A new agenda for development: the role of development cooperation in the Italian G7 Presidency

This project aimed to fuel a evidence-based and multi-stakeholder debate on Italy’s official development assistance (ODA), in view of the OECD-DAC commitment to allocate 0.7 percent of gross national income (GNI) to ODA, and in light of persisting, multiple crises that require the strengthening and continuous updating of development cooperation programmes. In 2024, the research team gave particular emphasis to the role of the Italian G7 Presidency, examining the development issues that G7 leaders have prioritized as part of a development agenda that can benefit from convergent action. Public officials, legislators and civil society representatives were involved in various research and dissemination activities: a survey on public opinion orientations on development cooperation, meetings with stakeholders, the development of analyses and recommendations for Italian and G7 policymakers. This project aimed to continue fostering an evidence-based and multistakeholder conversation on Italy’s ODA, in light of the OECD-DAC 0.7 per cent GNI/ODA commitment and the persisting, multiple crises that are demanding policymakers’ attention. Particular emphasis was given to Italy’s 2024 Presidency of the G7, shedding light on the development issues that G7 leaders should prioritise under the Italian lead, hence informing a donor-aligned development agenda. To do so, IAI engaged with policy officers, lawmakers and civil society representatives through research and engagement activities, namely a public opinion survey on citizens’ engagement on development issues, public and closed-door events with stakeholders, policy analysis and recommendations for Italian and G7 policymakers.