Policy Updates

The Donor Tracker team regularly brings you the most important policy and funding news across issue areas in the form of Policy Updates.

Swedish development minister outlines priorities for 2023

May 4, 2023 | Sweden, Education, Gender Equality, Climate, Global Health | Share this update

On May 4, 2023, Swedish Minister for International Development Johan Forssell published an article in the Dagen Daily outlining Sweden's ODA priorities.

Co-written with Gudrun Brunegård, development policy spokesperson for the governing Christian Democratic Party, the piece emphasized the importance of maintaining international solidarity and improving the effectiveness of Swedish ODA. In particular, the piece outlined nine aspects of Swedish development cooperation:

  • Increased and predictable assistance: With a fixed budget framework of SEK56 billion (approximately US$5.5 billion) per year for 2023-2025, the authors outlined a clear, upward trajectory for Swedish ODA. Over the next three years, Sweden will spend a total of SEK168 billion (about US$16.5 billion) on ODA, or a SEK6 billion (US$583 million) increase from the 2020-2022 period.
  • Linking ODA and international trade: The authors highlighted that development assistance and trade policy should be coordinated and deepened, while also advancing democracy and the rule of law in partner countries.
  • CSO Partnerships: The authors outlined the government's ambition to develop its partnership with civil society, both in Sweden and in its partner countries, in order to deliver more effective and transparent assistance.
  • Ukraine a Top Priority: The article higlighted that Ukraine will remain Sweden's top ODA priority. In particular, the authors positioned Sweden as a long-term partner to Ukraine, with increased focus on humanitarian aid while supporting Ukraine's democratic development, economy, EU integration, and sustainable reconstruction.
  • Global Health: The article also reflected the government's commitment to poverty reduction and health interventions for the most vulnerable, such as preventive health education, increased vaccination coverage, and strengthened healthcare. Support will be given to women subjected to sexual violence in conflict areas. Sweden will also contribute to international efforts to prevent and manage pandemics and other health threats.
  • Democracy and human rights: The article also emphasized the necessity of expanding democracy, human rights, and the rule of law to enable CSOs to work effectively in partner countries.
  • Climate: The piece outlined Sweden's prioritization on expanding climate finance. Specific priorities included emissions reductions, transition to fossil-free energy, and energy efficiency, as well as support for climate adaptation in culnerable countries. The authors also applauded Sweden's doubled allocation to the Global Environment Fund (totaling SEK4.1 billion; US$431 million) for the 2022–2026 period.
  • Gender Equality: Under the heading of gender equality, the authors noted Sida's upcoming strategies on SRHR and commitment to considering the needs of women, girls, youth, people with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ individuals.
  • 'Aid Effectiveness': Finally, the authors argued that Sweden should concentrate on improving the efficiency and impact of its development coopration.
Article Dagen Daily (in Swedish)

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US government announces official closure of USAID

July 1, 2025 | US | Share this update

On July 1, 2025, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the official closure of USAID, following its rapid dismantling since US President Donald Trump’s return to office in January 2025.


Rubio claimed that the end of USAID eliminates waste and redirects funds for measurable returns. Many Democrats as well as the American Foreign Service Association condemned the move as unconstitutional and inhumane, and former US presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush lauded the agency and criticized the announcement of closure. The shutdown comes after a Lancet study warned that US foreign assistance cuts could cause over 14 million additional global deaths, including 4.5 million children.


Of the US$120 billion in USAID contracts at the start of January 2025, US$69 billion in programming remains, covering 580 humanitarian, 167 health, 65 economic, and 79 other initiatives. The State Department will now oversee foreign assistance distribution, promising greater accountability and alignment with administration policy. The FBI is set to take over former USAID headquarters in Washington, DC.

News article - The Hill

Sweden reallocates US$177 million to boost support for Ukraine

July 1, 2025 | Sweden | Share this update

On July 1, 2025, the Swedish government has freed up nearly SEK1.7 billion (US$177 million) to strengthen its civilian and humanitarian support to Ukraine and respond to other global humanitarian needs, reprioritizing funds from the 2025 ODA budget, including the phasing-out of development strategies for Afghanistan and the Asia-Pacific region.

The reallocation reflects the government’s commitment to respond flexibly to international crises. Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade Johan Forssell emphasized the need to reinforce support for Ukraine while addressing rising global humanitarian demands.

Since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, Sweden has provided approximately SEK12.8 billion (US$1.3 billion) in civilian and humanitarian support to Ukraine. The newly announced funds will supplement these efforts, ensuring continued assistance amid ongoing conflict and broader international challenges.

Press release - Government Offices of Sweden

Canada backs global financing reform with US$12 million at Seville summit

June 30, 2025 | Canada, Gender Equality | Share this update

On June 30, 2025, Canadian Secretary of State Randeep Sarai announced Canada’s support for new blended finance initiatives totaling US$17 million at the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development.

The pledge included:

  • CAD10 million (US$7 million) for a blended finance accelerator to support gender-responsive investment in emerging markets;
  • CAD5 million (US$4 million) to help developing countries improve domestic resource mobilization in the digital economy; and
  • CAD2 million (US$1 million) to support SDG-aligned national financing strategies with the UNDP.

Canada also endorsed the Sevilla Platform for Action on private capital mobilization.

Press release - Global Affairs Canada

Spain increases Global Fund contribution to US$166 million

June 30, 2025 | Spain, Global Health | Share this update

On June 30, 2025, Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares reaffirmed Spain’s commitment to global health with an increased pledge of EUR145 million (US$166 million) to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria for the 2026–2028 period, at the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development in Seville.

This marks a rise from the previous EUR130 million (US$149 million) contribution, demonstrating Spain’s intent to bolster support amid a global decline in health financing.

Albares emphasized the Global Fund’s role in saving over 65 million lives and its capacity to strengthen health systems in vulnerable regions. He also stressed the importance of sustained multilateral cooperation, particularly in light of warnings from the WHO about reduced global investment in health. Spain’s renewed funding aligns with its broader commitment to inclusive, rights-based international development.

Press release - Ministerio de Asuntos Exteriores, Unión Europea y Cooperación

Canada announces US$9 million to support youth training in Ghana

June 29, 2025 | Canada, Education | Share this update

On June 29, 2025, Canadian Secretary of State Randeep Sarai concluded her visit to Ghana, announcing CAD13 million (US$9 million) in new funding to expand the EMPLOY project, aimed at improving vocational and technical skills training for Ghanaian youth, particularly women.

The initiative supports economic empowerment through education in trades such as solar panel installation and machinery operation. The visit also highlighted Canada’s broader partnerships in climate-smart agriculture, gender equality, and green entrepreneurship.

News article - Global Affairs Canada

Sweden launches US$84 million gender equality, women’s empowerment strategy

June 27, 2025 | Sweden, Gender Equality | Share this update

On June 27, 2025, the Swedish government adopted a new development cooperation strategy for gender equality and the freedom and empowerment of women and girls, with a total budget of SEK800 million (US$84 million) covering the period 2025–2028.

The strategy will be implemented by Sida and targets global, regional, and national levels, with a strong focus on local ownership and rights-based approaches.

The strategy outlines four primary objectives:

  • Combat sexual and gender-based violence and challenge harmful norms;
  • Promote women’s and girls’ economic empowerment and access to equal rights;
  • Strengthen political participation and societal influence of women and girls; and
  • Improve access to disaggregated data for gender-sensitive policy and programming.

Aligned with Sweden’s broader ODA priorities and global frameworks like the EU Gender Action Plan, the strategy emphasizes intersectional analysis, transparency, and collaboration with civil society and the private sector. It is designed to respond to growing global pushback against gender equality.

Press release - Government Office of SwedenGovernment document - Government Offices of Sweden

UNICEF highlights South Korea's US$142 million contribution in 2024

June 26, 2025 | South Korea, Climate | Share this update

On June 26, 2025, UNICEF commended South Korea's contribution to the organization of US$142 million in 2024 despite declining global ODA trends, highlighting their commitment to placing children’s rights as a priority funding area at the 19th Annual Policy Consultation in New York.

Particular focus in the consultation was placed on expanding assistance to Africa. Korea pledged to leverage both financial resources and technical expertise to bolster global child welfare. The consultation also reinforced partnerships in health, climate, AI and tech-enabled development (through the GIGA initiative), and private-sector engagement.

The meeting concluded with the launch of a donor-visibility platform to highlight Korea’s contributions to UNICEF’s mission.

Press release - UNICEF

Germany pledges US$688 million at Gavi replenishment conference

June 25, 2025 | Germany, Global Health | Share this update

On June 25, 2025, German Development Minister Reem Alabali-Radovan announced a EUR600 million (US$688 million) contribution to Gavi to support global immunization through 2030, at Gavi's replenishment conference held in Brussels.

Alabali-Radovan emphasized that investing in vaccine access is both a humanitarian and economic priority, underscoring Germany’s long-standing role in strengthening global health systems. The funding will help immunize hundreds of millions of children and build more resilient healthcare infrastructure in low-income countries.

Press release - BMZ

US cuts Gavi funding, casts uncertainty on future pledges

June 25, 2025 | US, Global Health | Share this update

On June 25, 2025, US Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced via video at Gavi’s pledging conference in Brussels that the US will halt contributions to Gavi until the organization re-earns public trust.


The US previously pledged at least US$1.6 billion to support Gavi from 2026 to 2030, which is now uncertain. The US is one of Gavi’s six founding donors and has contributed US$3.9 billion since 2001, plus US$4 billion to COVAX, making up around 13% of Gavi’s funding.


The Trump administration’s 2026 budget request excludes Gavi funding, citing the organization’s US$7 billion reserve, however, Congress, not the administration, ultimately decides funding for Gavi. Congress did approve US$300 million for 2025, which the administration has proposed to rescind.


Critics argue that ending US support would reverse gains in global vaccination, put millions of children at risk, and damage US credibility in global health. Gavi estimates that without US funding, 75 million children may miss vaccinations and 1.2 million children could die over five years. Gavi has faced shortfalls in its US$11.9 billion budget target for 2026–2030, only securing US$9 billion in pledges at the replenishment event.

News article - ReutersNews article - Devex

German government faces significant ODA cuts in 2025 draft budget

June 24, 2025 | Germany | Share this update

On June 24, 2025, the German government presented the draft 2025 budget which considers reducing its ODA budget as defense spending increases to meet NATO commitments, with ODA expected to drop to EUR10.3 billion (US$11.8 billion), down from EUR11.5 billion (US$13.1 billion) in 2024 and EUR13.8 billion (US$15.8 billion) in 2022.

Meanwhile, Germany plans to raise defense spending to 2.4% of GDP in 2025, exceeding the NATO target. The shift comes amid concerns about future US support under Trump's administration and aims to strengthen European security.

However, humanitarian organizations have raised concerns that these cuts could further undermine Germany’s longstanding commitments to global development and crisis response.

News article - Deutsche Welle

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