Ireland has pledged €100 million to support foreign non-governmental organisations (NGOs) that run programmes promoting health and nutrition, gender equality, education, climate action, and food systems development, according to a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The funding will be channelled through the Irish Aid programme and will support projects run by 10 ten Irish NGOs operating across Africa, Asia, Latin America the Middle East, and Oceania, with a focus on empowering local partners and communities. Beneficiaries include well-known aid groups such as Concern Worldwide, Trócaire, GOAL, Oxfam Ireland, and World Vision Ireland.
The announcement comes amid a shift in international aid policies, with the new U.S. administration cutting significant funding to foreign NGOs through USAID, arguing that many organisations fail to meet its standards for effectiveness and accountability.
The Irish government, however, said it remains committed to international aid, stressing that the funding will strengthen Ireland’s development and humanitarian engagement at a time when armed conflicts, humanitarian crises, climate change and food insecurity are posing growing global challenges.
