Two dozen of the world’s wealthiest countries are pulling back from global development commitments, with many cutting aid budgets and reducing contributions to multilateral lenders, according to a study released on Thursday.

The Commitment to Development Index, compiled every two years by the Washington-based Center for Global Development, ranks 38 major economies on how their policies support poorer nations across areas including finance, trade, migration, environment, health and security.

Sweden, Germany, Norway and Finland retained their top positions. The United Kingdom climbed two places to fifth, though the data predates its recent 40 per cent aid cut — a move expected to push it down in future rankings.

The United States fell two places to 28th, and the report does not yet capture the billions of dollars in aid reductions announced since Donald Trump took office.

“The changes the Trump administration is making are very significant,” said Ian Mitchell, a senior policy fellow at the CGD, predicting further decline.

The findings come as South Africa prepares to host G20 leaders this weekend, when it will hand over the presidency to the United States. Trump, who earlier this year shut down USAID and slashed aid spending, will not attend what is set to be the first G20 summit held in Africa.

Mitchell noted a few positive trends: more than three-quarters of countries reduced emissions between 2019 and 2023, and more nations hosted migrants and refugees. But overall, the think tank warned of a “backward” shift, citing rising arms exports, trade barriers and fossil fuel subsidies.