Stories
September 11, 2020 • 1 min read
COVID-19, climate change and conflicts are creating unprecedented levels of humanitarian need around the world.
GOAL is experiencing this surge of need in all 13 of our countries of operation. There are now real concerns that the effects of the current pandemic will reverse the development gains the global community has been working towards in the effort to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.
International cooperation has never been so desperately needed.
Ireland’s exemplary ODA efforts
GOAL welcomes the commitment in the Programme for Government to maintaining its existing investments in Overseas Development Assistance (ODA) and to striving to reach the target of 0.7% GNI. In the OECD’s 2020 Development Cooperation Peer Review of Ireland, Ireland’s overseas aid is commended as an exemplary effort to leave no-one behind, seeking to achieve the clear targets set by the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Ireland’s recent election to the United Nations Security Council for a two-year term from January 1st 2021 is another testimony to its global influence and an opportunity to grow our global contribution even further at such an important time.
ODA offers Ireland a real opportunity to show leadership on international humanitarian action
While we recognise that Budget 2021 comes at a time of financial uncertainty, the commitment to funding quality humanitarian and development programmes through ODA is needed more than ever. ODA is a vital lifeline for some of the most vulnerable communities across the world and enables people to meet their basic needs and move out of poverty. The call for the world to ‘Leave No-One Behind’ is more relevant than ever and should inform the foundation and principles employed to ensure the recovery is sustainable, putting people at the heart of social and economic development.
You can read GOAL’s full Pre-Budget Submission for Budget 2021 here.
