Joe Cerrell, Director European Office, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
March 21, 2012
For nearly four decades, the Netherlands has shown tremendous solidarity with the world’s poor, leading the world in generosity. By meeting – and at times exceeding – the international development aid target of 0.7% of Gross National Product (GNP), the Dutch people have set an example for other donor countries about how to support the development of poorer nations around the world. And despite the strain of recent economic decline, the Netherlands has continued to keep its promises.
A report by Seek Development published yesterday, provides an insightful analysis of the Netherlands’ changing aid approach in recent years. The Dutch have made a number of reforms to increase the impact of their aid, such as building partnerships with the private sector and emphasizing the self-reliance of recipient countries. The number of countries supported through bilateral aid has been reduced to concentrate resources where they can do the most good by meeting the most urgent needs. This means that every Euro spent on aid today goes even further.
Also listen here to Bill Gates his exclusive interview with Dutch radio on March 23st (Audio in English).