By many estimations, last year was the worst the United Kingdom’s development sector has ever endured. The government’s aid budget cuts saw programs decimated and relationships with the government plummet, along with finances. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office’s first year was described as one of “upheaval and crisis.” As 2022 begins, Devex explores the key issues ahead.
The coming year is widely expected to be another one of febrile politics in the United Kingdom, and internationally. With Foreign Secretary Liz Truss emerging strongly and increasingly publicly as a contender to replace Prime Minister Boris Johnson, her days leading FCDO may be numbered.
Truss’ position matters because, as foreign secretary, she retains the overall responsibility for development and humanitarian policy — at a time when needs are growing, but so are competing international agendas. In December, she also took on the brief for the fiendishly difficult and politically sensitive Brexit negotiations.