…unlocking poor people’s ability to work their own way out of poverty
“W
e are now at a crossroads. On the one side, is politically motivated or ineffective aid – much of 
which still exists today. On the other, and looking to the future, is aid fit for the 21st century. Twenty-first century aid is liberated from rich countries’ political incentives and is targeted at delivering outcomes in poverty reduction.
Twenty-first century aid innovates and catalyses developing country economies, and is given in increasing amounts directly to government budgets to help them support small-holder farmers, build vital infrastructure, and provide essential public services for all, such as health care and education.
Twenty-first century aid is transparent and predictable. It empowers citizens to hold governments to account, and helps them take part in decisions that affect their lives. In recent years we have seen more of this good 21st century aid but we need to see a lot more still, and soon.”
From an Oxfam UK briefing paper – download a summary of the paper here.