Expert Council: Development cooperation is an important foreign policy tool

She emphasised that Slovenia, as a small country and donor, cannot demonstrate its excellence through the scale of its funding, but it can do so through certain niche topics, effective operations and the right approach.

During the meeting led by Minister Fajon, the Expert Council discussed the Republic of Slovenia’s activities in the field of development cooperation and humanitarian aid for the period 2022–2026, as well as progress made on official development assistance (ODA) tools during the current government’s term.

Members of the Expert Council were informed of the current and projected trends in Slovenia’s ODA. These indicate that, over the past four years, Slovenia has consolidated its role as a reliable donor, with an ODA level that has remained relatively stable at between 0.24 and 0.22 per cent of gross national income (GNI) – equivalent to approximately EUR 150 million annually in nominal terms.

Members also discussed the update of the Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Aid Strategy of the Republic of Slovenia until 2030, as well as possible revisions of the geographical and thematic priorities of development cooperation and humanitarian aid, in light of changing development and humanitarian needs and on the basis of successful existing development partnerships.

As an advisory body to the Minister, the Expert Council consists of representatives of non-governmental organisations, development cooperation and humanitarian aid providers, experts, academics and government department representatives.