August 2026 News
SIDA UPDATES
Six weeks to go - get your tickets now!
With only six weeks to go before our 2026 Annual Conference, we’re excited to be finalising sessions, shaping the agenda and confirming our fantastic line-up of expert speakers from all over the globe. We've gathered a little summary of what to expect when you join us on the 29th September at Dynamic Earth in Edinburgh.
Joy as an act of resistance | The Palestinian Circus comes to Scotland
Every year, the SIDA staff team get together for a visit to the Edinburgh Fringe - this year, we chose to attend The Palestinian Circus: Step and a Half, a circus performance from non-profit organisation The Palestinian Circus, who bring hope and connection to communities across Palestine through circus. There's only a few days left to catch the show, so get yourself a ticket quick!
How UK ODA cuts were effectively more than doubled to at least £1.2bn in 2025This revealing Bond analysis article finds that the UK Official Development Assistance, a government aid saving measure designed to promote economic development in low to middle income countries, made £1.2 billion in cuts, over double the £500 million originally announced in the HM Treasury’s Spring Statement. |
Aid Worker Security Report 2026The 2026 Aid Worker Security Report confirms what many in the humanitarian community have long feared: 2025 was again the worst year on record for humanitarian workers. Read more from the New Humanitarian. |
FOCUS ON: Colombia Earthquake
Colombia earthquake strikes at challenging time for aid response
Aid organisations responding to the powerful earthquake that hit Colombia on 10 August face significant challenges, including difficulties accessing some of the worst-hit areas in remote western regions that have been seeing rising violence.
“We don't have so much as a spoon”: Colombia earthquake devastates hundreds of homes in communities already facing decades of exclusion | ActionAid
Women and community leaders across Chocó and Buenaventura are organising support and identifying urgent needs following the 7.4-magnitude earthquake, as ActionAid warns longstanding inequalities risk leaving Indigenous and Afro-Colombian communities in rural regions behind.
WFP scales up emergency food support for Colombian earthquake survivors
The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) is scaling up emergency operations in Colombia, reaching survivors in some of the country’s most affected and vulnerable regions with critical food assistance.
MEMBER UPDATES
Locally Led G20 Advisor | Bond
Bond are hiring a Locally Led G20 Advisor, to influence the UK Government and other international actors on locally-led policy change, and to support the convening and external engagement of civil society on the UK G20 in 2027. Across these areas of work this role will also help to promote Bond’s engagement with global civil society.
Trustees | Mamie Martin Fund
The Mamie Martin Fund have shared a callout for new trustees, in particular professionals who can bring knowledge and skills in the areas of IT, marketing and admin.
Intro Course to Regenerative Design | Gaia Education
Want to dive into a more sustainable way of living, but not sure where to start?
Join Gaia Education for a free introduction to Regenerative and Sustainable Design - it will help you identify your role in the regenerative sphere, guide you in the right direction and get an idea how you can change the way you live through regenerative design.
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?
- Wednesday 26th August, 10.30am
Online
Please note access to this event is exclusive to members of SIDA.
💫Last chance to join - 10.30am start today!💫
Safeguarding in times of reduced capacity
In this interactive online workshop, we'll be joined by Angie Bamgbose of Building Blocks for Development, who will lead us through general updates to safeguarding capacity over the last year, and explore how organisations can approach safeguarding in these unpredictable times.
When and where?
Friday 29th - Saturday 30th August
Traquair House, Scottish Borders
SIDA Members, check the Member Hub for an exclusive 15% discount!
Beyond Borders International Festival 2026
An annual weekend-long event at Traquair House in the Scottish Borders, with discussions, exhibitions, visual and performing art, film and other events exploring the most pressing global issues of our time. On Sunday 30th at 12-12.45pm, join a special session looking at the Humanitarian Emergency Fund and the work of the Disasters Emergency Committee Scotland.
Scotland in the New Development Landscape | Development Studies Assocation
An annual meeting of the Development Studies Association's Scotland Study Group. As geopolitics shift, the aid system morphs, and debates around climate justice, decolonisation, and global inequalities intensify, what can we learn from global development research, pedagogy and practice being undertaken at Scottish institutions?
European Forest Institute | UK Launch and Office Opening
This event will bring together NGOs, academia, government representatives and individuals passionate about conservation and international development, to explore EFI's work and its contribution to addressing global challenges through sustainable forest governance and international collaboration.
When and where?
- Thursday 3rd September 2-4:30pm
Northern Forest Research Station, Roslin, EH25 9SY
Putting It All Together: Confident AI Use in Practice
In this third and final session of our collaboration with AI4NGO, we’ll bring everything together. Refine how you prompt, explore the strengths of different tools, and apply what you've learned to real tasks from your own work.
When and where?
- Wednesday 9th September 10.30am
Online
Please note access to this event is exclusive to members of SIDA.
Rediscover Africa 2026
This free, family-friendly event offers a unique opportunity to celebrate African cultures through music, dance, food, art, storytelling, and community connection.
Experience a day filled with live performances, cultural showcases, authentic African cuisine, arts and crafts, family activities, and opportunities to meet local organisations, businesses, and community groups. Whether you have African heritage or simply want to learn more about the continent's cultures and contributions, everyone is welcome.
Campaigning Together | Focus on Political Engagement | Scottish Fair Trade
At our next Campaigning Together session, we'll be focusing on political engagement to help you feel better equipped for making the case for Fair Trade at your next advocacy initiative or Parliament meeting. During the session we'll hear from former MSP Sarah Boyack, and Scottish Fair Trade Policy intern, Millie MacBean, with plenty of space for participation and questions as well as opportunities to get to know your fellow campaigners.
When and where?
- Thursday 17th September 6-7.45pm
The Melting Pot, 5 Calton Road, Edinburgh
Blueberry picking | Mamie Martin Fund
Join the Mamie Martin Fund, as well as Willie and Eileen Sinclair (family of Mamie Martin) at Thomas Thomson farm in Blairgowrie, to pick blueberries and donate what you can!
When and where?
- Sunday 27th September 3-6pm
Thomas Thomson Farm, Blairgowrie
Faith in Peacebuilding | Coming Soon
Look out for more information on social media channels about a new initiative exploring how churches and faith organisations work for peace. Supported by the Scottish Peace Platform and a range of SIDA Members including SCIAF, Tearfund, Christian Aid, Quakers, and Islamic Relief.
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
The Fat Beehive Foundation
Digital project grants for small charities to improve your digital presence including website design. You must have a clear, defined goal for your digital presence (fundraising, campaigning, providing information etc.) and be able to commit staff or volunteer time to the project.
Deadline: 30th September
SIDA MEMBER HUB
SIDA members, please remember to check out our Member Hub, designed to facilitate collaboration and connection with your community. The invite has been sent to you via email, and the sign-up process is quick and easy. Haven't received your link? Let us know! Not a member yet? Get in touch now!
Join the conversation
This month, we've seen SIDA members sharing events, advice on visas, exclusive discounts and more!
Looking for Office Space?
Is your organisation looking for a flexible, accessible, affordable base to work from? The SIDA team are on the look out for any members who might be interested in sharing our office space close to Haymarket station in Edinburgh. It's a great location with lots of room for hot-desking, all standard amenities, and meeting space available to book within the building. Contact us on admin@intdevalliance.scot for more information.
OTHER NEWS & RESOURCES
Sudan: City Under Siege, Children Under Fire: Rapid Support Forces’ Crimes Against Humanity in North Darfur
Former British and French diplomats urge action over Israel’s ‘erasure’ of Palestine
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