Australia recognised as global leader in development

Australia’s role as a leading development partner in the Indo-Pacific region has been recognised in the Centre for Global Development’s 2021 Commitment to Development Index.

Minister for International Development and the Pacific Zed Seselja said Australia’s commitment to supporting development was highlighted, ranking fourth out of 40 advanced economies in the 2021 index.

“Today’s rankings are a resounding endorsement of Australia’s commitment to supporting development. Australians can be proud that our development program, alongside effective trade, investment, health and technology cooperation, is making a positive impact on the lives of people in our region,” Minister Seselja said.

“Technology is a driving force for development, and Australia’s record in partnering with developing nations to access technological advances through research collaboration and tertiary scholarships is recognised as world-leading, taking out the top ranking for technology.”

“We know business-led growth is key to economic recovery, at home and in our region. Australia’s commitment to a free, open and rules-based trading system has also been recognised with our trade policy ranked second globally on its contribution to development.”

“Australia ranked fourth on health overall and joint first on pandemic preparedness, demonstrating that our strong domestic policies contribute to the health of our region. Our long-standing development program, and this Government’s establishment of the Indo-Pacific Centre for Health Security, have been major assets in our ability to help our region respond to COVID-19.”

“This year Australia is delivering a record $1.7 billion in development assistance to the Pacific, in addition to sharing 15 million vaccine doses with the Pacific and 20 million doses with our region by mid-2022.”

“The health, security, and prosperity of our region is closely linked to that of our own, and Australia will continue to partner closely with our region in advancing development and pursuing our shared goals,” Minister Seselja said.

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