Norway has launched a year-long review of its international development policy, called “Project Turning Point”. Norwegian Minister of Foreign development, Asmund Aukrust, said Norway will keep its aid target at 1% of gross national income.
Aukrust said the review responds to major global changes, including aid cuts and pressure on international cooperation. He said the process will look at efficiency and system reforms, including in the United Nations. He also voiced concern about overlapping mandates across UN agencies, and backed the OCHA “humanitarian reset”.
The review will be summarised in a white paper for the Norwegian Parliament in 2027. Aukrust said Norway’s support for Ukraine will remain a top priority within the 2026 aid budget. The article says 15 billion NOK, about 1.55$ billion, is allocated to Ukraine.
Norway’s 2026 aid budget also includes an 80 million NOK increase for women’s rights, or about 8.3$ million. Aukrust criticised abortion restrictions linked to the United States Agency for International Development debate in the United States. He also said Norway wants stronger dialogue with new donors, and mentioned “possibilities in Asia”, including India, Indonesia, and China.
Norwegian aid funds many projects across Southeast Asia, from refugee aid in Myanmar to mitigation projects in Indonesia.
