March 2026 News
SIDA UPDATES
Catch up on the SIDA Spring Conference
On 10th March, we were joined by over 150 members of the sustainable development community, both in-person and online, for our Spring conference in Edinburgh. It was a fantastic day of collaboration, learning and networking. We explored how locally led development is crucial to climate justice, what is really standing in the way of a just transition, and how to turn climate just principles into real world action.
Stand for Global Citizenship Education in Scotland
SIDA is proud to share our recent op-ed in The National, promoting our open letter that calls on all political leaders in Scotland to make Global Citizenship Education (GCE) central to their manifestos ahead of the 2026 elections.
New leadership announced for the Diaspora Group for Global Citizenship
The Diaspora Group for Global Citizenship (DGGC) is pleased to announce the appointment of new co-chairs and a secretary, marking an exciting new chapter for the group’s work across Scotland and beyond. The Diaspora Group is currently inviting applications of interest to join the group, so please get in touch to find out more.
FOCUS ON: FCDO announce aid budget
UK aid allocations confirm deep cuts to spending
SIDA reacts to the announcement of aid allocations from FCDO last week, with an overall cut in aid from 0.5% to 0.3% of Gross National Income implemented, and bilateral programmes set to bear the brunt.
A political choice to allow suffering and death | Oxfam Scotland
One year ago, the UK Government chose to slash the aid budget by over £6 billion to 0.3% of national income by 2027, compounding a damaging trend.
MEMBER UPDATES
Why we must demand a fair water footprint in global supply chains | Water Witness
We hear from Lewis Ryder-Jones, Advocacy Manager at Water Witness, on the impact of water injustice globally.
Disclosure Scotland | Guide to working outside of Scotland
This resource is for organisations who employ people to do regulated roles outside Scotland or for remote work. These workers or volunteers may still need PVG scheme membership.
Graphic designer | Scottish Love in Action
A fantastic voluntary opportunity for an experienced graphic designer to work with a charity supporting children and young people in India.
Welcome to new SIDA members
We're pleased to welcome Barrington Exchange to the SIDA community - Barrington Exchange are a foreign exchange and international payments provider supporting organisations with overseas operations.
Are you based in Scotland and studying, researching or working in global development?
The Development Studies Association has a Scotland Group (DSA Scotland) holds events across Scotland promoting cross-regional and cross-disciplinary dialogue between PhD students, postdoctoral researchers, academics and practitioners with expert knowledge working on development issues.
SIDA members, this is your space! If you would like to feature in upcoming newsletters, please get in touch with us anytime at kat@intdevalliance.scot.
UPCOMING EVENTS
When and where?
- Thursday 26th March, 5.30pm
University of Strathclyde
The challenges in getting to net-zero greenhouse gas emissions with Nigel Topping | University of Strathclyde
Nigel Topping CMG, Chair of the UK Climate Change Committee will deliver a public lecture in Glasgow on the challenges of reaching net zero emissions.
Webinar: Peace Education Workshop
Join peace educator and founder of The Peace Collective Mansi Panjwani for an interactive workshop on peace education and approaching power in peace work with the Scottish Peace Platform.
When and where?
- Wednesday 25th March, 1pm
Online
Rethinking Scotland’s National Outcomes Framework | University of Strathclyde
Scotland’s National Performance Framework is being redesigned. We have a chance to influence what comes next – and make sure the Sustainable Development Goals are at the heart of how Scotland measures success.
Technology and AI: Navigating Misinformation Beyond COP30 | UN House Scotland
Join the Beyond COP30 team at UN Association Scotland to navigate the complexities of technology, AI and misinformation in the climate space.
When and where?
- Thursday 23rd April, 1pm - 2.15pm
Online
When and where?
- Sunday 29th March, 11am - 4pm
St Martin-in-the-fields, Trafalgar Square
Myanmar earthquake - One Year On | DEC
This outdoor gallery event in London will showcase stunning photography of the DEC funded humanitarian response in Myanmar and tell the story of how local communities worked together to recover and rebuild their homes and livelihoods after the devastating earthquake.
Rebuilding Gaza: The role of the education sector | Educators for Peace & Scottish Peace Platform
The event will bring Palestinian officials, educators and initiative leaders together with their Scottish counterparts – officials, educators, education stakeholders, aid agencies and international development organisations, to explore the role of the education sector in rebuilding Gaza.
When and where?
- Saturday 28th March, 9.30am - 4pm
Edinburgh
SIDA members, this is your space! If you would like to feature in upcoming newsletters, please get in touch with us anytime at kat@intdevalliance.scot.
FUNDING UPDATE OF THE MONTH
2026 UNESCO Prize for Girls’ and Women’s Education
The UNESCO Prize for Girls’ and Women’s Education honours outstanding and innovative contributions made by individuals, institutions, and organizations to advance girls’ and women’s education. It is the first UNESCO Prize of this nature and is unique in showcasing successful projects that improve and promote the educational prospects of girls and women and in turn, the quality of their lives.
Grant size: 2 prizes of US$ 50,000
Deadline: 12th May
OTHER NEWS & RESOURCES
SIDA members, membership renewal time is fast approaching so make sure to keep your eyes on your inbox for invoices coming through. With no increase in fees, a jam-packed calendar of member events on a wide range of development issues, and a brand new member platform launching soon, there's never been a better time to be a member of Scotland's International Development Alliance! Not a member yet? Get in touch now!
UNICEF suspended as aid dwindles in Gaza
Registered Scottish Charity No. SC035314
Company No. SC307352
CBC House, 24 Canning Street, EH3 8EG