Promise of a Great Increase in Iceland?s Contribution to Development

Ingibjörg Sólrún Gísladóttir, Minister of Foreign Affairs, said in her speech at the General Assembly of the United Nations that Iceland aims to be among the countries in the world that contribute the most to development. According to the finance bill, submitted yesterday, the total expenses regarding development will increase considerably next year, or about one billion Icelandic kronur (ISK) at substantial value.

“The Government of Iceland stands ready to shoulder its responsibility when it comes to official development assistance in accordance with the Millennium Development Goals. Iceland’s development assistance has doubled over the past four years and the Icelandic Government aims to be among the top ODA contributors,” said Ingibjörg Sólrún at the General Assembly.

According to the newly submitted financial bill the total expenses regarding development increase considerably. It is estimated that ICEIDA’s expenses will amount to over 1.5 billion Icelandic kronur (ISK) in 2008 and it will increase at substantial value by 334 million Icelandic kronur (ISK) between years. The bill allows for an increase in development assistance and international aid work carried out by the Foreign Ministry by 420 million Icelandic kronur (ISK) and the contribution to the Iceland Crisis Response Unit by over 300 million Icelandic kronur (ISK).