It’s time to reset the UK’s ambition when it comes to aid – and show we can be a force for good
IRefugee camp in Ethiopia, 9 year old EmineThe deaf one stays at home while the other children go to school. She was attending a small learning center supported by a non-governmental organization (NGO), where a teacher trained in sign language and where Amina had access to a hearing aid. Then one day the funding stopped and the teacher left. Her mother cannot teach her without training or tools, and Amina begins to forget the signs she once knew. His world has become smaller; not because of his disability, but because of his loss of support.
Unfortunately, Amina’s story is not unique. Similar stories are playing out around the world as a result of global aid cuts. This includes the UK, following successive cuts to the UK aid budget. While the current economic climate and cost of living crisis is undoubtedly a critical factor, we cannot abdicate our responsibilities as a reliable and trustworthy global partner.
Global partnerships are at the heart of my work in parliament. This year, I had the privilege of visiting Nairobi, Kenya, to meet healthcare professionals, community leaders, and organizations that provide vital eye care services. During these visits, I saw firsthand the impact of long-term international partnerships that restore vision, improve educational outcomes, and create opportunities for individuals and communities to thrive. We also had important conversations about how countries can work together as equal partners to deliver lasting change in eye health.
Additionally, as patron of Able Child Africa in my constituency of Battersea, I have had the opportunity to see first-hand the impact of working with local organizations providing essential support to disabled children and young people across Africa. Their work educates, supports and empowers voices. But cuts to the UK’s aid budget threaten the sustainability of programs like this, putting years of progress at risk and potentially affecting thousands of disabled children.
What these visits and partnerships reinforce is the power of international cooperation. In an increasingly unstable world, our ability to work together across borders is more important than ever.
In a changing global environment, we cannot ignore the importance of UK aid as a tool to prevent conflict, fight poverty, combat hunger and protect us against future pandemics. UK aid is an investment in global security.
That’s why the upcoming G20 summit, hosted by the UK next year, is the perfect opportunity for the new prime minister to reset our ambitions and show our partners in the G20 and beyond that the UK is ready to be a force for good on the world stage once again.
The G20 presidency offers a rare opportunity to promote meaningful reforms to the global financial system that too often leaves low-income countries mired in debt and unable to invest in basic public services. Unfortunately, 32 African countries spend more on external debt payments to private creditors, including wealthy banks and hedge funds, than they spend on their own health and education systems.
This is not true, and those who are most affected by this situation are the most marginalized, especially women, children and the disabled. Fairness, partnership and shared prosperity must be at the center of the international agenda. At the G20, we have the chance to take decisive action to tackle the global debt crisis, protect what’s left of the UK’s aid budget and commit to ensuring the international system works for everyone.
The British people want to see a government that champions justice and equality both at home and abroad. A government that works collaboratively with other countries to prevent conflict, fight poverty and lead on climate action. A government that builds true partnerships with other countries based on mutual respect.
Marsha de Cordova, Labor MP for Battersea
This article was produced as part of The Independent. Rethinking Global Aid project
