A new document outlining SIDA’s policy priorities for the next Scottish Parliament and Government was launched at our conference on 30th September.
Elections to the Scottish Parliament in 2026 provide a moment for reflection, and for re-commitment to a bold and coherent approach to international development: one that matches values with action. SIDA’s new publication outlines how the next Scottish Parliament and Government can shape a more globally aware Scotland, working to reduce global inequalities through joined up action on poverty, injustice, climate and environmental threats.
The key recommendations formed the basis for discussion among a panel of representatives from different political parties at SIDA’s Annual Conference on 30th September in Dynamic Earth, Edinburgh. The panel reflected on 20 years of Scottish international development funding and Scotland’s role as a responsible global citizen, and where consensus could be maintained as elections to the Scottish Parliament come into view.
The panellists were: Jamie Halcro-Johnston MSP, Shadow Minister for Agriculture, Connectivity and Islands for the Conservatives; Q Manivannan, Scottish Greens candidate for Edinburgh and Lothians East region; Neil Bibby MSP, Labour’s Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, External Affairs and Culture; and SNP MP Chris Law, who is the party’s Westminster Spokesperson for International Development, Business and Trade. Alex Cole-Hamilton MSP, Leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats, sent apologies for unexpected personal reasons.
Audience contributions included questions on the impact of debt on countries in the Global South, the need for domestic action to tackle climate change that matches pledges made in international forums, responses to the crisis in Gaza, and how to stand up against rising hate and intolerance faced by minority communities.
SIDA’s Policy Priorities document builds on the ambitious paper, From Talk to Transformation, published in April 2024, and calls on Scotland’s decision-makers to take a range of key actions including:
- Protect and Grow Scotland’s Financing for Development
Protect, and grow over the lifetime of the next Parliament, Scotland’s finance for development,
currently budgeted for as the International Development Fund, Climate Justice Fund and
Humanitarian Emergency Fund. - Scale up Climate Action at Home and Abroad
Accelerate Scotland’s just transition with fair taxation, including measures on frequent flying
and other high emitting behaviours, while boosting investment in locally-led climate
adaptation in partner countries. Continue visible participation at UN Climate Conferences and
consistently amplify the voices and priorities of climate-impacted communities from the
Global South. - Empower Women and Advance Gender Equality
Deliver on the Feminist Approach to International Relations, ensuring funding prioritises
women’s rights organisations and women-led initiatives, and championing gender equality in
international forums, while playing a more active role in the UK’s National Action Plan for
Women, Peace and Security, including applying it within Scotland. - Show Leadership on Global Debt, Finance and Tax Justice
Use Scotland’s political voice to support a fair global debt workout mechanism at the UN, push
the UK to legislate on responsible lending, and champion global tax reform. - Strengthen Global Citizenship, Diaspora Inclusion and Civil Society Accountability
Embed Global Citizenship Education across schools and lifelong learning, and ensure formal
mechanisms for diaspora communities to shape policy and for civil society voices to hold
government to account. This will help sustain public understanding and maintain political
consensus in support of global justice and Scotland’s role as a good global citizen.
The document will be shared with political parties, candidates, and other stakeholders in advance of elections to the Scottish Parliament in May 2026.
Photo: Political Panel at SIDA Conference 2025. Credit: Edinburgh Photographic