2025 saw a massive drop in Official Development Assistance (ODA) of almost a quarter and the OECD projects a further drop of 6.9% in 2026. This will mark the third consecutive year of decline, bringing ODA to its lowest level since 2014.
Yet more challenges plague the ODA system than just declining investments. The whole system faces critiques from multiple sides. Some say it is an outdated colonial legacy that serves few in the Global Majority World. Many in Global Minority countries say funds could be better spent at home.
This summary document explores the following themes:
- What would a system that is more democratic, more equal, and more effective look like (with Global Majority governments setting the agenda)?
- How can those affected by core challenges drive the implementation of solutions?
- How do we engage multiple instruments beyond ODA, including trade, investment, private finance, to achieve a more coherent system?
- How can the multilateral system be rebuilt for our current era?
- How can new forms of financing be mobilized?
