Statement in response to Secretary of State for International Development comments on ODA definition and administration

Appearing in front of the International Development Committee, the secretary of state for international development spoke about the definition and administration of Official Development Assistance (ODA).

Claire Godfrey, head of policy and campaigns, of Bond, the UK’s network of International Development NGOs, said:

“We welcome the secretary of state for international development’s comments today confirming that the 30% target for Official Development Assistance (ODA) spent by other government departments is not set in stone, and that ODA will only be spent by those who ensure that 0.7% is not just “spent well, but couldn’t be better spent”.

The majority of UK aid is spent well; investing in girls’ education, tackling malaria, saving the lives of people living in war zones. The British public should feel incredibly proud of this. However, as more ODA is increasingly spent outside of DFID, a world leader in effectively reducing poverty, we need to ensure the world’s poorest people remain at the heart of how ODA is invested. Bond and our members would welcome the opportunity to work with the Secretary of State to ensure this happens.”

ENDS
Notes to Editor
1. Bond is the UK network for organisations working in international development. Bond unites and supports a diverse network of over 450 civil society organisations and allies to help eradicate global poverty, inequality and injustice.
2. For further information please contact Maryam Mohsin, [email protected] or 07555 336029