Large Majority of Spanish Public Supports Overseas Development Assistance, Despite Global Economic Situation | Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

MADRID -- Nearly three quarters of Spaniards support overseas development assistance, according to the findings of a new poll. During a difficult time of economic austerity, these findings provide an interesting look at a predominantly globally-minded and socially concerned public.

The key results of the survey, announced by UNICEF Spain and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, indicate that 55 percent of the Spanish public thinks that 0.46 percent of GNI, (which is the most Spain has ever dedicated to aid), is “too little” or “about right”. Young people in the 18-24 age group are most likely to want to see aid increased. Poverty and inequality between rich and poor countries is seen as the most important global problem – with war, lack of employment in poor countries, and climate change a distant second.

Nearly one third of respondents feel that African countries that are non-Northern should receive the most aid, while approximately one sixth feel that Latin American countries should receive the most. Non-North African countries include the more than 40 countries of the sub-Saharan African region, where nearly four million children under the age of five die each year of preventable causes.

“The Spanish people have an unwavering generosity of spirit when it comes to the world’s poor,” said Paloma Escudero, UNICEF Spain Executive Director. “It is inspiring to see that, despite the difficult situation in Spain, the public stays committed to those living in extreme poverty throughout the world.”

“The Spanish people have much to be proud of,” said Joe Cerrell, director of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation’s European office. “Spain’s aid investments help save millions of lives by treating and preventing disease and empowering people to lift themselves and their families out of poverty.”

At the same time, the survey results indicate that there may be a need to educate the public about current aid issues and debate. Only 21 percent of respondents correctly identified that Spain’s international aid spending had gone down in the last two years. This may explain why – while the majority is supportive of aid, and those who are supportive believe it should be a moderate or large amount – when asked about areas of public spending that should be prioritized for government cuts, aid was selected by 44 percent of participants.

Key Findings:

The Spanish public remains supportive of aid:

• 74% of adults continue to support Spain’s development aid. Of this group, 86% believe that aid spending should be a moderate or large amount.
• 51% of adults think that Spain should strive for the 0.7% international target.
• Respondents in the youngest age group (18-24) are most likely to want to see aid increased.
• However, on areas of public spending that respondents think should be prioritized for government cuts, international aid was selected by 44% of respondents.

• 32% believe that non-North African should get the most aid.
• 16% believe that Latin American countries should get the most aid and 12% say North African countries.

• 57% think that reduction of hunger should be the highest priority.
• Education and health are seen as the next highest priorities.

• Only 21% of respondents correctly identified that Spain’s international aid spending had gone down the last two years.
• Respondents tended to believe that aid spending has increased or stayed the same if they also believe the government should not give any aid.
• Similarly, 44% of people who think that there should be a larger aid budget think that it has decreased in the past two years.

###
About UNICEF
UNICEF works in 190 countries and territories to help children survive and thrive, from early childhood through adolescence. The world’s largest provider of vaccines for developing countries, UNICEF supports child health and nutrition, good water and sanitation, quality basic education for all boys and girls, and the protection of children from violence, exploitation, and AIDS. UNICEF is funded entirely by the voluntary contributions of individuals, businesses, foundations and governments. For more information about UNICEF and its work visit: www.unicef.org.