We're inviting business leaders to join us by signing our Statement of Principles

Our Alliance's Statement of Principles

We believe international development is both a lifeline for communities facing crisis and a cornerstone of the UK’s long-term security, prosperity and global influence.

As organisations contributing significantly to the British economy, the Business Alliance for Global Development affirms that development should be understood not as a cost, but as a strategic investment in the UK’s future.

By tackling poverty, preventing instability and supporting sustainable growth overseas, development helps build a safer, healthier and more resilient world – one in which the UK’s economy, security and global standing can flourish. It must be protected, prioritised, and promoted.

The UK can support global development through a variety of types of partnership and by contributing to a number of different types of development finance including : international aid (Official Development Assistance); enhanced financing from multilateral organisations; and debt relief.

The Alliance’s Principles 

  1. International development spending supports economic growth. 
Smart investment abroad strengthens resilience and supports British jobs and exports. Well-targeted, efficient development programmes focused on capacity building opens new markets, strengthens trading partnerships, supports innovation, and underpins the global stability on which British business depends.
  2. Effective, targeted international development spending reinforces the UK’s reputation as a trusted, leading and responsible partner in the world making it easier for UK organisations to do business across the globe. Investing in a country’s skills, market development and capacity helps to cement the UK’s reputation as a responsible global citizen, focused on helping economic resilience. Diplomatic and geopolitical influence that flow from effective development spending are brought to bear to open markets and smooth UK trade.
  3. Improved prospects abroad are good for British society and business. International development spending plays a crucial role in tackling infectious disease, reducing child and maternal deaths, and containing health crises through proven, cost-efficient mechanisms such as Gavi and the Global Fund. Not only does this investment save lives – it also delivers direct benefits to the UK by helping prevent further pandemics and the shocks and instability that accompany such events. Spending on education and poverty reduction programmes help dismantle the drivers of global migration which can contribute to tackling instability in the UK and across the globe.
  4. International development is an essential tool for preventing conflict and fostering stability.  Effective development assistance helps prevent and resolve conflict, creating the conditions for stable markets and sustainable growth.
  5. International development delivers increased and easier trade which drives UK innovation and expertise. Economic success is grounded in expertise and reliant on innovation. Global trade doesn’t just boost the bottom line, it facilitates the flow of ideas and fosters collaboration leading to leaner, smarter and more successful businesses.

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