Australia’s strategic circumstances, including the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, demand a long-term approach to our development policy and budget settings, our partnerships, and our capability. This will enhance our ability to seize opportunities, work with other nations and share our expertise to shape a world that we and our partners want to see.

Key points:

• The COVID-19 pandemic has reversed regional and global poverty reduction, accelerated inequality and undermined human security, and previewed disruptions that are accompanying intensified geopolitical competition and the effects of climate change.
• But the region’s future is not predetermined. Effective and inclusive development, alongside strengthened diplomatic and defence engagement, can help Australia work with neighbours, allies, friends, and communities to shape the world that we and our partners want to see.
• Elevating development to the heart of Australian foreign policy requires the policy, budgetary, partnership and decision-making architecture to support an effective development program that delivers on both Australia’s and our partners’ interests.