MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Downer
Australia has been ranked highly in its commitment to helping developing countries, being placed sixth out of all 21 OECD countries on the 2006 Commitment to Development Index (CDI).
The latest Index was released last night (13 August) in Washington DC.
The Australian Government welcomes the CDI, a joint initiative of the Center for Global Development and Foreign Affairs magazine, which measures rich countries' commitment to development across seven areas: aid, trade, investment, migration, environment, security and technology.
The Australian Government particularly welcomes the recognition in the Index that while aid is important, other rich country policies are as, or more important, in reducing poverty in developing countries - particularly trade and security.
It is gratifying to see that Australia has been rated highly in these areas, ranking first in security, and fourth in trade.
Australia's ranking is also likely to rise when the CDI takes account of the Government's policies to double its aid program by 2010 and to fully untie the aid program.
While there are some methodological issues in the construction of the CDI, the Australian Government will continue to support the Centre for Global Development on this important initiative.
Media contacts:
AusAID Public Affairs 0417 680 590
Tony Parkinson 02 6277 7500