In 2024, global ODA fell by around USD 15 billion (adjusted for inflation). The US closed USAID in 2025 and considerably cut the foreign assistance budget; and the UK, once a leading donor, has gradually reduced its aid from 0.7 percent to 0.3 percent of GNI. Similarly, Germany has halved funds for emergency aid, and cut its budget for international development by 8 percent.
The panel will bring together experts from Germany, the UK and the US, alongside partner-country perspectives for a conversation on how major providers are implementing cuts to their foreign aid spending, and what they should be doing.
When money is tight, how should they prioritise countries or issues? How can they ensure money is spent on the activities which have the greatest impact? And what lessons can be learned from other providers?
