Scotland’s International Development Alliance (SIDA) has welcomed proposals in the draft Scottish Budget that “support for Scotland’s International Development Fund and the Humanitarian Emergency Fund will grow to £16 million in 2026-27”. This represents an increase in the international development fund from £12.8million in the current financial year, and is in line with a commitment to reach £15million made by the Scottish Government at the beginning of the current parliamentary session.
At a time when aid budgets in many countries have been cut, Scotland’s plan to protect and grow this funding really matters. Helping support stable and more secure futures, as well as progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals, contributes to stability and security around the world.
Of course, funding alone is not enough to build a fairer and more peaceful world so alongside this contribution, Scotland must use its voice strongly and consistently to help tackle the root causes, including in support of global debt and tax justice, fairer global economic rules, and in the pursuit of peace.
SIDA’s Chief Executive, Frances Guy, said:
“Scotland’s support for those facing poverty and humanitarian crisis internationally saves and improves lives, and today’s announcement is therefore very welcome.
“At a time of growing humanitarian crises, with conflict and climate change badly affecting some of the world’s poorest and most vulnerable people, this small increase in funding will help sustain practical, life-changing work.
“While Scotland’s international development funding has accounted for around 1p in every £46 of Scottish Government spending in recent years, it has helped more young girls go to school, improved access to healthcare, clean water and food security, and supported communities to adapt to climate change. We can be proud of it.”