Final answer:
In 1969, former Canadian Prime Minister Lester Pearson proposed that wealthy countries allocate 0.7 percent of their GNI to foreign aid, a recommendation aimed at supporting developing nations.
Step-by-step explanation:
In 1969, former Canadian Prime Minister Lester Pearson proposed that wealthy countries should dedicate 0.7 percent of their gross national income (GNI) to foreign aid. This proposal was aimed at assisting developing countries to improve their quality of life, infrastructure, and economies. The GNI is a comprehensive measure that consists of the total value of a nation's goods and services, adjusted for income received from and sent to other nations.
Despite Pearson's proposal, the reality has been quite different. Currently, the average amount of foreign aid from high-income countries to low-income countries is significantly lower than Pearson's recommended level, with disparities between what is spent on subsidies for affluent nations' domestic needs and the amount allocated to foreign aid. This imbalance raises questions about global priorities and the effectiveness of aid.
Foreign aid plays a controversial role in international relations, with ongoing debates about its efficacy. While some argue that it is a crucial tool for humanitarian assistance and economic development, others believe that it falls short in achieving its intended goals.