Edinburgh, 4 September 2024 – Prominent Scottish politicians, including Cabinet Secretary Angus Robertson and former First Ministers Nicola Sturgeon and Lord Jack McConnell, will join international NGOs, academics, and public bodies at Scotland’s International Development Alliance (SIDA) annual conference. The event, titled ‘Collaborate Now for Future Generations,’ will explore the necessity for more cohesive, long-term, and global strategies in policy and decision-making.
The conference, to be held in Edinburgh and online on 4 September, precedes the UN’s Summit for the Future, where global leaders will deliberate on ways to deliver a better present and safeguard the future. The SIDA conference will consider policies closer to home such as proposals for a Wellbeing & Sustainable Development Bill and a Future Generations Commissioner.
The event will feature young activists and experts from the global south, fostering knowledge exchange on embedding future-focused approaches. Discussions will also cover the evolution of international development, addressing pivotal questions with insights from experts including the coordinator of the RINGO project, which aims to re-imagine the role of international NGOs and global civil society. Scotland’s Chief Medical Officer, Sir Gregor Smith, will be in conversation with a medical practitioner from the global south to share learnings and consider how best to consider global impact in decisions.
Lord Jack McConnell, former First Minister and founder of the McConnell International Foundation said:
“I’m delighted that SIDA’s conference is prioritising collaboration in achieving global sustainable development.
“A thriving international development sector in Scotland is important. We need integrated approaches across both UK and Scottish governments to support peace and sustainable development.”
Frances Guy, chief executive of Scotland’s International Development Alliance said:
“SIDA has long championed ‘policy coherence for sustainable development’ an approach where all policies, decisions, and budgets are in the service of sustainable development. With converging crises on people and planet, we need joined-up approaches and long-term thinking more than ever. We’re pleased to be joined at our conference by those with direct experience of policy making along with those with fresh ideas to explore how we can all work together for a sustainable future.”
Mirysht Hoshang, Glasgow Afghan United youth board (aged 16), said:
“Young people are the closest to future generations, so I’m delighted to be asked to contribute to this important conference. It’s clear that our current approaches aren’t working – with so many challenges facing the environment, nature and society. I hope politicians will hear our message that we need to consider people in the future, and people around the world, when decisions are made”.
For more information about the conference please visit SIDA’s website: Annual Conference 2024 – Scotland’s International Development Alliance (intdevalliance.scot)
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Notes to editors:
- Scotland’s International Development Alliance is the membership body in Scotland for everyone committed to creating a fairer world, free from poverty, injustice and environmental threats. Our membership brings together a diverse range of over 200 organisations and individuals, including NGOs, businesses, academic institutions and public sector bodies that operate in over 150 countries.
- Media places for the conference are available. Contact Louise Davies at louise@intdevalliance.scot 07875 005931.
- Frances Guy, chief executive of Scotland’s International Development Alliance is available for interview. Contact as above.