The Foreign Desk The case for foreign aid
Dec 21, 2024
Mark Lowcock, former Permanent Secretary of the DFID, Andrew Mitchell, Conservative MP and former Secretary of State for International Development, and Kathryn Nwajiaku-Dahou, governance expert at ODI, dive into the complexities of foreign aid. They discuss its moral imperatives and how aid has historically reduced poverty and fostered development. The trio argues for a shift in perspective: viewing foreign aid as a strategic investment in global stability. They also explore innovative solutions to migration and the importance of international cooperation amidst growing challenges.
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DFID Success Stories
- DFID funded 250 million immunizations, saving 4 million lives.
- They also funded the development of mobile money transfers in Kenya.
Justifying Foreign Aid
- Politicians often justify foreign aid by emphasizing moral obligations and national interests.
- These interests include addressing global problems like pandemics.
Claire Short's Impact
- Claire Short prioritized reducing extreme global poverty during her time as Secretary of State.
- DFID, under her leadership, oversaw significant improvements in the lives of the poorest people.