October 2020 News
HEADLINES
Our 2021-26 Policy Priorities for the Scottish Parliament – let’s make Scotland a leader in sustainable development
Today, 6 October 2020, we publish our new flagship report outlining policy priorities for political parties to include in their 2021 Scottish Election manifestos. The report covers five key areas most important to our members ahead of next year’s Holyrood Election.
Above all else, it presents a vision for the next Scottish Government to make Scotland a leader in sustainable development, through joining up and building upon existing activities, such as the international development programme, commitments to climate-just action and crucially, linking its external affairs and domestic agendas more coherently through a new Wellbeing and Sustainable Development (Scotland) Act.
Scottish Government to review approach to International Development
In last month’s 2020-2021 Programme for Government, the Scottish Government announced it is undertaking a review of its international development programme in light of the massive impacts of COVID-19 here in Scotland and in its partner countries.
This announcement came alongside a welcome commitment to ring-fence £2 million of the International Development Fund this year to contribute to COVID-19 efforts in its partner countries – Malawi, Zambia, Rwanda and Pakistan.
The review, set be complete by the end of the year, has the stated aim of ensuring that going forward their work focuses on areas that they can make the biggest contribution and difference in their partner countries against the backdrop of the new reality of COVID-19.
Our 2020 Digital Summit: helping us imagine a more inclusive digital future?
Here at the Alliance in the run up to our 2020 Digital Summit, held on 24 September, we faced a question which is becoming increasingly familiar to many of us: how do we do recreate the vital opportunities for collaboration and networking in a world where we can’t meet in person?
Our conference focused on the future beyond COVID-19, and as we moved the event entirely online for the first time, we realised that although this would be hard to do, it could open a new door to a more inclusive, climate friendly and international approach to this kind of event.
Did you attend our digital summit?
If so, we want to hear from you! There are number of ways you can do this:
- Write a blog for us on an issue you learned about
- Give us your feedback about the day
- Access the session slides, details of attendees, discussion forums and resources on the platform for the next year and keep in touch with other attendees
Above all else, we want to ensure we keep the conversations going on all the important issues we looked at over the course of day.
FOCUS ON CLIMATE
Our COP26 planning gets back into full swing
Next week, we restart our COP26 planning in full with a range of meetings on specific work areas that we hope can kick-start our COP26 Strategy into action. From communications planning to developing a climate charter, we need your to help make climate justice a central theme next year here in Scotland.
Click on the any of the meetings below to find out more and book your place.
OPINION
Safeguarding in the times of COVID-19 – Malawi and Scotland working together
In any crisis or emergency, the marginalised and vulnerable are disproportionately affected. In these COVID-19 times, new safeguarding issues and risks are emerging.
Linda Dembo, acting CEO of MaSP and Philippa Ramsden, Programme Manager here at the Alliance, talk about their work in these testing times.
Alliance members helping to rebuild Beirut from Scottish Government Grant
Staff at the British Red Cross, Christian Aid and Tearfund Scotland write about how a £300,000 grant from the Scottish Government’s Humanitarian Emergency Fund is allowing the charities to make more cash grants to help people rebuild their lives and homes.
Want to write a blog or opinion piece for us? Find out more.
IN OTHER NEWS
UK Government admits lack of consultation ahead of FCDO merger
Digital democracy is still a long way off in Africa: it takes more than technology
Join the Gift Aid Emergency Relief Campaign calling
Leaders juggle blame and calls for solidarity in first virtual UNGA
How to confront race and racism in international development
What do 13,000 children in 46 countries have to tell us about living with COVID-19?
UPCOMING EVENTS
MEL for Scottish Government small grantees
14 October
Our specially designed MEL workshop will help grantees get to grips with conducting remote MEL during the pandemic
Leave no-one behind (LNOB) Working Group
10 November
The LNOB working group will meet on the 10 November and discuss mental health with guest speakers.
GET INVOLVED
The Alliance Community
As working from home begins to feel like a new normal, feeling connected to the international development community in Scotland and knowing who you can ask for advice and support is more important than ever.
Our digital forum lets you connect, discuss and share with others. What did you miss in September?
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