Global aid flows fell sharply in 2024, marking the first decline in official development assistance, or ODA, from major donor countries in half a decade, according to preliminary figures released by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development on Wednesday.
Member countries of the Development Assistance Committee, or DAC, contributed a combined $212.1 billion in ODA last year, representing 0.33% of their collective gross national income. But that total reflects a 7.1% drop in real terms compared to 2023, and ends a streak of steady growth.
The downturn comes amid what experts describe as a recalibration of donor priorities, driven by a sharp decline in funds earmarked for Ukraine, a significant drop in refugee-related costs within donor countries, and reduced humanitarian spending overall.