Stockholm:A recent report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) highlights a significant concern regarding the widening gap between official development assistance and global development and humanitarian needs, which could severely impact human security and political stability.
According to Anadolu Agency – English, the report suggests that this gap could be mitigated with a small redirection of resources currently allocated to military spending. Global military expenditures have reached a historic high of $2.9 trillion in 2025, accounting for 2.5% of the global gross domestic product. Meanwhile, official development assistance (ODA) has been on the decline since 2024, as reported by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).
SIPRI's findings indicate that core official development assistance spending began stagnating in 2021. This decline was initially masked by increased aid to Ukraine following the 2022 war and higher refugee hosting expenditures by donor countries. The most significant reductions in core ODA spending have been observed in economic infrastructure and health sectors.
Xiao Liang, a researcher with SIPRI's Military Expenditure and Arms Production Program, noted that wealthy states, particularly in Europe, have significantly increased their military budgets in response to perceived threats. However, this has led to substantial cuts in development and humanitarian aid, potentially creating insecurity for those dependent on such assistance.
SIPRI researchers project that official development assistance funding needs could soar to $326 billion by 2028, factoring in armed conflicts, natural disasters, and other influences. This would result in a potential funding gap of $179 billion, surpassing the expected ODA commitments for that year.
Nan Tian, director of SIPRI's Military Expenditure and Arms Production Program, emphasized that the projected funding gap is minor compared to the additional resources allocated to military spending, suggesting that meeting future official development assistance needs is still feasible.
The report also reviewed recent development aid and military spending policies in Germany and the UK. It found that governments have justified cuts to ODA by citing the necessity to finance increased military expenditures; however, these cuts have only marginally contributed to the planned military budget increases.
Xiao Liang added that while rising geopolitical tensions have led states to bolster their security investments, military capabilities alone do not ensure security. Development aid plays a crucial role in addressing long-term insecurity drivers and should complement, rather than compete with, military spending.