OECD: Finland’s development aid increasing
International development aid has increased 6,5% between 2009 and 2010, according to a report released by the OECD in the beginning of April. Finnish development aid increased 8,8% between 2009 and 2010, reaching over a EUR 1 billion, which equals to 0,55% of the gross national income (GNI).
Aid flows from OECD Development Assistance Committee (DAC) donor countries was the highest ever in 2010, totaling USD 129 billion. The OECD and the DAC are celebrating their 50th anniversary this year, and are pleased with the commitment most of the donors have made in reaching the targets.
Out of the 15 DAC EU countries, 9 increased their aid and 6 decreased it. The total of the EU countries’ aid in 2010 was still the largest; USD 79,2 billion, which counts for 54% of the whole sum.
A recent survey by the OECD shows that most of the donor countries are planning to increase aid in the next 3 years. However, it is likely that the growth rate will decrease to 2% between 2011 and 2013, from the 8% it has been in the past 3 years.
According to the Chair of the OECD’s DAC, Brian Atwood, donor countries need to be able to stick to their commitments, by doing political, budgetary and planning work needed to sustain their aid pledges.