Finally 1% of GNI to international development

For the first time, Norway is allocating 1% of its GNI to international development cooperation. “This is a major victory for the world’s poor,” commented Minister of the Environment and International Development Erik Solheim.

In the budget for 2009, the Government proposes an allocation of NOK 26.2 billion for international development cooperation. This is an increase of NOK 3.9 billion compared with 2008. Norway has thus, for the first time, reached its target of providing 1% of gross national income (GNI) for development. 

“Now we have set a precedent for future governments. At the same time as we are increasing the allocation to 1%, we are focusing sharply on how development efforts can become more effective. We are promoting private investments, peace efforts, and the fight against corruption and illegal capital flight, and supporting sound management of natural resources,” said Mr Solheim. 

The Government has allocated a total of nearly NOK 90 billion for international development cooperation during its term in office, and has increased the international development budget by more than NOK 9.5 billion since 2005. The target of 1% of GNI was set in the Government’s policy platform and is now being met at a time when the financial crisis has increased fears that there will be less money available for development and environmental efforts. 

“We are setting an example that will be noticed internationally. Norway and Sweden are the only two countries in the world that allocate such a large share of their income to help the world’s poor,” Mr Solheim pointed out. 

The budget includes a historically strong focus on climate-related development efforts. 

“It is the poor who will be hardest hit by climate change. Successful environmental efforts will not be possible without development for the world’s poorest,” Mr Solheim added.

Press contact: Head of Information Trond Viken, mobile tel.: +47 992 18 303 or the duty press officer, mobile tel.: +47 913 95 000.