The world is facing major humanitarian challenges. But instead of providing more money for development aid, the federal government is planning drastic cuts from 2024. Aid organizations sound the alarm.
Aid organizations have warned against cuts in state funding for international development aid. In view of the dramatic increase in wars, violent conflicts, famines, extreme weather as a result of climate change and the economic consequences of the corona pandemic, more financial resources are needed, not less, demanded Welthungerhilfe and terre des hommes in Berlin. Both organizations presented their “Compass 2023 – on the reality of German development policy”.
Accordingly, spending on development cooperation reached a peak in the past year. They are measured internationally in the so-called ODA quota (“Official Development Assistance”).
“In 2022, German ODA reached 0.83 percent, its highest share of gross national income to date. This is good news, but according to the current medium-term financial planning, drastic budget cuts are planned for the German Development Ministry and the Federal Foreign Office from 2024,” explained Joshua Hofert, CEO of terre des hommes. Funding for development cooperation must not be allowed to fall again.
Mathias Mogge, CEO of Welthungerhilfe, emphasized that the federal government had responded well to the current crises with a renewed increase in funds last year to a record high of 33.3 billion euros. Nevertheless, up to 828 million people still suffer from chronic hunger and the number of acutely undernourished people rose for the fourth time in a row in 2022. More must be invested in the poorest countries, especially their rural areas, the development of social security systems must be supported and both climate protection and adaptation must be expanded.
Source: Stern
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