Ministry funded International Disability Alliance tackles problems related to leadership and fairness in the organization

The organization’s newly elected Executive Committee implements reforms. The recognised problems do not directly relate to the project funded by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland (the Ministry). However, the Ministry has suspended payments of the government grant to the international non-governmental organization while investigations are ongoing.

International Disability Alliance (IDA) brings together more than a thousand organisations of persons with disabilities around the world. In November 2023, Sweden’s government agency for development cooperation Sida - a central supporter of the organisation - commissioned an external review regarding the organisation’s management practices, allowances paid to the leadership and the equality and fairness of benefits.  

The review was completed in January 2024 and confirmed the concerns leading to it. Following the review, a new Executive Committee has been elected, the former Executive Director has stepped down and a new Interim Executive Director started his work. The new leadership is planning several actions to reform the organization and strengthen management practices. 

Finland’s current funding to IDA (MEUR 2,145) is directed towards a project advancing the economic, social and cultural rights of persons with disabilities, especially in Southern Africa, in 2022–2024. The concerns observed do not directly relate to the Finnish supported project. 

The Ministry has suspended payments of the government grant to the IDA while investigations are ongoing. Payments of discretionary government grants may be suspended as a temporary measure under the Act on Discretionary Government Grants for the duration of a more detailed investigation.