The latest report published by the United Nations reveals that the economic gap between rich and poor countries is steadily widening. In 2024, development aid to developing countries experienced a record drop of 23%. The report notes that a significant factor in this decline is the 59% reduction in aid by the United States.
The report also emphasizes that reforms of international financial institutions have not yet been implemented, which is increasing global economic inequality. The rise in trade barriers, especially the increase in tariffs applied to exports from developing countries, negatively affects economic growth. For example, average tariffs on exports from the poorest countries rose from 9% to 28% in 2025.
Li Junhua, Deputy Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs at the United Nations, stated that geopolitical tensions are making it harder for developing countries to secure financing. Additionally, an additional 5.8% decrease in development aid is expected in 2026.
The Seville Commitment, adopted in Seville, Spain in 2023, aimed to close the financing gap for developing countries, but according to the report, this commitment has not yet been fully implemented. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed that reforms of the IMF and World Bank have been delayed and that these institutions are not adequately responding to the needs of developing countries.
These developments once again highlight the importance of international cooperation to reduce global economic inequality.