Scotland’s International Development Alliance is delighted to welcome members and community to our Spring Conference, taking place at COSLA in Edinburgh, and online on the 1st of April.
This interactive, hybrid conference will explore how the sustainable development sector can bridge gaps in perception and inspire active participation across the wider civic and economic landscapes.
Programme
9.00am-9.30am Networking and refreshments
9.30am – 9.35am Welcome from conference chair Frances Guy, CEO, SIDA.
9.35am – 10.05am Keynote address and Q&A – more details to be announced shortly!
10.05am – 10.45am Soomin Oh, Deputy Director, Development Engagement Lab. Presentation and Q&A
This presentation and open Q&A by Development Engagement Lab (DEL) will examine Scottish public attitudes around and engagement with global poverty and development. Drawing on DEL’s multi-year survey data (2019-2025), it will explore the latest trends in Scottish attitudes and engagement, patterns of movement up (or down) the ‘engagement ladder’, and the profiles of aid sceptics. DEL is a multi-country research programme focused on understanding public support for aid and sustainable development.
10.45am – 11.15am Networking and refreshments
11.15am – 12.15pm Panel discussion: Bridging sectors, engaging society
In today’s interconnected world, tackling global challenges requires INGOs to think beyond traditional partnerships. Effective collaboration across sectors is crucial to scaling impact. At the same time, engaging the general public in development issues remains a critical yet evolving challenge.
This panel will explore how INGOs can forge stronger cross-sector collaborations and connect meaningfully with the public to drive sustainable change.
Panellists
- Mark McAllister, Organisational Lead for Strategic Development, Public Health Scotland
- Gemma Day, Global and UK Head of Communications, WaterAid
- Dr Francisca Mutapi. Professor Global Health Infection and Immunity at The University of Edinburgh, Deputy Director TIBA Partnership
- Dan Paris, Director of Policy and Engagement, Scottish Environment Link
12.15pm – 1.30pm Workshops (Please note workshops are in-person only)
Workshop 1
How can Scotland be a good Global Citizen? Exploring the role of Global Citizenship within international development
Join us for an engaging and interactive workshop exploring how a global citizenship approach can build solidarity and inspire action on urgent global issues. In this session we will consider how campaigns and fundraising can challenge harmful stereotypes and shift narratives about the global majority, while raising awareness of global issues including poverty, inequality and environmental threat.
Workshop leads
Charlotte Dwyer, Director, ScotDec
Emma Gardner, Education and Youth Coordinator, Christian Aid
Workshop 2
AI strategy for INGOs
John Fitzgerald leads SCVO’s digital evolution programme. He and his team have helped thousands of charities to make strategic use of digital to serve their communities and further their aims. Alongside bespoke one-to-one help and advice, they also provide in-depth guides such as their new guide to using AI responsibly: https://scvo.scot/support/digital/guides/ai
Depending on what you’ve read in the media, AI could stand for ‘Apocalypse Incoming’ or ‘Additional Interns’ – or everything in between! John will cut through the hype on AI and highlight what you need to know to start using it strategically and responsibly
Workshop lead
John Fitzgerald, Digital Evolution Project Manager, SCVO
Workshop 3
Advocacy, development and 2026
This time next year the Scottish Parliament elections will be well underway – and there will be only four years remaining until the 2030 target date for achieving the SDGs. With these deadlines in sight, how can individual NGOs, and the sector collectively focus the minds of decision makers? How can we identify the most effective policies for manifestos and for governments? And how can we best mobilise the arguments and the public in support? This will be an interactive session with plenty of opportunity for discussion, sharing ideas, best practice and asking ourselves questions.
Workshop Lead
Patrick Grady, Head of Policy and Comms, SIDA
1.30pm -2.30pm Networking and lunch
2.30pm Close
SIDA is grateful to headline sponsors StoneX and WaterAid for partnering with us for the 2025 Spring Conference. If you are interested in an Exhibitor or Sponsor package, please contact francis.rodgers@intdevalliance.scot for more information.