We have four years left to achieve the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and only 17% of them are on track. If we are to achieve the SDGs, Official Development Assistance (ODA) must improve in scale and quality, and young leaders must hold donor nations accountable for not reaching their targets.
What is Official Development Assistance?
Official Development Assistance (ODA) is financial aid from official providers to low and middle-income countries, or countries in crisis. It is used to advance developments in areas such as health, sanitation, education, and infrastructure.
In 1970, most countries agreed on a United Nations target of dedicating 0.7% of national income to aid. In 2005 and 2015, European Union countries recommitted to this target. As of 2024, however, only five countries, Norway, Luxembourg, Sweden, Germany, and Denmark, have succeeded in reaching 0.7%, and in 2022, ODA decreased by 2% for developing regions, affecting over 70 countries and almost three billion people.
Putting young leaders at the forefront of ODA discussions
Young people are not the leaders of the future; they are the leaders of today, which is why it is essential that they not only understand the importance of ODA but are at the forefront of discussions about it.
The One Young World Academy series on ODA, supported by The Gates Foundation, has equipped 1,000 young leaders with a foundation of knowledge on ODA. Through online sessions led by renowned world leaders and industry experts, such as Michael Møller, Former Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations, these young leaders have been given the tools and real-life case studies to understand how crucial ODA is in building a more sustainable and equitable world.
"The ODA Academy Series was more than a learning experience; it was a call to action," says Sheina Pribadi, social entrepreneur, sustainability advocate, and media champion.
All participants who completed the Academy received a Credly certification, and five media champions were selected to speak on global media outlets about the significance of ODA in the current political and economic climate. Here are five key takeaways our media champions want you to know about ODA.
ODA must support community-driven solutions
In Nigeria, ODA-funded programmes have had life-changing successes. The Global Fund has helped reduce AIDS-related deaths by 35% since 2010 by improving access to antiretroviral therapies. Vaccination campaigns supported by Gavi helped Nigeria be declared polio-free in August 2020. Our Ambassador Dr. Babatunde Enoch Adewumi is building on these ODA-funded successes with local solutions through his organisation Quinta Health.
Quinta Health is a medical outreach organisation committed to bridging the gap in healthcare delivery for underserved communities across Nigeria. Since 2017, Babatunde and his team have screened over 8,600 women for breast and cervical cancer, establishing mobile health clinics so that women in rural communities can access the healthcare they need.
“The ODA Academy emphasised a principle that I deeply believe in. Sustainable development happens when communities take ownership of their solutions. Aid should not create dependency, aid should ensure that people build on what they have and work on a solution for themselves.”
ODA is about people
“Impact isn’t enough without stories,” notes Sheina Pribad, “the Academy taught me that stories inspire action and show ODAs significance, like South Korea’s rise from aid recipient to donor. These narratives rebuild trust and remind us why aid matters"
Sheina is a social entrepreneur, sustainability advocate, and founder of 999 Stunting Club. Through nutritional workshops, free ultrasound check-ups, and storytelling techniques, such as documentaries and books, Sheina is raising awareness about childhood stunting in Indonesia.
“Moving forward we have to strengthen public support through storytelling, sharing stories that show ODA's transformative power.”
Whilst ODA evolves, low-income countries must explore alternative routes for income generation
Shifts in the global economic landscape, such as slowing economic growth and rising inflation, are putting pressure on aid budgets that are already falling short of the SDG 17 aid target. For low-income countries, this lack of financial aid is detrimental, which is why they must explore alternative routes of income. “I would like to think that it’s not necessarily giving up on ODA, but giving ODA time to work on itself,” explains Mamuch Bey. “This will mean that when the international aid comes in it’s going to be improving current systems for low-income countries rather than changing their reality.”
Mamuch is the project lead for refugee-led organisation TEDI Africa, where he empowers marginalised communities through education, technology, and entrepreneurship. “At TEDI Africa, we empower youth, young mothers, and women to co-create replicable and sustainable solutions to build better livelihoods for themselves.”
ODA transforms challenges into opportunities
In 2023, ODA to African countries totalled over $59 billion. “Africa is often viewed through a lens of dependency,” notes Mary Yvonne Ododah, “but the truth is that our continent is rich with potential. From innovative solutions like mobile banking to renewable energy projects, Africans are demonstrating resilience and creativity.”
Mary is a development specialist and peacebuilder. She currently leads Nuru Trust Network, a Kenyan organisation creating opportunities for marginalised communities across Sub-Saharan Africa by bridging the digital divide, improving access to quality education, and fostering economic empowerment, for women and youth.
“ODA, when strategically deployed, amplifies ingenuity,” Mary says, “by investing in education, peacebuilding, and women's empowerment, ODA transforms challenges into opportunities and lays the groundwork for self-sufficiency.”
Young leaders' voices must be heard in ODA discussions
If we are to achieve the SDG 17 aid target, we must listen to the voices of young leaders. “We have fresh perspectives, new ideas, and a lot of energy to tackle this,” comments Isaac Searle. “We can build movements in a new way in the digital age, and demonstrate why social justice and ODA are so important, particularly to the younger generation.”
Isaac is a social sciences student with a passion for global governance, development, and diplomacy. He has a wide range of experience delivering youth projects and initiatives at local, national, and international levels.
“As a Media Champion, I look forward to advocating for sustainable development funding and sharing insights on how we can revitalise international aid for greater impact. I’m excited to work with a great team of young leaders to amplify this crucial message.”
Get involved with The One Young World Academy
The One Young World Academy is a globally recognised e-learning platform designed to empower young leaders to make an impact.
If you are a young leader wanting to level up your skills, keep an eye out for more fully-funded Academy courses on our website and social media channels.
If you would like to host a One Young World Academy session, get in touch: [email protected]