Many recipients of Swedish aid can expect more funding next year as the budget increases and the number of refugees coming to Sweden is at a record low. Aid resources available for efforts abroad will increase by billions of crowns.

Western NGOs lobby to tap into relief funds promised to local actors

In a power struggle over billions of dollars, international NGOs have successfully lobbied to keep hold of funds meant for local actors as part of an overhaul of global relief efforts, known as the Grand Bargain. The reform states that one of four dollars should go directly to local actors, but the process is monopolised by Western donors and NGOs, a Development Today investigation shows.

Foreign Minister Børge Brende resigns in mid-October

Norway’s Foreign Minister Børge Brende has announced that he will resign in mid-October to become President of World Economic Forum.

Denmark resumes funding to multilaterals like GEF and GAVI

A drastic drop in domestic refugee costs and a growing Danish economy allows Ulla Tørnæs, who returns as Development Minister, to spend DKK 2.6 billion more in aid abroad next year.

Gag rule, business, migration mark flat Finnish aid budget

Afghanistan and UNFPA are top beneficiaries as Finland’s aid budget for 2018 prioritises reproductive health, business and migration. The government hasadded EUR 9.5 million to the budget in a surprising last-minute move. Overall, Finland rolls back bilateral aid to fund a EUR 21 million expansion of multilateral aid.

Why Norway needs Brazil climate forest deal to succeed

Norway has more to lose than the weak, corruption-ridden government of Brazil should the billion-dollar forest initiative collapse.

Strict secrecy clause in Norway’s MOU with Myanmar on Oil for Development

In the new memorandum of understanding with Norad on Oil for Development cooperation, Myanmar has insisted on limiting access to information.

Ulla Tørnæs reverses planned NGO cuts. Danish IPPF doubles grant size

Danish NGOs had been bracing for the results of a Foreign Ministry plan to reduce the number of NGO grant recipients. But Development Minister Ulla Tørnæs stepped in and added DKK 230 million to the pot.

Sweden pledges SEK 750m in climate aid next year

The Swedish government has announced SEK 5 billion for climate and environment next year, of which SEK 750 million are international aid-financed initiatives.

EcoEnergy sues government of Tanzania

The Swedish Tanzanian biofuel company has commenced international arbitration against the Tanzanian state for losses it claims it incurred after the government cancelled title to land where the company had been developing a sugar plantation and processing plant.

30% increase in Danish sales to UN system

Danish companies lurched ahead in UN procurement last year, with Denmark moving up to Nr 5 on UNOPS’ list of the top global suppliers to the UN system.

Opinions

How Norway’s Ebola response turned into a security operation

In the fall of 2014, Norwegian staff ran a health centre in Sierra Leone that costed NOK 109 million, but ended up treating only 33 victims of Ebola. A new study shows how Norway’s initial humanitarian Ebola response turned into a security operation.

Militarisation of EU aid is ‘illegal and inhumane’

Europe’s development policy should stay true to its aims of eradicating poverty and raising people’s quality of life. The increasing military slant of EU aid is both illegal and inhumane, writes Heidi Hautala.

Editorial

Sida’s anti-Gag Rule policy made toothless

Sida has taken a tough stand on organisations that comply with the Trump administration’s Gag Rule, arguing that if they agree not to provide abortion information or services they will probably not be able to carry out their sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) activities funded by Sida.

Sida aims for flexible solution to avoid cutting funds to Save the Children

Sida announces it will phase out funding for NGOs that comply with US anti-abortion policy, but a Save the Children programme will likely not be hit.

DT Archive

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Quote: Christian Aid on humanitarian imbalance

"The idea behind the Grand Bargain was to try to tackle the [funding] imbalance … Presumably the signatories were not aiming for status quo."
- Micheal Mosselmans, head of humanitarian aid at Christian Aid.

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