Catch up below on our Spring Conference: From talk to transformation, and explore ideas for ‘shifting the power’ based on inclusivity, feminism, anti-racism, and decolonisation to achieve global justice.
Topics include:
- Transforming locally-led development
- Developing inclusive language
- Engaging diaspora communities
- Influencing decision-makers
The conference will welcome the launch of SIDA’s new report: ‘from talk to transformation: how governments can really ‘shift the power’ towards global justice’. Shifting the power is not just a role for governments, so we’ll be exploring what adopting feminist, anti-racist, decolonised, inclusive approaches means for all of us.
The event will begin with the launch of the research, followed by a panel discussion on the hot topic of locally-led approaches. Our focus for this conference is to encourage participation from attendees so we are dedicating time to interactive workshops which will explore the importance of language; how to engage diaspora communities in decision-making; and tactics for gaining political support.
As always, our conference is free for members and includes plenty of opportunities for building connections and exploring collaboration. Please note workshops are in-person only.
About the research
The work stems from a desire from our membership to explore the idea of ‘shifting the power’ in global sustainable development and related issues of global affairs. We’ve aimed to identify ways in which both the UK and Scottish governments can deliver joined-up policy making – starting with implementing the Sustainable Development Goals and building on that towards a wider more inclusive vision of global justice.
We identified four intersecting approaches of inclusivity, feminism, anti-racism and decolonisation, as providing inspiration for the transformation that we need to see. These approaches share common themes, identified by some of the SIDA membership.
Panel Session 1 Materials
Launch of ‘from talk to transformation: how governments can really ‘shift the power’ towards global justice’. SIDA’s new report, exploring inclusive, feminist, anti-racist and decolonised approaches to global affairs.
- Speakers: Kate Nevens & Iffat Shahnaz, report authors, The Collective, Joanne O’Neill, Head of Advocacy, ActionAid, Yulia Nesterova, Lecturer in International and Comparative Education, University of Glasgow, Yankho Mataya, Country Director, Zambia, WaterAid
Panel Session 2 Materials
Leading locally – How to implement genuinely locally led approaches: decentralising power, money and resources in humanitarian and development and empowering local actors to take decision-making roles with international actors (including INGOs) stepping in only if and when necessary. We’ll hear from SIDA members, large and small, here in Scotland and from the Global South, who are making steps towards this transformative approach.
- Speakers: Ayesha Farah, Communications and Advocacy Manager, Comic Relief, Nana Afadzinu, Executive Director, West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI), Paul Stuart, CEO, Ripple Effect, Winnie Mailu, Head of Thematic Support and Capacity Building, Ripple Effect, Dr Jo Vallis, Chair, Friends of Chitambo, Levi Chifwaila, Chair, Friends of Chitambo, Zambia Board