Official development assistance

The financial and economic crisis of 2008-2009 and the post-crisis austerity policies in a number of donor countries have broadly had a negative impact on outlays for official development assistance (ODA), which suffered a second consecutive year of contraction in 2012. It is encouraging to see that there are exceptions, however, as some donor countries reiterated their intention to fulfil their commitments in support of the efforts of developing countries to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) by 2015 and are increasing aid, despite adverse budgetary conditions. As the international community moves towards adopting a post-2015 development agenda, it is crucial that there be an adequate volume and quality of ODA, complemented by new and innovative forms of international public financing. Recently, disappointing flows signal a challenge that must be addressed; ad hoc and official forums on development cooperation provide opportunities to meet that challenge.

Sustainable Development Goals:

Partnerships for the Goals