The Alliance has published a briefing that sets out 4 key commitments that are necessary in order for the UK Government’s new Foreign and Development Office to build on the UK’s world leading reputation in aid and development.
The call comes following the widely opposed merger of the Department for International Development (DFID) with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO). However, Alliance members agree that what is most important now is ensuring the UK maintains its leadership role in tackling global issues.
Our new briefing puts forward four commitments needed from the UK Government to maintain effective, principled progress on sustainable development across the world.
The four commitments are:
-
Commitment to poverty eradication and aid effectiveness
-
Commitment to accountability, transparency and scrutiny
-
Commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement on Climate Change
-
Commitment to safeguarding DFID’s expertise
Read the full briefing here.
The briefing was co-written and agreed by the Alliance Policy Committee and other members including: Christian Aid Scotland, HALO Trust, IDEAS, IIED, Oxfam Scotland, SCIAF, Tearfund Scotland, Carey Tourism, The Scotland Malawi Partnership, WaterAid, Water Witness International and Thrive.
Jane Salmonson, Chief Exec of the Alliance, said:
“The merging of DFID and the FCO has caused many to raise concerns that the UK’s national interest could skew the development policy agenda.
“The Alliance and many of its members have worked closely with the hugely experienced and talented team of specialists at DFID. We are hopeful that working with the specialists and diplomats at the FCO will add to the skills and qualities needed to resource the UK’s renewed commitment to the world’s most vulnerable.
“This is why we have developed this briefing outlining the four major commitments we expect from the UK government to build on its world-leading contribution to international development.
“We look forward to working closely with government, with our network of development organisations and with all organisations working in this crucial field, as we move into this new era of collaboration.”
Sign our open letter to the Prime Minister
In July 2020, the Alliance will send an open letter to the Prime Minister asking that his Government ensure that these commitments are made.
Please sign on to this letter by adding your name to this Google Doc before 9am on Monday 13th July.