April 2021 News
HEADLINES
Scottish Government International Development Review - our response informed by your views
Last month the Scottish Government published the summary report of its international development review, announcing a number of changes in its approach to international development.
The Alliance welcomes the overarching themes and principles set out and will respond proactively to the review findings and the broader contextual changes it sits alongside.
We continue to seek views, reflections and concerns from our members, their partners and broader stakeholders. We are particularly interested in how this review might affect the work you do.
Scottish politicians urged to commit to our 5 point plan ahead of Holyrood 2021 elections
At the end of March, we hosted a lively, online question time with representatives from all five main Holyrood political parties.
Around 100 members of the public had the chance to put their questions to SNP’s Jenny Gilruth, Scottish Greens' co-leader Patrick Harvie, Scottish Liberal Democrats' Liam McArthur, Scottish Conservative's Maurice Golden and Scottish Labour's Katy Clark.
With the Holyrood elections just weeks away, it was a critical opportunity for political parties to set out how they would ensure the next Scottish Government would play a positive role on the world stage.
Where next for the Alliance? Our 2017-2021 strategy evaluation is published
Towards the end of last year, we commissioned an independent evaluation to assess the extent to which we met our four strategic objectives agreed by our members in 2017.
We are happy to say that although we still have much to do, it seems we've been moving in the right direction.
The recommendations for the future will be carefully considered by staff and board alike as we plan the next chapter for the Alliance.
International Development Committee to explore the impact of racism in our sector
At the Alliance, we know that our members are deeply concerned with unpicking and addressing inequality in our sector, which is at the foundation of our ongoing work to decolonise language.
We're pleased to see that the UK Parliament's International Development Committee is launching the first sub-inquiry under The philosophy and culture of aid umbrella inquiry, exploring racism in our sector.
FOCUS ON CLIMATE
We're still committed to amplifying voices of people on the front line of the climate crisis ahead of COP26 - but need your help!
Although there are yet more rumours that the COP will be postponed again, we remain committed to raising awareness of how people across the world are impacted by the climate crisis.
We think visual imagery is a great way to engage new audiences, so that's why we want to put on a digital exhibition themed around climate. The best entries to the Alliance Photo & Film Competition 2021 will be included, so get involved!
But don't delay, there's only a month left to submit entries! Deadline Friday 7 May 2021.
OPINION
Universities urge UK Government to reconsider cuts to ODA funded research
Academics and representatives from universities across Scotland and the UK are alarmed by cuts to ODA funded research. Throughout March, thousands have mobilised to urge the UK Government to reconsider through a petition and open letters.
Bringing MEL Back Better after COVID-19
The team at new Alliance member NIRAS-LTS International, reflects on the recent webinar they hosted for us on how the sector has adapted and improved its remote data collection, analysis and learning processes during a difficult year when project plans were disrupted.
Want to write a blog or opinion piece for us? Find out more.
IN OTHER NEWS
What the integrated review means for international development
Can a new legal case stop UK arms sales to Yemen?
Middle-income countries left behind by debt relief, UNDP report shows
Number 10's Race commission report: the rights and wrongs
UPCOMING EVENTS
Participatory photography workshop
14 & 15 April 2021
PhotoVoice’s acclaimed 1-day training course provides a detailed introduction into key aspects of participatory photography as a method of community engagement.
Round-table meeting Westminster SNP MPs
15 April 2021
An opportunity to discuss priorities and share ideas with Chris Law MP and Alyn Smith MP, the SNP's Westminster front bench team on International Development and Foriegn Affairs.
GET INVOLVED
We want to improve user experience across our digital platforms - could you help?
Since this time last year, the step change towards online and digital working has been impossible to ignore. In this sense, COVID-19 has undoutbtedly changed things for good, so we want to ensure our digital services are fit for purpose.
That’s why we wish to contract a UX consultant to look at our digital platforms with a fresh perspective. Could you fit the bill to help us do digital better?
Registered Scottish Charity No. SC035314
Company No. SC307352
5-7 Montgomery Street Lane
Edinburgh EH7 5JT
