There is growing consensus on the need to reject the damaging narrative of so called “aid” which presents citizens of the Minority World as the generous saviours of the Majority, whilst masking the real causes poverty.
Following a consultation process spanning 13 countries the Track Changing subgroup of the Kampala Initiative selected the term “Global Redistribution “as their preferred alternative to the term “aid”. This term reflects the structural causes of global inequalities such as geopolitics, historical legacies and current injustices in trade, and climate change policies. Used at all levels, “Global Redistribution” can be effective in counteracting and transforming the current framing of “aid”, from charity to that of equality, rights and justice.
Depending on the context, other alternatives selected by the group include:
- Global Solidarity
- Global Equalization
- Global Equity Gap
- Global Collaboration
We recognize that these terms won’t be right for all contexts. The most important thing is the commitment to language that accurately reflects the causes of poverty.
Join us
Join organizations across the world who have committed to exposing the root causes of poverty by replacing the word “aid” with “Global Redistribution” or another alternative in our public communications. Click here to see the list of signatories
Why these alternative names?
These new terms help to expose global inequalities and redefine how to mobilize for change. They contribute towards a narrative that; redefines poverty – not as a failing of the poor but rather a systemic and created injustice.
They support our demands that in order to address global poverty, inequalities and poor health, corporates must pay their fair share of taxes; aid institutions must change their mandate to that of addressing global inequalities; and governments must rethink debt conditions, climate change and insecurity – because these are the real drivers of global poverty, poor health and inequities.
Practicalities
Depending on the contexts, the words “fund” or “finance” or “budget” can be attached at the end.
The alternative words may not apply in all situations, and the “aid” word can still be used for e.g when critiquing the current status quo. In these cases, we suggest using inverted commas i.e. “aid”, or using “so called aid”
The benchmarks used to assess the alternative words included its ability to describe power inequalities (within & between countries) and reflect the need to tackle the root causes of poverty/inequalities.
Click here to see the list of signatories
We recognise there are many power imbalances within so called international development and the “aid” industry itself. We are absolutely clear that language alone won’t solve them. But it’s our belief that decolonizing our language and communicating honestly about the causes of global inequality is a step towards exposing global power inequities and contribute to wider efforts to change them. See our FAQ’s for more details
