Tag Archive for: United Kingdom

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What is DFID?

uk-department-for-international-development
DFID is the Department for International Development.  Set up in 1997, DFID leads the UK government’s fight against world poverty. They are responsible for the implementation of long-term programs to help stop the underlying causes of poverty and to respond to humanitarian emergencies.

DFID is a ministerial department that is supported by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK and the Independent Commission for Aid Impact. The department is responsible for honoring the UK’s international commitments and taking action on the Millennium Development Goals. These include: targeting international development policy on economic growth and wealth creation, improving international development coherence and performance in fragile and conflict-affected countries, improving conditions for women and girls, including, education, family planning and violence prevention, and finally, working to prevent climate change.

DFID has prioritized several goals to create the most effective aid organization possible. These priorities include education, health, economic growth and the private sector, governance and conflict, climate and the environment, and water and sanitation. Many of their goals within the individual categories closely align with those outlined in the United Nation’s Millennium Development Goals.  DFID is a state-funded department, which accepts applications for various aid programs.

DFID works in 29 countries across Asia, Africa and the Middle East. They are working with international organizations and the governments of poorer countries to help end poverty. They are taking action to mitigate climate change, help developing countries’ economies grow and countering weapons. They expel a great deal of energy working to create stability in the developing world as well as fight corruption, forcing countries to become more transparent and accountable. DFID also understands that children in developing countries need improved access to education, health services, and sanitation, and they are implementing programs in many countries to improve these standards.

DFID is headed by three ministers. Justine Greening serves as the Secretary of State for International Development, Alan Duncan serves as the Minister of State for International Development and Lynne Featherstone serves as the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for International Development.

-Caitlin Zusy
Source: Gov.uk

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UK Cuts Aid to South Africa

u.k. south africa foreign aid end development
The U.K. International Development Secretary, Justine Greening, announced the U.K. will stop giving direct aid to South Africa in 2015. Currently, the U.K. gives South Africa £19 million or $29.5 million or 250,000 Rands a year. Greening commented on South Africa’s momentous progress that has been made over the past twenty years, emphasizing that it is the economic powerhouse of its continent and serves as the area’s biggest trading partner to Britain, adding that, “I have agreed with my South African counterparts that South Africa is now in a position to fund its own development.”

However, the South Africa African Department of International Relations and Co-operation described the decision as being made “unilaterally” and stated that the aid was “tantamount to redefining our relationship.” The Department further criticized the decision because it was not made through the proper diplomatic channels.

Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan said of Greening’s statement that he does not condone Britain’s decision to reduce aid, as was claimed by Secretary Greening. He also stated that statements and facts surrounding the decision were “deliberately distorted.”

– Essee Oruma

Sources: allAfrica
Photo: The Guardian

International Cooperation: UAE and UK

UAEUK

The Minister of Development and International Co-operation (UAE), Lubna Al Qasimi, met with the Chief Minister of Island of Jersey, Senator Ian Gorst yesterday. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss international developmental and humanitarian actions and to boost cooperation between the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom. According to Shaikha Lubna, the UAE is trying to “align their points of view, in order to enhance the development and humanitarian efforts globally in the underprivileged countries.”

The contributions made by the UAE has allowed it to advance its rank globally in its achievement of developmental and humanitarian aid; thus, the UAE’s acquirement of the 16th rank pushes donors to raise their efforts in supporting developing countries. Senator Ian Gorst examined the “potential cooperation opportunities with UAE” and highlighted the projects and the mechanisms as to how these international development programs will be handled. The Senator went on to commend the UAE’s expertise in international development and the humanitarian standpoint. He applauded the successful efforts of the UAE in delivering aid and assistance to “affected people of man-made crises, such as in wars, food deficiencies, drought, poverty, in accordance with the directions and estimations of the international institutions.”

– Leen Abdallah
Source: Khaleej Times
Photo: UAE Interact