Newsletter December 2019 HEADLINESNew report showcases Scottish links to over 100 countriesAt the start of December 2019, the Alliance published its new report ‘Working towards the Global Goals’, providing detailed insight into its members’ contributions to sustainable development across the world. The new report – published only a month before the world enters the ‘decade of delivery’ for the ambitious UN 2030 Agenda – demonstrates a far reaching and impactful international development sector in Scotland. It reveals that over 120 Alliance members have projects in over 100 countries and contribute to all 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Cross Party Group explores impact of big business on human rightsIn today’s globalised world, big business has become more powerful than ever. While business can play a role in tackling poverty, more often than not – particularly in the case of transnational corporations – the drive to maximise profit comes at the expense of human rights and environmental protection. In November, at a meeting of the Scottish Parliament’s Cross Party Group on International Development, MSPs and guests were given some stark examples of how private investment in countries in the global south can have disastrous outcomes for local people and the environment. The Alliance 2020 calendar now availableTo celebrate the quality of submissions to our 2019 photo competition: sustainable development through the lens of gender, we are showcasing the top entries in a 2020 calendar available for purchase now. The selected photographs show a diverse range of projects across 9 countries including India, Nepal, Uganda and Ethiopia. UN Climate negotiations commence in MadridOn Monday 2nd December 2019, COP25 gets underway in Madrid, Spain. This year's annual UN climate conference had been scheduled to take place in Chile, but last minute change of location means that all but one COP will have taken place in the Global North since Paris in 2015. This means it will become more important than ever to ensure the voices of those most impacted by the climate crisis in the Global South are heard loud and clear at next year's COP in Glasgow. WHAT ARE OUR MEMBERS UP TO?Why climate justice mattersMalawian climate change expert Julius Ng'oma works with communities supported by the Climate Challenge Programme Malawi to ensure their voices, and concerns about climate change, are heard loud and clear. Here, Julius shares his thoughts on why climate justice is so important. An everyday fight for a better lifeNeil Mathers, founder and chairperson of Children of Songea Trust, writes about Manshula, aged, 12, and her mother, Fatuma who live in south-west Tanzania. Along with many other families in their area, they face overwhelming adversity, but somehow find a way to live and care for one another. Want to write a blog for us? Find out more. IN OTHER NEWSCGD on UK Election manifestos, what's what for development?Christmas shoebox children gifts 'not sustainable' says Hub Cymru AfricaNew ODI report on global production gap for meeting climate goalsAidWatch 2019 report shows declining EU development SpendUPCOMING EVENTSSafeguarding Training for Trustees11 December 2019 Join us in Dundee for the 3rd in this series of special training workshops tailored especially for board members. Leaders of an organisation have an important role to play in establishing and maintaining a healthy organisational culture. Online training on digital fundraising8 January 2020 Join GlobalGiving for our first online training of 2020 on 8 January to hear how digital fundraising and crowdfunding can invigorate your fundraising strategy. Reserve your space fast, places are limited to 12 attendees. GET INVOLVEDThe Alliance CommunityThe Alliance Community is an online forum for members to discuss, share and connect with other members. A whole host of discussions have taken place this month, including a request to work together on developing asks for Scottish 2021 Election manifestos. What are you planning? Read our monthly round-up and get involved. Registered Scottish Charity No. SC035314 |