Over the last few years, Official Development Assistance (ODA) had followed a slow but steady upward trajectory. Between 2019 and 2023, global ODA—including funding for COVID-19, Ukraine, and refugee responses—grew from US\$171.4 billion to US$228.3 billion. However, in 2024, several key members of the OECD Development Assistance Committee (DAC), such as the United Kingdom, Germany, the Netherlands, and the United States, announced significant cuts to their ODA budgets along with major shifts in strategic priorities.

To help development stakeholders respond to these rapid changes, DevelopmentAid, in collaboration with SEEK Development, hosted the webinar “Cuts and Consequences: Tracking ODA Data for Better Decision-Making.”

This session featured Sinéad Dwyer and Kristin Laub of SEEK Development, who examined ODA market trends and shared practical guidance on how to source and interpret ODA data to make more informed and adaptive decisions. Participants gained insights into how real-time, centralized data from platforms like DevelopmentAid and Donor Tracker can help NGOs, consultancies, and donor agencies stay ahead in a volatile funding environment.

Partner

SEEK Development is a strategic and organizational consulting group that is dedicated to global human development and social impact. The SEEK team supports clients to address the challenges of a dynamic world and to drive lasting systemic change. Guided by the belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to develop to their full potential, SEEK works with clients who take on complex global challenges and focus on projects that deliver wide social benefits. Their mission is to help clients to be as effective as possible and improve the impact of their work.

Key Takeaways

• Understand ODA market dynamics and budget cuts across DAC donors
• Gain a clearer overview of how the proposed cuts will affect different sectors and priorities
• Discover helpful tips on how to source and use the data on ODA cuts for better decision-making