On Tuesday 6th May, the First Minister published the Scottish Government’s Programme for Government for 2025/2026, up to the Scottish Parliament elections scheduled for May next year. The document confirms or reiterates a number of commitments the Scottish Government has made on global sustainable development.
A key section on international issues says:
“Our commitment to upholding and promoting rights does not stop at a border. In recent years we’ve witnessed heightened violence and humanitarian crises across the world. We have resolutely condemned Russia’s illegal war against Ukraine, remaining steadfast in our support for the people of Ukraine and for a strong and durable peace that respects Ukraine’s sovereignty. Scottish Ministers have been consistent in calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the release of all hostages, urgent access for humanitarian aid, and repeatedly called on the UK Government to end all licenced arms exports to Israel.
“We will not turn our backs on those overseas who need assistance – keeping our promise to countries across the Global South to grow our international development budget to £15 million per annum and providing £1 million for humanitarian crises”.
The document also outlines the Scottish Government’s position on global climate justice, saying:
“Alongside our domestic action Scotland will continue playing a role in securing global change. At a time of spiralling climate disruption globally we will not turn our backs on those overseas who need assistance or look to balance the books on the backs of those hit hardest, including:
“Leading on climate action internationally, leveraging our presidency of Regions4 and co-chair position in Under2, to drive forward ambition and implement bold climate action across counterpart governments around the world;
“At COP30, pushing for recognition of the importance of devolved nations in delivering global climate ambition and the needs of those who have done the least to cause climate change but are suffering the most from it;
“Keeping our promise to countries across the Global South to invest £36 million over this Parliament to support climate justice.”
Commenting, SIDA’s Chief Executive Frances Guy said:
“We welcome confirmation that the Scottish Government does intend to reach the target of a £15million International Development Fund during the lifetime of the current Scottish Parliament. At a time when other Governments around the world are drastically cutting aid budgets, any additional resources will make a difference in the lives of the communities they reach.
“The Scottish Government also continues to set high ambitions and seeks to show global leadership in the field of climate justice. These commitments are welcome, but we note the concerns expressed by our colleagues in Stop Climate Chaos Scotland and elsewhere that commitments and pledges are not enough on their own. Real, ambitious action will be needed to reduce carbon emissions and tackle the causes and effects of climate change in Scotland and around the world.
“There has also been a missed opportunity to restate commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals. With just five years remaining to the target date of 2030, it was disappointing that there is no direct mention of the SDGs in the Programme for Government document, and only the briefest mention of reviewing Scotland’s National Performance Framework. These Global Goals should be at the heart of driving policy toward a fairer world for all, free from poverty, injustice and environmental threats.”
Other SIDA members and network partners have published their responses to the Programme for Government, including Stop Climate Chaos Scotland, Oxfam Scotland and the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO).