Two decades of progress fighting infectious diseases, empowering women and girls and building education and economic prosperity stalled when the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020. 

In the years following, threats to our world have been intensifying – dangerous weather, increased wars and soaring inequality are regular features of our news cycle.

If we do nothing, today’s challenges will become tomorrow’s catastrophes. Decisions made by this generation can put the world back on track.

This is best for the world and best for Australia. But it won’t happen on its own. That is why Opportunity International Australia is joining Australian organisations, agencies and communities that are calling on our nation’s leaders to build a Safer World For All.

^{Safer World for All is coordinated by the Public Engagement and Campaigns Committee (PECC)
of the Australian Council for International Development (ACFID) and Micah Australia.}

Why do we need to act now?

It’s been over four years since the COVID-19 pandemic first hit, making an enormous impact on the health of communities, economic opportunities, and inequality worldwide – including women and girls and people with disabilities.

In 2024, overlapping challenges are hitting all at once. Dangerously hot and unpredictable weather, fuel shortages, hunger, violent invasions and the mass movement of people are linked and worsening.

For people to work and make their own pathway out of poverty, their long-term safety is absolutely key to help them thrive. Global efforts to alleviate poverty – including the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals – rely on the safety of communities from increasing threats. If you’re not safe, you can’t work and provide for your family.

A quick snapshot:

• Today 735 million people face chronic hunger
• 1 in 5 children live in a conflict zone
• $109B In annual losses to developing countries due to weather disasters

It is true that the world is facing converging crises. It can leave us feeling powerless.  But let’s not forget the incredible progress the world has made to-date in tackling extreme poverty, gender inequality and child mortality too.

There have also been countless improvements to education and health for communities in low-income countries, with technology and digitisation empowering women and families with financial tools and training. There is still more work to do – but it’s so much easier through partnership and with long-term, sustainable development.

^{Projects like our Resilient Villages program in Indonesia aim to empower women at a community-level.}

It’s time for Down Under to step up

Australia is one of the safest, healthiest and most generous countries in the world. However, our international aid contribution is only 0.68% of the federal budget.

Between 2010 and 2015, the Australian aid budget was over 1.2% of the federal budget, but it’s been in decline ever since. It’s currently at the lowest point it has been in over two decades, when families living in low-income countries need us now more than ever.

As part of the Safer World For All campaign, Opportunity is in full support of increasing the Australian international aid budget to 1% - which still leaves 99% of federal government spending on Australians. It’s a modest yet impactful target that aligns with Australia’s moral duty, strategic interests, and public support.

Australians are generous, caring and look out for our neighbours. We believe all people deserve peace, opportunity and security.

If you'd like to get involved in the Safer World For All campaign, add your name and send an email to your MP by filling out the form here. It’s quick, easy, and will make a huge difference.