Norway has initiated a comprehensive review of its international development policy, dubbed “Project Turning Point,” while maintaining its commitment to allocate 1% of its gross national income to foreign aid. The review comes as the global landscape shifts, with changes in aid distribution and international cooperation.
Policy Review and Aid Allocation
Norwegian Minister of Foreign Development, Asmund Aukrust, announced the year-long review will focus on improving efficiency and system reforms, including within the United Nations. Aukrust expressed concerns regarding overlapping mandates among UN agencies and voiced support for the OCHA “humanitarian reset.”
The findings of the review will be detailed in a white paper presented to the Norwegian Parliament in 2027. Within the 2026 aid budget, support for Ukraine remains a key priority, with 15 billion NOK (approximately $1.55 billion USD) allocated to the country.
Increased Focus on Women’s Rights and New Partnerships
Norway’s 2026 aid budget also includes an 80 million NOK (roughly $8.3 million USD) increase dedicated to women’s rights initiatives. Aukrust criticized restrictions on abortion access linked to the United States Agency for International Development debate in the United States.
The country is also seeking to strengthen dialogue with emerging donor nations, with a particular focus on opportunities in Asia, including India, Indonesia, and China. Norwegian aid currently supports numerous projects throughout Southeast Asia, including refugee assistance in Myanmar and mitigation efforts in Indonesia.
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