Latest news with #OverseasDevelopmentAssistance
NDTV
4 days ago
- Business
- NDTV
Delhi, South Korea Discuss Clean Energy, Air Quality Projects
New Delhi: Delhi's Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa met a senior delegation from the South Korea's Environmental Industry Association (KEIA) at the Delhi Secretariat to explore green industry cooperation between the two countries. The meeting focussed on potential projects under Seoul's Overseas Development Assistance (ODA) programme to support Delhi's ambitious green goals. The delegation comprised Park Jeong Wook, Deputy Director, International Cooperation Bureau - Global Green Project Team; Choi Jina, Secretary General, KEIA; and Im Su Hyun from KEIA's Planning & Coordination Team. Key Discussions In The Meeting Exploring joint pilot projects for effective monitoring and improving air quality in the capital During the meeting, KEIA presented a detailed catalogue of Korean environmental technologies spanning hydrogen energy, upcycling, pollution control systems, and digital environmental management. The delegation expressed readiness to work with the Delhi government on pilot projects and joint knowledge-sharing platforms. The delegation also expressed the intent to work with government departments and agencies on technology pilot projects, public awareness programmes, and technical assistance under their global ODA platform. "We are particularly encouraged by KEIA's willingness to collaborate on research partnerships and knowledge sharing. Their model of government-industry-academia synergy aligns well with Delhi's integrated approach toward green governance and can significantly help us in monitoring and improving Delhi's air quality," Mr Sirsa said. Korea-India Environmental Innovation Forum in Delhi Both sides discussed the potential for organising a Korea-India Environmental Innovation Forum in Delhi - a platform that would bring together Korean technology providers, Indian urban bodies, and global experts to drive joint environmental solutions. Mr Sirsa said, "Delhi is actively implementing Asia's most forward-looking environmental action plan. Our efforts are focused on reducing industrial emissions, strengthening circular economy models, and building climate-resilient infrastructure. This interaction with KEIA opens a window to bring proven Korean green technologies to India's capital. Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the dynamic guidance of Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, we are committed to making Delhi a model for sustainable urban development in the Global South." This engagement marks a key milestone in Delhi's growing portfolio of international partnerships that can play a pivotal role in improving air quality, reducing industrial pollution, and fostering climate resilience.
Hindustan Times
5 days ago
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Delhi govt, South Korea discuss green projects
Delhi environment minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa on Monday met a delegation from South Korea's Korea Environmental Industry Association (KEIA) and discussed possibilities of pilot projects in the Capital on hydrogen mobility, smart pollution monitoring, and cooperation for effective monitoring and improving air quality. Officials said the meeting aimed at exploring green industry cooperation between India and South Korea. 'It focused on potential projects under the Korea's Overseas Development Assistance (ODA) programme to support Delhi's ambitious green goals. The minister also discussed Delhi's Green Action Plan,' said an official aware of the matter. The government and the South Korean delegation also discussed the potential for organising a South Korea–India Environmental Innovation Forum in Delhi, a platform that would bring together South Korean technology providers, Indian urban bodies, and global experts to drive joint environmental solutions. A Delhi government statement said that the discussions included hydrogen technologies, air quality, upcycling, circular economy, pollution control systems, and institutional research partnerships which were being implemented in the Capital. 'Delhi is actively implementing Asia's most forward-looking environmental action plan. Our efforts are focused on reducing industrial emissions, strengthening circular economy models, and building climate-resilient infrastructure. This interaction with KEIA opens a window to bring proven South Korean green technologies to India's capital… we are committed to making Delhi a model for sustainable urban development in the Global South,' the statement said. During the meeting, KEIA presented a detailed catalogue of South Korean environmental technologies. Officials said that the delegation also expressed readiness to work with Delhi government departments and agencies on possible pilots.
The Independent
06-06-2025
- Business
- The Independent
Global aid cuts are a massive wake-up call. It's time to give Africa a bigger voice
In less than a month, Seville will host the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development in a climate of uncertainty following the abrupt decision by the US to dismantle its aid programmes. But Washington is not alone in this posture. The European Union agreed to reallocate €2 billion (£1.7bn) reallocation from development budgets in February 2024 —and many individual European countries have made cuts to their aid budget. It is a clear signal that the landscape of Overseas Development Assistance (ODA) is shifting. For Africa, this isn't just a reshuffle, it is a wake-up call for deep reflection and action: will we adapt, or will aid simply become a relic of the past? The timing is bad, the rationale questionable, and the ripple effects threaten to impact the lives and health of millions depending on aid programmes. Let's be honest: aid has had a mixed impact. The spectrum of aid's legacy in Africa, including my country, Guinea, runs from positive to disastrous. On the positive side, aid has contributed to infrastructure development – I'm thinking for instance about a project in northwest Guinea to replace an old ferry with a new road and bridge. During a visit, a cunning minister of public works convinced a skeptical partner to go on a very 'special' field trip via the old route, one that left a senior official so sore and tired that all doubters saw the project's true necessity. Once it was completed, traffic soared, proof that aid can work when it's aligned with real needs. But aid can fall flat. When I was serving as minister of finance, I led efforts to curb directly awarded contracts and boost transparency following an audit of public procurement procedures. The goal was to improve the quality and cost-effectiveness of public spending. But some donors were not willing to support this effort. I deplored one particular partner's failure to listen and, above all, a stubborn insistence on taking us backwards by ignoring our analysis. I said no to the help on offer. It was hard but necessary. Aid must serve the real priorities, not satisfy bureaucratic checkboxes. In a recent discussion with the director of an incubator to help small and medium-sized businesses grow – funded by a government donor – I was struck by the emergence of shortcomings I thought belonged to the past. These included a laziness to question one's own model for delivering results, despite warnings about the risks of inefficiency. We also see a narrow focus on so-called "easily accessible" geographic areas, such as capitals, and on disbursements. Aid, in many cases, has helped sustain corrupt elites or fostered unhealthy alliances with public administrations – perpetuating dependency rather than solving problems. When I look back on my own experience in development – a journey close to an out-of-body experience for an African – I realise we are at a critical juncture. It's the moment to question the very foundations of aid institutions inherited from the post-colonial era. Despite some positive reforms, such as untying aid, the core premise remains unequal. It is predominantly driven by the donors, with African countries still being passive recipients rather than active partners. How can this be changed? Change starts with listening. The 'receiving hand' is not dumb and has ideas. It knows its needs. Recipient countries, especially in Africa, must be at the centre of the discussions. Conversations largely driven by donors are a recipe for failure. Furthermore, African organisations and think-tanks must be active players. Decolonising aid must be more than just a buzzword. We are making progress, but it must be accelerated. We continue to see consultancies denied opportunities due to insufficient financial strength – despite their thorough knowledge of the field. It also means better coordination between donors. You would think this is obvious, and yet despite witnessing many innovative and pragmatic approaches, I still see some partners continue to burden governments' limited capacities by each imposing their own distinct systems and reporting requirements. This ends up being a distraction. Recipient governments are key and are the only ones who should replace any donor. I believe the cuts could be an opportunity to make fiscal compromises that (finally) prioritise the necessary and the productive over the superfluous and the personal gain of some actors. Aid must be used strategically and selectively. It should foster technical cooperation for Africa's economic transformation, its integration higher in global value chains. Aid should be a catalyst to reform the global financial architecture by leveraging innovation and the capital needed to finance our massive infrastructure programmes. It must be an instrument for the Africa Union's theme of the year: "Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations'. It's time to make sure those people are at the table, and their voices are listened to.
Scoop
22-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Budget ‘25 Cuts To Foreign Aid And Climate Finance A Short-Sighted Move
World Vision New Zealand is disappointed that Budget '25 has cut the country's contribution to foreign aid and climate finance and says children will suffer as a result. The Finance Minister Hon. Nicola Willis' Budget '25 has cut foreign aid and climate finance by more than 11% to less than one quarter of one percent (just 0.24%) of Gross National Income. The biggest cut is to the government's commitment to climate finance, which has been halved for 2026. World Vision New Zealand's National Director, Grant Bayldon, says the lack of commitment to climate finance is devastating. He says the government has missed a critical opportunity to invest in the Pacific region to ensure it is strong and thriving. 'New Zealand made a clear commitment under the Paris Agreement to support people in the world's most vulnerable countries to adapt to climate change. Many of them are our Pacific neighbours, where children are already facing the devastating impact of climate change. We promised to stand with them – now we're pulling back. 'Today's Budget was a chance to do our part in the Pacific region to address poverty and provide support for climate resilience programmes to help address the escalating humanitarian impacts of climate change. 'Sadly, we have seen this Government turn its back on the Pacific region and in doing so, it has overlooked the urgent needs of Pacific communities, which continue to bear the brunt of climate shocks. The region, including New Zealand, will pay the price for this neglect for years to come,' Bayldon says. Bayldon says climate finance in the Pacific means investment in practical things such as initiatives to protect communities from rising seas, improvements to ensure safer water, and the introduction of climate-smart food production — real solutions that help families stay safe and children thrive in the face of climate chaos. He says the cuts are out of step with the New Zealand public. A 2024 poll commissioned by the Ministry for the Environment found that 74% of New Zealanders say meeting our 2030 climate target is important. He says humanitarian needs are growing around the world and the government's cuts to Overseas Development Assistance and Climate Finance will only exacerbate that suffering. 'We are living in an uncertain world in which conflict, displacement, and hunger are ever-growing problems. What we need now is for countries like New Zealand to demonstrate leadership, empathy, and compassion and commit to investing in foreign aid and climate finance. 'Today's announcement sends the wrong message to our Pacific neighbours at a critical time, and it would be no surprise if they turn elsewhere for help and support. Children and families in the Pacific deserve better, and we urge the government to reconsider its stance,' Bayldon says.
The National
26-03-2025
- Business
- The National
How laser weapons will be fast-tracked for UK warships in controversial Spring Statement
Britain will rush ahead with fitting laser weapons on to warships as part of an additional £2.2 billion for defence but at the cost of the overseas aid budget, the Chancellor Rachel Reeves will announce on Wednesday. In an increasingly unstable world, Ms Reeves will make a fiscal statement that will include budget cuts while also announcing further investment in the country's defences. The Treasury disclosed that some of the extra military funding will come from the overseas development budget that was last month slashed from 0.5 to 0.3 per cent of GDP. But former Conservative development secretary Andrew Mitchell said that he was 'horrified' at the aid cuts and warned of a 'belt of terrorism' that could stretch across sub-Sahara Africa as a result. However, the government will argue that those harsh cuts are necessary to ensure that Britain can defend itself from the growing Russian threat and global conflict. Part of Ms Reeves' proposed 'decade of national renewal' for Britain will be putting advanced weaponry in the hands of its military because the country had to 'move quickly in a changing world', she will say. The money will be invested in advanced technologies so that Britain's armed forces 'have the tools they need to compete and win in modern warfare', the Treasury said. That included a guaranteed investment to fit Royal Navy warships with 'directed energy weapons' by 2027. The lasers can allegedly hit a £1 coin from one kilometre away and take down drones at a range of 5km. 'Our task is to secure Britain's future in a world that is changing before our eyes,' Ms Reeves will say. 'But we have to move quickly in a changing word and that starts with investment.' The military's money comes from the Treasury reserve and the cuts to the Overseas Development Assistance (ODA) budget, so will not require additional borrowing maintaining 'the Chancellor's ironclad fiscal rule', her department said. But that raid on the overseas aid was described as a 'such an error of judgment', by Mr Mitchell, with the cuts demonstrating the government had a 'misunderstanding of the huge national interest benefit of overseas development'. Alongside massive reductions in US Agency for International Development, Britain's cut will mean that the allies 'vacate the territory' which could be replaced by Russians or Chinese but also terror groups. It could generate a 'belt of misery' stretching from 'the terrible things that have been happening in northern Nigeria' through the Central African Republic, Mali, across to Somalia and even Yemen, Mr Mitchell told the International Development Committee. 'A belt of misery where there are four or five different terrorist movements in operation,' he warned. 'This whole thing will be a rich recruiting ground for terrorism.' The government had said it would wait for two years before introducing the overseas aid reduction, something Mr Mitchell stated was a 'harsh lesson' learnt from when the Conservatives immediately introduced the first cut from 0.7 per cent three years ago. But it appeared from the Treasury briefing that the defence money would be taken immediately. Mr Mitchell lamented that when Britain had stuck to the 0.7 per cent of GDP for ODA money, an internationally agreed figure, that made it a 'development superpower', assisting in 'the fastest decline in international poverty in human history' that lasted from 1990 to 2020. One way of lessening the blow would be to find 'multipliers for money', Mr Mitchell suggested. 'If, for example, we and the UAE or the Saudis, agree together to pursue tackling starvation in Somalia and we each put in $25 million then we are getting two for one for our taxpayers. There's quite a lot of that sort of thing that we should be doing.'
