According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, Norway spent a total of 0.93 percent of its Gross National Income (GNI) in 2012. This amounts to some USD 4.8 billion.
The Development Assistance Committee (DAC) praised Norway and its ongoing commitment to aid. They stated that its economic growth could lead to an increase in aid in future.
“Norway focuses on global issues that are important for the country and for the international role it plays, such as peace-building, climate change and global health,” said Vice DAC Chair Ana Paula Fernandes in a statement.
“This enables Norway to punch above its weight on the global stage, and we commend Norway’s commitment to leading the way in these critical and challenging areas,” she continued.
However, the report revealed that almost half the funds set aside for climate and forest initiatives had remained unspent. This was due to problems within partner countries, or because of the lack of analysis on whether projects are feasible before they are launched.
The DAC also pointed out that Norway was focused on reducing poverty, but their projects aimed at energy and the environment mean the aid amount given to the least-developed countries has decreased slightly.
Several recommendations for Norway to improve its process of providing aid are listed in the DAC’s report.
These include suggestions that white papers should set out policies for its aid, and to continue its improvement of cooperation between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and NORAD (Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation).
Rintaro Tamaki, OECD Deputy Secretary-General, presented the Peer Review to Norwegian Foreign Minister Børge Brende in Oslo, Monday.
“We appreciate the positive feedback, but the most important thing is that we take note of the recommended areas for improvement, and make constructive use of the OECD’s recommendations,” the Foreign Minister said.
“Norway provides substantial amounts of aid and will continue to do so, but the report tells us that this is not enough. It is not just the volume of aid that counts; it is also the effect of the aid and the results it gives.”
“We must become more adept at clearly specifying expected results, and at carrying out systematic evaluations. It is essential that we follow up the aid we give properly if we are to achieve the best possible results,” concluded Foreign Minister Brende.
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