Norwegian Development Minister Åsmund Aukrust has stated that international aid is experiencing a deep crisis, highlighting that almost every country has made substantial cuts to their aid budgets. Among these, Aukrust particularly mentions the actions of the US, Sweden, Germany, and the UK, indicating that this is a widespread issue affecting numerous nations. He made these remarks during his visit to Indonesia, a significant recipient of Norwegian aid, emphasizing the importance of reevaluating aid strategies in light of these reductions.

During his visit to Indonesia, which ranks third in receiving aid from Norway in 2024—primarily aimed at rainforest conservation—Aukrust stressed a shift in the paradigm of international aid. He underlined that the era of wealthy countries solely providing assistance to poorer nations may be over, advocating for the creation of strong partnerships that promote mutual benefits and development interests. This represents a significant evolution in how aid is conceptualized, aligning with contemporary global dynamics.

Aukrust has called for a comprehensive debate in Norway about the country's aid policy in response to these international shifts. With the landscape of global aid dramatically changing, he believes it's crucial for Norwegians to reflect on how to optimize their contributions to ensure maximum impact. This conversation around aid policy is critical, especially as countries reconsider their approaches amidst such substantial international changes.