Rt Hon Andrew Mitchell MP, Minister for Development and Africa will join those working in, or interested in, the global sustainable development sector to discuss economic challenges and the impact of the changing political landscape in Scotland and the UK.
Research from Scotland’s International Development Alliance* shows that over two thirds of responding international NGOs are concerned about their financial stability, and that more political leadership in this space would be welcomed.
Scotland’s International Development Alliance are hosting the half day conference on Thursday 16 March which aims to encourage collaboration amongst the sector to build a strong political and public case for tackling global poverty and injustices. The conference will be chaired by broadcaster and journalist Tasnim Nazeer, and speakers include representatives from international NGOs such as BRAC UK and Save the Children; economic experts from UN conference on trade & development and NatWest Group; and public opinion experts from Development Engagement Lab and Devex. The conference will also hear from the Scottish Government about new funding streams for the sector.
Frances Guy, Chief Executive of Scotland’s International Development Alliance said:
“Our members are increasingly concerned about the lack of political support for the important work of Scottish based organisations working on global injustice. Not only has the UK government backed away from its commitments to Overseas Development Assistance but we perceive a lack of focus on critical frameworks like the Sustainable Development Goals, which should be driving our decision making for a fairer Scotland and a fairer world. We’re delighted to be welcoming the Minister to our conference to discuss these issues and hear about his longer term vision for international development.”
The conference will also consider the role of Scotland’s First Minister in supporting global sustainable development, with one of the questions for panellists to address being “What should be top of the new First Minister’s ‘to do list’ when it comes to global sustainable development?”
*Research conducted in January – February 2023 with 30 respondents from the Alliance’s membership.