Receptions at Holyrood and Westminster at the start of the new year gave campaigners and decision-makers the chance to focus on the challenges facing global and climate justice over the next twelve months.
On Monday 6th January, members of the UK network Bond gathered in the Houses of Parliament to hear from new UK Minister for Development, Anneliese Dodds about the UK Government’s priorities, and a number of NGOs shared their perspectives at an event hosted by Lord McConnell, who co-chairs the All-Party Parliamentary Group on the Global Goals for Sustainable Development. The event was also a chance for some newly-elected (and returning) MPs to meet with and hear more about the work of groups and organisations based in the UK working for global sustainable development.
The following day, Tuesday 7th, Stop Climate Chaos Scotland (SCCS) and partners were hosted by Ben Macpherson MSP in Holyrood for a reception in support of Scotland United for Climate Action. The event heard from Acting Minister for Climate Action, Dr Alistair Allan MSP, about the Scottish Government’s efforts to reduce carbon emissions. Emma James, Researcher at Climate Outreach, and Zarina Ahmad, Co-Director of the Women’s Environmental Network, spoke about some of the challenges and opportunities around mobilising the public in the face of the climate emergency. Several others MSPs, particularly from the Scottish Green Party, came along to meet with guests and stall holders from SCCS members and the wider climate action movement. Several SIDA members including SCIAF and Oxfam were present at the event, with Christian Aid showcasing a photo exhibition about the impact of Scottish Government funding to tackle the impact of climate change loss and damage in Ethiopia.
SIDA Chief Executive Frances Guy took part in both events, meeting some of the politicians and network members present. Frances said:
“These receptions at Holyrood and Westminster were welcome opportunities at the start of a new year to reconnect with network members, and speak directly with parliamentarians and Government ministers about priorities for the climate and development agendas. As is always the case, of course, change and success can only come through action, not words. The message from our friends and allies in Bond and SCCS is that decision makers need to take more and urgent action to tackle the climate emergency and, with only five years to go until 2030, make meaningful progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals.”
