hanke Bruins Slot has typically opposed motions aligning with existing policy, but supported the motion due to the worsening global situation for women.

On June 25, 2024, Norway announced a commitment, in partnership with OHCHR, of NOK394 million (US$37 million) to support the UN’s human rights efforts in response to global challenges, including war, authoritarian regimes, and food insecurity in 2024-2025.

The commitment included NOK6 million (US$567,000) in voluntary contributions to the Fund for Indigenous Peoples and the Fund for Victims of Torture. The funding will help OHCHR respond quickly to new crises where human rights are threatened, reinforcing Norway’s role as a key donor to UN human rights efforts.