The role Scotland can play as a responsible global citizen was a key part of conversations at the Scottish National Party’s annual Conference in Aberdeen last weekend. SIDA’s Chief Executive, Frances Guy, chaired a key fringe meeting supported by our members Oxfam Scotland and the Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund (SCIAF).
The meeting heard from the University of Edinburgh’s Professor of Global Politics Claire Duncanson who is also a Co-Director of the Scottish Council on Global Affairs. Claire spoke about Scotland’s contributions to peace, human rights and climate justice, but warned that credibility depends on faster decarbonisation at home. She called for Scotland to champion wellbeing economies globally, arguing that economic systems must serve people and planet, not profit.
SCIAF’s Advocacy and Campaigns Manager, Anne Callaghan, highlighted Scotland’s pioneering role on Loss and Damage finance, calling it “an act of justice, not charity”. She called on the Scottish Government to build on this reputation by creating a Centre of Excellence for Loss and Damage, strengthening alliances with other progressive nations, and backing global reforms on tax and debt justice.
Jamie Livingstone, Head of Oxfam Scotland described Scotland as “a work in progress” in terms of its global citizenship. He urged the government to expand its humanitarian and development funds, make polluters pay through measures such as a Private Jet Tax, and use its voice for justice in conflicts such as Gaza.
The SNP’s Westminster Spokesperson for International Affairs, Stephen Gethins MP, responded to the panel with reflections on the continued need for multilateral approaches in an increasingly polarised and fragmented world. He emphasised the efforts his party had made at Westminster to press for a ceasefire in the Middle East and recognition of the State of Palestine, and his opposition to cuts to Official Development Assistance made by successive UK Governments.
A lively discussion with contributions and questions from delegates took place, with a strong theme that Scotland’s international role should be rooted in solidarity, fairness and accountability, linking domestic action with global responsibility, and showing that small-medium sized nations can lead by example on climate, peace and equality.
Elsewhere at the Conference, global issues were also on the agenda. In his closing address, party leader and First Minister John Swinney spoke about his upcoming trip to Malawi and Zambia, saying:
“Peace is a long-term project – and sometimes it requires far-sighted investment. International development is very often the first line of defence. The defence against conflict, population displacement and humanitarian catastrophe. It is not a luxury…
“…Tomorrow, I travel to Zambia and Malawi to mark the twentieth anniversary of Scotland’s international aid programme. In recent years, we’ve increased funding and expanded the scope of Scotland’s international development efforts. Our funding has helped to build operating rooms for children’s hospitals, support climate initiatives, and ensure children – in particular girls – can attend school.”
The conference also heard from the Head of the State of Palestine’s Mission to the UK, Ambassador Husam Zomlot, about the progress toward a two-state solution and the importance of the decision by many countries, including the UK, to recognise a Palestinian State. Glasgow-based activist Sid Khan, who had been detained by the Israeli Defence Forces after joining the Global Sumud Flotilla, shared powerful testimony about his experiences with delegates.
SIDA will continue to engage with political parties across Scotland in the run-up to elections to the Scottish Parliament in May 2026. Our policy priorities for the next Scottish Parliament and Government can be found here.