UK aid in a changing world: implications for ICAI
This paper explores the changing context for UK aid in 2015, following the introduction of the Global Goals and the launch of the new five-year UK aid strategy, and the implications for ICAI’s mandate to provide independent scrutiny of the aid programme.
Summary
The global development landscape is changing fast. In 2015, a series of major international events began reshaping the policy agenda for the years to come. Alongside commitments on climate change and development finance, the Global Goals have been adopted, providing a new, universal charter for development. In the UK, the government has set out a global strategy for the UK aid programme, while the Department for International Development (DFID) has launched a series of strategic reviews to ensure that it is ready for the challenges ahead.
This paper explores emerging global trends in international development, and considers the potential challenges for UK aid. It then reflects on how this analysis helped ICAI shape a strategic and relevant review programme, for the period 2016-19.