France, Feb. 5 -- France is planning to reduce public development aid by up to 40 percent as part of its €32 billion budget cuts for 2025. French NGOs engaged in international solidarity are deeply concerned about the impact this will have on the world's most vulnerable populations, especially as the United States - the largest provider of overseas aid - prepares to withdraw its support entirely.

France's international solidarity mechanism helps finance development projects around the world on everything from health, food, education, water, to human rights and the fight against inequality. Many programmes are angled in favour of women and girls.

Rolling back development aid

While global warming and conflict mean needs are greater...