Newsletter October 2019 HEADLINESMinister announces inter-ministerial group at Alliance Annual Conference 2019On 25 September, the 4th anniversary of the adoption of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, the Alliance held its 2019 Annual Conference. This was our biggest and most successful event to date, with over 200 delegates who came together to put gender front and centre. To kick off an inspiring day, Ben Macpherson MSP, Scottish Government Minister for Europe, Migration and International Development, announced that he will be launching a new Inter-Ministerial Group that will take forward the Government’s commitment to policy coherence for sustainable development. COP 26 is coming to Glasgow... Let's mobiliseScotland’s new Climate Change Bill, passed at the end of September, makes good progress in key areas that are crucial to help address the climate emergency. During the process of the Bill, political commitment to addressing climate change dramatically increased, in part due to overwhelmingly strong evidence, and in part because of the growing mass movement of people calling for more urgent action, proving that people power works. As we get ready for the world's largest climate conference coming to Glasgow next year, it is vital that we mobilise and carry the voices of our supporters and partners to the summit. DFID to host Brexit meeting on 10 October in EdinburghDFID’s Chris Carter, Deputy Head of Europe Department and Head of Brexit and Policy Group, Economic Development, will lead an information event for international development practitioners to be held in Edinburgh on 10 October at 10:30-12:30. This is an opportunity for all those interested in the possible effects of Brexit, and how to prepare for them, to discuss these issues informally with DFID senior officials. Attendance is recommended for all organisations implementing overseas programmes, not only those managing EU/ECHO funds. Please register soon to ensure a place. The Alliance Photo Exhibition 2019The 2019 Alliance Photo Competition was our best yet, with almost 100 entries from over 60 organisations and individuals involved in international development in Scotland. This year we invited entries that addressed the theme ‘Sustainable development through the lens of gender’. To celebrate the powerful, high-quality images from around the globe that we received, we are pleased to announce that over 20 of the top photographs will be showcased for one night only at the City Arts Centre in Edinburgh on 6th November. WHAT ARE OUR MEMBERS UP TO?The water crisis - its all about people and powerThe global water crisis is a crisis of inequality and shockingly poor governance. Dr. Nick Hepworth, Executive Director at Water Witness International, shares 5 imperatives from their manifesto for a Fair Water Future and their ten-year strategy to be launched in November 2019. Could a partnership with Glasgow University be for you?In 2014 & 2015 MSc students from the University of Glasgow conducted research into the impact on smallholder rice farmers of membership of a farmers’ association. That research has been of great value to Just Trading Scotland (JTS), a Paisley-based Scottish Fair Trade importer. John Riches, former Chair and founder of JTS, tells us all, and encourages more partnerships like these. Want to write a blog for us? Find out more. IN OTHER NEWSApplications Open for Sustainable Cities Small Grants FundThe 74th UN General Assembly - top takeaways from DevexUK Government reports on aid spendScotland Malawi Partnership annual gathering and AGM to feature special guestWhat to expect from Climate Week 2019 at GCU?Three tips for policy-makers on implementing the SDGsUPCOMING EVENTSUpcoming webinars not to be missed2 & 15 October 2019 Join our webinar with the Corra Foundation about what makes a successful application to the Scottish Government Small Grants on 2 October, and join our good governance webinar with SCVO to find out how to review your organisation’s governance using their recently launched check-up on 15 October. Both webinars are open to members and non-members. CPG on International Development: AGM & Lunch9 October 2019 This meeting will be the group's AGM, and will focus on agenda setting for the coming year. This Cross Party Group has a uniquely broad remit in the Scottish Parliament, so offers members the chance to raise an array of important international issues with parliamentarians. Come along for lunch and have your say on setting the agenda for the group going forward. 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. Read our monthly round-up and get involved. Registered Scottish Charity No. SC035314 |