Denmark's development policy priorities – Expenditure framework plan for development cooperation 2021–2024.

The present document contains the Government's expenditure framework for development cooperation for the period 2021–2024. It focuses on three main areas: 1. Danish leadership for the green transition internationally and in development cooperation (DKK 450 million more for climate and the green agenda); 2. Better help for more people in the surrounding areas of crises and conflicts (DK 350 million more for efforts in the neighboring areas and fragile countries as well as a continued record-high humanitarian framework of DKK 2.7 billion); and 3. Solidarity with Africa – new pioneering projects in Africa, which include ensuring that far more Africans receive education and access to clean water and energy.
As regards Danish leadership in the green transition, the Plan contemplates helping target countries tackling environmental issues and promoting a green shift. Denmark will share its knowledge, technology and solutions in the green area, e.g. in partnerships with the private sector, with the aim of helping farmers adapting and mitigating the impact of climate change, to provide more and better food on the table, to make the economy flourish sustainably and to ensure that children have time to go to school. A series of other projects will also contribute to making potable water and renewable energy more accesible for vulnerable groups. More generally, Denmark is proposing an increased green focus in a number of initiatives in African priority countries, and will use part of the total green aid to help Africa with green and sustainable reconstruction after the COVID-19 crisis. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions in emerging economies and protecting biodiversity are also high on the development cooperation agenda.
As regards better help for more people in the surrounding areas of crises and conflicts, Denmark aims at continuing to provide emergency relief and more long-term humanitarian aid to strengthen protection, build resilience and create better living conditions among refugees and host communities in the surrounding areas and other countries affected by man-made or natural crises. Denmark will also work for an asylum system that is fairer and more humane, with the aim of helping more directly in the immediate areas of crises and fragile countries and regions. Finally, the Government will work for a new and sustainable response to future refugee crises and for broad support to try out new solutions.
As regard solidarity with Africa, it is a priority for Denmark to target development cooperation so that it helps give Africa's young people hope back. That is why Africa is the geographical focal point for Denmark's development policy priorities. In addition, Denmark's Covid-19 response pool shall ensure that Denmark can respond quickly and accurately to the consequences of the crisis that will become apparent with time. It can e.g. be in the field of health or food or in countries where the crisis is used to justify the violation of rights.
The Annex contains a detailed breakdown of Denmark's proposed aid for 2021.