Several governments in Latin America have expressed their solidarity with Haiti and have offered humanitarian aid after Hurricane Matthew caused over 800 deaths and significant material losses in the Caribbean nation. Food, bottled water, mattresses as well as machinery to remove rubble and medical staff form part of the convoys that different Latin American countries have sent to help the island.

In 2014 and 2015 alone, the U.S. government committed hundreds of millions of dollars to humanitarian assistance and aid programs for the people of CAR. These funds provided basic services, but also included funding for reconciliation and social cohesion programs. 

Philanthropy, charity, giving—call it what you may—has more to it than social development and the self-satisfaction that philanthropists say they receive from giving […] Industry efforts at philanthropy are designed to address social ills but also stay focused on tying in the initiative with the company core, whether it be the need for innovation in agriculture or saving water.

In the past few years, Turkey has taken upwards of two million Syrian refugees into the country and provided large quantities of aid to them as well. Aid to Syrian refugees has increased the overall humanitarian aid Turkey gives each year and this spending is seemingly aimed at increasing Turkey’s soft power internationally, and regionally with the Middle East. Often we in Turkey hear ideas from major media outlets about supporting the Middle East based on shared culture and religion, or a shared historical Ottoman legacy.

Interestingly, the ‘Himalayan tragedy’ provided India with a readymade opportunity to score brownie points over its main rival and neighbour China on aid diplomacy and the Narendra Modi administration grabbed the opportunity with both hands. Although China had overtaken India as Nepal’s largest foreign investor in 2014, Beijing failed to catch up with New Delhi’s humanitarian diplomacy on this occasion.

Japan’s Development Cooperation Charter, government officials say, is designed to more effectively utilize the financial aid scheme to bolster Tokyo’s role in global affairs.

China, having transformed from an emerging economy to a global powerhouse, well knows its significance. From overseas economic and humanitarian aides to language teaching and cultural promotion, the Chinese government has spared no effort in enhancing its influence and acceptance on the international stage.

Desmond Swayne, the UK Minister for International Development, is currently in Nepal on a three-day visit. Swayne, who arrived in Kathmandu on Wednesday, is scheduled to oversee DFID’s bilateral programs and  its efforts on combating poverty and promoting economic growth in Nepal.