Development assistance

The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed critical gaps in global health security. These need to be addressed in order to immediately respond to COVID-19 and prepare for the possibility of further waves of infections.

The Australian Government supports healthy, climate-resilient and inclusive societies by investing in water resources management and water, sanitation and hygiene services. The programs below are a sample of global, regional, multilateral and bilateral water-related initiatives in DFAT’s development portfolio.

The World Economic Forum has rated water crises as a 'top five global risk' in terms of impact since 2012. Climate change increases the variability and unpredictability of water availability making it a risk multiplier for water security. It is predicted that over half of the world's population will live in water-stressed regions by 2050.

COVID-19 is having profound health, social and economic impacts across the Indo-Pacific region. It is increasingly clear that the pandemic is having a disproportionate impact on women and girls globally, impacting negatively on gender equality.

Effective risk management practices are directly related to achieving results, and helps facilitate high performance. DFAT takes into account any risks that may hinder its ability to achieve its development program objectives, and implements measures to increase the likelihood of success.

The Australian Government has a long history of working with partner governments, multilateral and non-government organisations, universities and the private sector to maximise the development potential of extractives sectors. Our support enhances the capacity of governments in resource-rich developing countries in the Indo-Pacific region to make the most of their natural resources, and ensure benefits flow on to communities.

Population growth, rapid urbanisation and industrialisation create global demand for metals, minerals, oil and gas, leading to rapid growth in investment. The extractives and energy sectors drive trade, economic growth and development in the Indo-Pacific region by creating jobs and boosting government revenues. 

Disability inclusion is a cross-cutting priority for Australia's international engagement in development, humanitarian action and human rights. 

Australia's Strategy for Investments in Economic Infrastructure guides our official aid expenditure in infrastructure and supports our program teams to make informed investment choices within their respective global, regional or country level allocations for 2017-18 and beyond.

Education enables development and is crucial to helping people overcome poverty. Australia and its neighbours benefit from aid program investments in education which support human development, economic growth and stability across the region.