Bill Gate’s request highlights Korea's inconsistent ODA policy

Korea’s lack of consistency in official development assistance (ODA), which tends to shift with each change in government, is raising concerns following U.S. billionaire philanthropist Bill Gates’ request for increased contributions. ODA refers to foreign aid provided to developing countries, including grants, concessional loans and technical assistance aimed at promoting economic development and welfare. During a meeting with National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik on Thursday, Gates referenced the longstanding U.N. target, suggesting that Korea raise its ODA to 0.7 percent of its gross domestic product (GDP). He noted that Korea’s current ODA-to-GDP ratio remains below 0.3 percent and expressed hope that it would increase over time. Whether Korea can act on Gates’s request, however, remains uncertain, as ODA policy direction often fluctuates depending on the administration in power, according to experts. “The ODA policy varies between conservative and liberal administrations, making it difficult for Korea to meet the 0.7 percent target as a responsible member of the internationWeiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Korea Times Weiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Korea Times