Department for International Development news
International development news from the Department of International Development (DFID).
29-04-2009 01:00
New DFID country plan for AfghanistanToday, Douglas Alexander MP, Secretary of State for International Development, announced DFIDs new Afghanistan Country Plan to Parliament and the press.
29-04-2009 01:00
Outcomes of the World Bank Spring Meetings 2009Douglas Alexander headed the UK Delegation at the World Bank Spring Meetings in Washington DC on 25-26 April. Ministers and senior representatives from many of the World Bank''s 185 shareholders attended the meetings.
28-04-2009 01:00
UK boost for AIDS vaccine researchResearch into finding an AIDS vaccine that would save millions of lives by significantly reducing the number of new HIV infections received a £40 million boost from the UKs Department for International Development (DFID).
27-04-2009 01:00
Conflict, Fragile States & SecuritySpeech by Douglas Alexander MP, Secretary of State for International Development, delivered to the New Democratic Network, New York
27-04-2009 01:00
Security central to tackling poverty in 21st century, says Douglas AlexanderSafer communities and better security will be central to the UKs aid effort in a significant shift in policy unveiled today by International Development Secretary Douglas Alexander.
27-04-2009 01:00
New UK support for victims of Sri Lankan conflictWith camps for displaced people struggling to cope with the floods of people escaping the conflict zone, visiting Minister for International Development, Mike Foster, called on the Sri Lankan government to do everything possible to enable humanitarian agencies to help these vulnerable people.
26-04-2009 01:00
Joint statement from the World Bank Group Spring Meetings 2009Statement from Douglas Alexander, Secretary of State for International Development and Alistair Darling, Chancellor of the Exchequer
23-04-2009 01:00
CDC reports results for 2008CDC Group plc (formerly the Commonwealth Development Corporation), the UKs development finance institution, has reported its results for 2008.
24-04-2009 01:00
World Malaria Day 2009World Malaria Day on 25 April is a good opportunity to take stock of the impressive and at times truly innovative work that DFID is doing to combat malaria.
23-04-2009 01:00
UK pledges immediate £15m humanitarian support for ZimbabweA £15m package to help the people of Zimbabwe was announced by International Development Secretary Douglas Alexander today.
23-04-2009 01:00
Launch of new study on land reform in NepalA new study suggests that the empowerment of local communities in Nepal is vital if land reforms are to be effective and agricultural production is to be increased.
22-04-2009 01:00
Budget 2009 - keeping our promises to the world's poorest peopleThe Budget, presented today by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, means that the UK government is keeping its promises to the world''s poorest people and remains committed to achieving the Millennium Development Goals.
21-04-2009 01:00
Douglas Alexander welcomes launch of Malaria No More UKDavid Beckham, Andy Murray and Denise Lewis joined Prime Minister Gordon Brown at No 10 yesterday to mark the launch of Malaria No More UK
20-04-2009 01:00
DFID school partnership programme wins award and new contract signedThe DFID Global School Partnerships (DGSP) programme has been presented with a World Aware Education Award by an international jury for the programmes excellence in networking, partnerships and co-ordination to increase and improve global education.
16-04-2009 01:00
Joint DFID/BERR press release on World Trade WeekWorld Trade Week, the first event of its kind in the UK, will take place this year from 8 to 12 June.
16-04-2009 01:00
UK gears up for its first ever World Trade WeekWorld Trade Week, the first event of its kind in the UK, will take place this year from 8 to 12 June and will highlight the importance of global trade in creating jobs and growth in the current economic climate.
17-04-2009 01:00
Prices slashed on life-saving medicine to treat malariaA new cost-cutting scheme launched today is set to slash the price of the world''s most effective anti-malaria drugs by a staggering 98%, saving the lives of millions of men, women and children in developing countries.
16-04-2009 01:00
UK to help mothers-to-be in MalawiA £9 million increase in the Department for International Developments (DFID) funding to our health programme in Malawi will tackle a serious maternal mortality problem in the country which boasts a special relationship with the people of Scotland.
15-04-2009 01:00
Latest research shows impacts of recent crises on poor communitiesNew research shows some poor people in five low income countries are eating less frequently and are withdrawing children from school. These responses are evolving as poor communities feel the combined impacts of the global food, fuel and financial crises.
01-04-2009 01:00
New support for victims of drought and conflict in NepalToday UK Development Minister Mike Foster announced an additional NRs 460 million for the World Food Programmes food and relief work across Nepal.
07-04-2009 01:00
Invest Iraq ConferenceOn 30 April the Government of Iraqs National Investment Commission, with the support of the UK Department for International Development, is hosting a high profile international conference in London to promote investment in Iraq.
07-04-2009 01:00
DFID Minister witnesses aid effectiveness in BangladeshMike Foster MP, Minister for International Development, recently visited Bangladesh to gain insight into the many ways in which DFID is working to improve the lives of some of the most vulnerable people there.
06-04-2009 01:00
New Dawn for Trade in Africa as UK Government Commits to North South CorridorThe UK Government today committed £100m to transform regional infrastructure and increase trade across Africa.
06-04-2009 01:00
Getting on the road to growth: £100 million announced for North-South CorridorDFID Minister of State Gareth Thomas announces £100million support for North-South Corridor
03-04-2009 01:00
UK supports displaced Sri Lankan civiliansHelping civilians forced to leave their homes by the ongoing conflict in Sri Lanka remains a priority for the UK government.
03-04-2009 01:00
Launch of Nepal Country Business Plan 2009-12Speech by DFID Minister Mike Foster Parliamentary Under Secretary of State, DFID, 2 April 2009
02-04-2009 01:00
Reviews underway of DFID's Building Support for Development work in UKDFID is reviewing its work within the UK to build support for development since the publication of the Building Support for Development Strategy Paper in 1999.
02-04-2009 01:00
Mike Foster launches DFID Nepal Country PlanThe UK has today pledged to help build a lasting peace in Nepal and develop the economy of the poorest country in Asia.
02-04-2009 01:00
New financial boost for businesses in developing countries from UK governmentBusinesses in developing countries are struggling to survive due to the economic downturn and need urgent financial support, said Secretary of State for International Development Douglas Alexander today.
02-04-2009 01:00
£16 million UK boost to save mothers lives in Sierra LeonePregnant women in Sierra Leone - where more women die giving birth than anywhere else in the world will be given life-saving healthcare thanks to a new UK scheme launched today by International Development Minister Ivan Lewis.
01-04-2009 01:00
DFID Youth Reporters blog live from G20Budding young journalists supported by DFID will be reporting live and direct from the G20 Summit on Thursday.
31-03-2009 01:00
New report identifies DFID as "development world leader"DFID's Capability Review, published today, identifies the department as a top-performing government department and "a world leader in the field of development".
30-03-2009 01:00
G20 lesson ideas for teachers publishedTeachers now have G20 London Summit resources at their fingertips thanks to online planning tools published by Teachernet.
30-03-2009 01:00
Take part in the White Paper regional consultationsYour chance to shape government policy on eliminating world poverty.
26-03-2009 00:00
New draft Bribery Bill to support international fair tradeOn 25 March, the UK Ministry of Justice published a new draft Bribery Bill.
25-03-2009 00:00
The London Summit 2009On 2 April 2009, the leaders of the world''s 20 richest nations - the G20 - will gather in London to address the global economic crisis.
25-03-2009 00:00
Obama reverses Bush ban on contraception and condomsIn September 2008, the Bush administration abruptly ordered developing countries to stop providing US-funded contraceptives to the reproductive health organisation, Marie Stopes International (MSI).
24-03-2009 00:00
Young people advise ministers on fight against global poverty - video vox-popsFifty young people from across the UK attended a DFID Youth Summit last week, to help shape government policy on eliminating world poverty and to share their views with world leaders ahead of the London Summit next month.
24-03-2009 00:00
Young people advise ministers on fight against global povertyFifty young people from across the UK attended a DFID Youth Summit last week, to help shape government policy on eliminating world poverty and to share their views with world leaders ahead of the London Summit next month.
24-03-2009 00:00
£18 million boost for discovery of new oral TB treatmentThe discovery of new oral treatments for tuberculosis (TB), which could save millions of lives in developing countries, will receive an £18 million boost, International Development Minister Ivan Lewis announced today.
23-03-2009 00:00
UK keeps up aid commitmentsNew aid level figures published today by the Department for International Development show the UK is on track in its fight against poverty in developing countries.
23-03-2009 00:00
Statistical release on UK aid figures for 2008Statistics on UK net official development assistance (ODA) as a proportion of Gross National Income (ODA/GNI) in 2008
20-03-2009 00:00
Cherry-flavoured malaria drug launched for children in AfricaA new child-friendly malaria drug which will be distributed in Africa, where a child dies every 30 seconds from malaria, is to be launched in the UK on Monday 23 March 2009.
18-03-2009 00:00
Press Release - Youth SummitYoung people to advise ministers and world leaders on fight against global poverty.
20-03-2009 00:00
World Water Day 2009900 million people around the world lacking access to clean water and basic sanitation. For World Water Day, we explain the scale of the challenge and what is being done about it.
17-03-2009 00:00
Motorbikes and midwives: delivering better care for Kenya's mumsHaving a baby in rural north-western Kenya is a risky business for the expectant mums who live there. This feature explains how DFID support is helping.
20-03-2009 00:00
Maternal mortality on Mother's DayIvan Lewis MP, Minister for International Development, reports from Uganda on the continuing efforts to combat maternal mortality.
20-03-2009 00:00
World Water Day: Five thousand pennies well spent in BangladeshMike Foster MP, Minister for International Development, recently visited Bangladesh to gain insight into the many ways in which DFID is working to improve the lives of some of the most vulnerable people there.
16-03-2009 00:00
Douglas Alexander's statement on St HelenaConsultation on options for access to the island.
19-03-2009 00:00
Mike Foster in Birmingham developing a taste for chocolateMinister for International Development Mike Foster was in Birmingham yesterday to renew a working commitment with Cadburys to give African farmers a fairer deal.
19-03-2009 00:00
Results of Civil Society Challenge Fund competitionSupport for 35 new projects agreed meaning a total of 140 projects to run from April 2009
18-03-2009 00:00
Press release: Birmingham developing a taste for chocolateMinister for International Development Mike Foster is in Birmingham today (Wednesday) to renew a working commitment with Cadburys to give African farmers a fairer deal.
19-03-2009 00:00
The global economic crisis and Latin AmericaOn Monday 16 March, key DFID policy makers met with organisations including Oxfam and Christian Aid to discuss the impact of the global economic crisis on Latin America.
18-03-2009 00:00
Press Release - Youth SummitYoung people to advise ministers and world leaders on fight against global poverty.
18-03-2009 00:00
Young people to advise ministers and world leaders on fight against global povertyFifty young people from across the UK have been invited by DFID to help shape government policy to eliminate world poverty and share their views with world leaders ahead of the London Summit next month.
18-03-2009 00:00
Lambeth Palace hosts DFID White Paper consultationPress Release from Lambeth Palace
16-03-2009 00:00
UK announces future budget support to UgandaThe UK will keep its Poverty Reduction Budget Support (PRBS) to Uganda at £35 million in 2008/09.
16-03-2009 00:00
Douglas Alexander''s statement on St HelenaConsultation on options for access to the island.
15-03-2009 00:00
Douglas Alexander pledges £200m for rapid response global safety-netThe UK government will give £200m for a global social protection fund which would provide immediate help to meet the daily needs of the poorest people in the poorest countries in the economic downturn, International Development Minister Douglas Alexander announced today.
15-03-2009 00:00
£200 million for rapid response global safety-netThe UK government will give £200m for a global social protection fund which would provide immediate help to meet the daily needs of the poorest people in the poorest countries in the economic downturn, International Development Minister Douglas Alexander announced today.
16-03-2009 00:00
Credit crunch deepens the hunger crisisThe UK is contributing almost an extra £1m to tackling global hunger as fears rise that the economic downturn will leave many millions more of the worlds poorest people without enough to eat, International Development Minister Ivan Lewis announced today.
16-03-2009 00:00
DFID gives £850,000 to tackle global hungerThe UK is contributing almost an extra £1m to tackling global hunger as fears rise that the economic downturn will leave many millions more of the worlds poorest people without enough to eat, International Development Minister Ivan Lewis announced today.
15-03-2009 00:00
Douglas Alexander pledges £200m for rapid response global safety-netThe UK government will give £200m for a global social protection fund which would provide immediate help to meet the daily needs of the poorest people in the poorest countries in the economic downturn, International Development Minister Douglas Alexander announced today.
13-03-2009 00:00
Support for humanitarian relief effort in SomaliaDFID announced today that it will provide a further £3.4 million from the UKs aid programme to assist with humanitarian relief efforts in Somalia.
13-03-2009 00:00
Douglas Alexander announces further UK support for humanitarian effort in SomaliaDFID today announced that it will provide a further £3.4 million from the UKs aid programme to assist with humanitarian relief efforts in Somalia.
12-03-2009 00:00
DFID launches youth reporters teamA group of 9 budding reporters have been enlisted by the Department for International Development to raise awareness amongst young people about the upcoming London summit in London and the work the UK does to help developing countries.
09-03-2009 00:00
Seizing the opportunity to help the poorPrime Minister Gordon Brown's speech at DFID's Annual Conference
11-03-2009 00:00
Amid crisis, policymakers embrace mobile banking to reach unbanked poorDespite regulatory challenges and the financial crisis, policymakers are embracing mobile banking as a means of providing financial access to the unbanked poor.
11-03-2009 00:00
UK announces additional support to fight hunger in KenyaDuring a tour of Mathare today, Secretary of State for International Development, Douglas Alexander, announced funding of £5.5 million (Kshs 608m) from DFID to the World Food Programme (WFP) to fight starvation in Kenya.
09-03-2009 00:00
Press Release: Credit crunch 'tsunami' to hit world's poor as 90 million forced into povertyThe economic downturn could devastate the developing world as 90 million more people are forced into poverty by the end of next year, International Development Secretary, Douglas Alexander, warned today.
09-03-2009 00:00
Credit crunch 'tsunami' to hit world's poor as 90 million forced into poverty - DFID ConferenceThe economic downturn could devastate the developing world as 90 million more people are forced into poverty by the end of next year, International Development Secretary, Douglas Alexander, warned today. New estimates suggest the fight against extreme poverty could be put back by up to three years, with the number of men, women and children being forced to live on less than 90p a day growing by millions every week.
09-03-2009 00:00
Eliminating World Poverty: Building our Common FutureDouglas Alexander speech at DFID Annual Conference
09-03-2009 00:00
Credit crunch tsunami to hit worlds poor as 90 million forced into poverty - DFID ConferenceThe economic downturn could devastate the developing world as 90 million more people are forced into poverty by the end of next year, International Development Secretary, Douglas Alexander, warned today. New estimates suggest the fight against extreme poverty could be put back by up to three years, with the number of men, women and children being forced to live on less than 90p a day growing by millions every week.
09-03-2009 00:00
Getting Kenya's kids into the KnowA DFID-funded TV programme is reaching primary school kids across Kenya with reading, writing and life skills
06-03-2009 00:00
Innovative Vaccine Investment ISA will help save childrens livesInvestors are being offered an opportunity to save money and help save lives with a new Vaccine Investment ISA which aims to raise £50 million to vaccinate children in the worlds poorest countries.
09-03-2009 00:00
Press Release: Credit crunch tsunami to hit worlds poor as 90 million forced into povertyThe economic downturn could devastate the developing world as 90 million more people are forced into poverty by the end of next year, International Development Secretary, Douglas Alexander, warned today.
09-03-2009 00:00
Credit crunch tsunami to hit worlds poor as 90 million forced into povertyThe economic downturn could devastate the developing world as 90 million more people are forced into poverty by the end of next year, International Development Secretary, Douglas Alexander, warned today. New estimates suggest the fight against extreme poverty could be put back by up to three years, with the number of men, women and children being forced to live on less than 90p a day growing by millions every week.
05-03-2009 00:00
Douglas Alexander visits AfghanistanDouglas Alexander, Secretary of State for International Development visited Afghanistan on 3 March and met President Karzai to brief him on plans to spend an extra £50 million over four years to fight poverty in his country.
29-01-2009 00:00
DFID and Comic Relief: Supporting education in AfricaIn 2009, DFID have partnered with Comic Relief to match their UK fundraising for education - up to £5 million. This funding will help to get some of the hardest to reach children in Africa into school by helping to remove the barriers to education.
05-03-2009 00:00
Press release - Reggie and Douglas go back to school for Comic ReliefThe Secretary of State for International Development, Douglas Alexander, and Comic Relief supporter, Reggie Yates, have today marked the start of a new ground breaking education initiative thats all set to make a huge difference to some of the 35 million children across Africa who cant go to school.
05-03-2009 00:00
Reggie and Douglas go back to school for Comic ReliefSecretary of State takes a lesson and asks pupils to choose how money they raise is spent
05-03-2009 00:00
Reggie and Douglas go back to school for Comic ReliefThe Secretary of State for International Development, Douglas Alexander, and Comic Relief supporter, Reggie Yates, have today marked the start of a new ground breaking education initiative thats all set to make a huge difference to some of the 35 million children across Africa who cant go to school.
05-03-2009 00:00
Eat chocolate with a clear conscienceTrade and Development Minister welcomes Cadbury''s move to Fairtrade
03-03-2009 00:00
Britain increases commitment to Afghanistan aid to £510 millionThe UK is to commit an additional £50m to fight poverty in Afghanistan over the next four years, International Development Secretary Douglas Alexander announced today.
03-03-2009 00:00
More funding announced for AfghanistanThe UK is to commit an additional £50m to fight poverty in Afghanistan over the next four years, International Development Secretary Douglas Alexander announced today.
02-03-2009 00:00
Douglas Alexander reports on DFID's work with the World BankDoing business with the World Bank 2007-2009
01-03-2009 00:00
Douglas Alexander pledges £30m to aid recovery in Gaza during visitThe UK government will give £30m to help rebuild damaged and destroyed homes, schools, and hospitals in Gaza, International Development Secretary Douglas Alexander announced today.
01-03-2009 00:00
Douglas Alexander pledges £30m for recovery in GazaThe UK government will give £30m to help rebuild damaged and destroyed homes, schools, and hospitals in Gaza, International Development Secretary Douglas Alexander announced today.
01-03-2009 00:00
Douglas Alexander pledges £30m to aid recovery in GazaThe UK government will give £30m to help rebuild damaged and destroyed homes, schools, and hospitals in Gaza, International Development Secretary Douglas Alexander announced today.
27-02-2009 00:00
Bristol students stride out for FairtradeDouglas Alexander, today visited Bristol to congratulate local residents on their success in making it one of the leading Fairtrade cities in the UK.
27-02-2009 00:00
"Love fashion, live fair!" Bristol students stride out for FairtradeDouglas Alexander, today visited Bristol to congratulate local residents on their success in making it one of the leading Fairtrade cities in the UK.
27-02-2009 00:00
One Year On: Kenya at a CrossroadsIn January 2008, following the disputed presidential election, hundreds of thousands of Kenyans were living in temporary camps; roads were blocked by armed gangs and scores were being murdered every day. One year on, there are clear signs of progress.
25-02-2009 00:00
Afghanistan: Our Country Our FutureSpeech by Douglas Alexander, Secretary of State for International Development at Canada House on Wednesday 25 February
12-02-2009 00:00
Sex, love and survival: Valentine's Day in NigeriaRomance is not without its risks in Nigeria. 2.6 million people are living with HIV/AIDS, the second largest number in any country in the world. But messages about safe sex and peer counselling are empowering young people to engage with sex and relationship issues on their own terms.
12-02-2009 00:00
Douglas Alexander sets out how "branchless banking" can help the poorest people.Secretary of State for International Development Douglas Alexander''s speech at Chatham House on 12 February 2009
24-02-2009 00:00
DFID announces major boost for gender equality in UgandaThe UKs Department for International Development (DFID) today announced it will contribute £15 million over the next 5 years to joint UN programming that will improve gender equality in Uganda.
24-02-2009 00:00
Ivan Lewis announces funding for gender equality in UgandaThe UKs Department for International Development (DFID) today announced it will contribute £15 million over the next 5 years to joint UN programming that will improve gender equality in Uganda.
11-08-2008 01:00
20th anniversary of Burmese student uprisingTo mark the 20th anniversary of the Burmese student uprising of 1988, DFID Minister Shahid Malik spoke today at a reception at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) for supporters of democracy in Burma
25-02-2009 00:00
Douglas Alexander speaks about the impact of the financial crisis and the role of the World BankIn a speech at Chatham House last night, International Development Secretary Douglas Alexander warned of the impact the financial crisis will have on the world''s poorest people over the coming months and years. He set out the need for strong action by the global community through the international institutions. In particular he singled out the vital role the World Bank is playing and set out how it must be quickly enabled to do more.
25-02-2009 00:00
Douglas Alexander speech on the World BankA Bank for the World: the role of the World Bank in responding to the financial crisis and building a better future.
