16 August 2023– The Australian Government has officially launched its new international development policy – a vital tool for advancing a peaceful, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.
Australian Ambassador to Palau, H.E Richelle Turner, said the policy marked a new era of cooperation and partnership between Australia and Palau.
“Our approach is based on listening, respect and learning from you as we work together to achieve Palau’s national development objectives,” Ambassador Turner said today.
Driving local solutions, supporting locally led development and delivering more investments through local organisations has become a major focus of Australia’s development program.
Among its key commitments, the policy identifies ambitious targets and action on climate change through boosts in investments and access to specific climate expertise.
“Ambitious climate action is a major priority of the new development program because the climate crisis represents the single greatest risk to communities and is already affecting almost every aspect of life across our region.”
Along with climate action, the policy places gender equality at the centre of the development program, ensuring it improves the lives of women and girls.
It will also drive the Australian Government’s aid investments in tackling regional challenges like poverty, economic growth, healthcare and infrastructure investment.
The Australian Government is committed to rebuilding and revitalising Australia’s development program to ensure aid investments deliver a better, more resilient, future for our region.
For more information, please contact the Australian Embassy, Palau on 488-4628 or koror.embassy@dfat.gov.au.
Australia’s International Development Policy: https://www.dfat.gov.au/publications/development/australias-international-development-policy
Development Finance Review: https://www.dfat.gov.au/publications/development/australias-development-finance-review