The UK’s modern development approach

This policy paper sets out how the UK is modernising its approach to international development.

The world has changed dramatically in the last 3 decades. Crises in one part of our increasingly interconnected world affect us all. The UK public, and our partners around the world, need a new approach to international development.

International development remains a central part of UK foreign policy. It reflects both our values and our national interest.

Significant progress has been made on international development this century. But the world has changed, and so must we:

• one in 10 of the world’s population are living in extreme poverty, unable to access basic health, education, water and sanitation, and facing devastating climate impacts
• too many countries are stuck in a vicious cycle of debt, paying more in interest payments than on health and education
• data suggests the world has passed ‘peak aid’. Power is shifting in the global development system as the roles of traditional and emerging partners change, and private and philanthropic partners step up
• nearly half the world’s extreme poor live in fragile and conflict affected states. Wars that rage unresolved do not just cause untold harm to civilians; they radiate instability, undermine the security of neighbouring states, and lead migrants to embark on dangerous journeys

A clear, effective and modern development policy is urgent: to reconnect with our international partners, to drive reform of the multilateral system and to promote local leadership.