New white paper on development policy: ‘We need a roadmap aligned with reality’

Press release | Date: 19/01/2026 | Ministry of Foreign Affairs

The Minister of Development is initiating work to develop new development policy, following extensive geopolitical and financial changes in aid in recent years. This will be summarised in a white paper to be presented to Parliament in its 2027 spring session.

'Norway has achieved a great deal through its aid over many years. Now, the world has fundamentally changed. Our development policy must be adapted to a new reality. Those of us who care about international cooperation and solidarity must be the first to change. That is why I am initiating this work now, to create a roadmap aligned with reality,' said Minister of International Development, Åsmund Aukrust.

Throughout 2026, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will organise several input meetings, debates and conduct consultations under 'Project Turning Point'. The Minister wish to engage organisations, academia, diasporas and professional communities to obtain the best analyses and advice on how Norway can make the greatest possible difference in the world. He also hopes to engage those who do not normally work with these issues.

'This concerns us all. The world has become a more dangerous place with major security policy challenges. Global inequality contributes to increasing global tensions. Development policy can help us create more stability and prevent unrest, for example by ensuring that people have food on the table and a job to go to. A more peaceful world is in our interest', said Aukrust.

The project will assess the links between development needs and Norway's interests, as well as the promotion of fundamental values such as democracy and equality. On this basis, the white paper will outline a comprehensive Norwegian development policy with clear priorities

The Minister will use his upcoming trips in Norway and abroad to talk to local organisations, think tanks, politicians, academia and the private sector in order to gather input. Norwegian foreign service missions will also play an active role in gathering experiences and input.

The Turning Point project will culminate in a white paper to be presented to Parliament in its 2027 spring session.

'I believe Norway can make a positive difference in a gloomy global political climate. Even though we are committed to a high level of aid, we must make tough and painful choices. We need the best possible basis for making these difficult choices, and that is what Project Turning Point is all about. The aim is not to do less, but to do things better and more effectively when the world has changed so much,' said Minister Aukrust.