UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has announced that DFID and the FCO will merge, combining development and diplomacy in one new department that serves together Britain’s international effort.
Work will start promptly on the merger. The new department – the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office – will be installed in early September and will be supervised by the Foreign Secretary.
The merger is an opportunity for the United Kingdom to have an even more prominent impact and influence on the world stage as people are recovering from the coronavirus pandemic and prepare to hold the G7 presidency and host COP26 next year.
UK aid will be given new influence within Uk’s ambitious international policy. The Foreign Secretary will be authorized to make decisions on aid spending in line with the UK’s priorities overseas, harnessing the skills, expertise, and evidence that have gained Uk’s reputation as a leader in the international development community.
