Devex: Opinion: 5 priorities for Alok Sharma, DFID’s new leader
Fergus Drake, chief executive of Crown Agents

“…The appointment of Alok Sharma as the fifth secretary of state for international development in just four years marks yet another new era to which the aid community in the United Kingdom must brace itself and adjust. So as Sharma takes his seat, rolls up his sleeves, and gets his feet under his desk, here are five pressing priorities that we hope will be at the top of his in-tray: 1. Double down on climate change … 2. Reboost the [Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)] …3. Prioritize the Africa Investment Summit … 4. Protect aid dollars post-Brexit … 5. Make a stand in the Spending Review … [T]he U.K. needs to be prepared and properly equipped to play a leading role on the global stage. A confident and innovative [Department for International Development (DFID)] supported by a world class U.K. development sector has a key role to play in navigating existential challenges from climate change to migration and pandemics. It is only through a strong and well-resourced aid sector, aligned across Whitehall and working with global business that ambitions will be realized for a safer and fairer world — which is inextricably linked to the U.K.’s own national interests” (7/25).