London, 28 November 2024 - In response to the UK's pledge to the World Bank’s International Development Association 21st replenishment (IDA21), Richard Watts, Senior Development Finance Adviser at Save the Children, said:
“The UK’s increased pledge to IDA21 is a significant step up in support for children around the world. But against the backdrop of long term cuts to the aid budget, it must not come at the expense of other critical areas.
"Boosting the financial pledge – alongside other governments - and constructive engagement on IDA21 are a down payment on the UK's support for multilateralism and international collaboration. It also signals a welcome ambition for the UK to lean in on the world stage.
“IDA is an essential source of finance for the world’s lowest income countries, with around 800 million children living in IDA recipient countries. However, as this government continues to oversee long term cuts to the UK's aid budget spent overseas, this pledge should not result in stepping back in other vital areas, including other upcoming replenishments and direct support for the world’s most vulnerable children.
“The government should set out a clear path back to spending 0.7% of GNI on aid as part of a wider policy package to substantially scale up appropriate development financing. We hope this commitment is a springboard for others to step up, so that IDA21 reaches its target of $105 bn."
ENDS
With any enquiries please contact Dan Stewart: d.stewart@savethechildren.org.uk / +44 (0)20 3763 0119 / +44 (0) 7950 822494.
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