November 2025 News
SIDA UPDATES
Image: Youth Protesters at COP30, Belem, Brazil, courtesy of UNFCCC flickr
Global events: UN Security Council Resolution on Gaza & COP30
On 17th November 2025, the UN Security Council passed resolution 2803 authorising an ‘International Stabilization Force’ in Gaza. The Guardian referred to the resolution as ‘one of the oddest UN resolutions in history’. As our CEO Frances Guy explained,
“this is partly because it does NOT refer to earlier UN Security Council Resolutions in its preamble (an established practice that reiterates previously agreed positions, for example in this case on the illegal occupation of Palestinian land and the right of the Palestinians to self-determination), and because UNSCR 2803 refers to an international force reporting to the Trump-led “Board of Peace” and not working to a UN Mandate. Despite this it does mean the US administration is cooperating with the UN in however limited a fashion rather than going off on its own; and under Arab pressure the resolution includes a reference to a future Palestinian state, however critics of the resolution have good reason to worry about next steps”.
For more analysis on the weaknesses in the resolution see this article from the Britain Palestine Project. Frances commented further on the proposed plan for Gaza during her recent interview with Holyrood Magazine where she also shared her perspective on the the aid budget cuts, Scotland's Climate Justice Fund, and more.
Last week also marked the close of COP30, the United Nations Climate Change Conference held in Belém, Brazil. Over two weeks, leaders, activists and stakeholders from all over the world, including several SIDA members and friends, came together to discuss the actions required to secure a just future for people and planet. See the ‘focus on’ section for some reflections below.
Help shape the SIDA Spring Conference 2026
Keeping the conversation on climate going, we will be hosting our Spring Conference on 10th March 2026 where we'll explore some of the key challenges, including climate, facing the sector. As a member-led organisation, we’d love your input in shaping the agenda! If your organisation has south-north knowledge exchange stories, ideas for workshop themes or suggestions for speakers, please get in touch. Equally, if you're interested in becoming a sponsor or an exhibitor at the event, do reach out!
Annual report on delivery of Scotland’s International Strategy
The Scottish Government recently published a new annual report on its International Strategy. The 2024-2025 International Strategy sets out how the government is working to enhance Scotland’s global reputation, contribute to addressing the climate crisis and promote sustainable economic growth. You can read the full report along with an introduction from Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, External Affairs and Culture, Angus Robertson MSP, here.
FOCUS ON: COP30 - BELEM, BRAZIL
What will it take for the international community to come together in concrete action towards a just and liveable future? Despite its flaws and imperfections, the United Nations Climate Change Conference provides an annual forum for leaders to listen, debate and make decisions geared towards tackling the climate crisis.
Although COP ended without an agreement on phasing out fossil fuels, there were some notable wins: the adoption of the new gender action plan as well as the decision to develop a just transition mechanism.
Scottish reflections on COP
The Scottish Parliament’s Cross-Party Group (CPG) on International Development met earlier this month to explore the challenges and opportunities COP presents for the international community, and the role Scotland can play. In our recent article, we share highlights from the meeting, including input from a number of speakers, some sharing live from Belem.
In separate articles for Stop Climate Chaos Scotland, Ben and Louise, who both spoke at the CPG, reflected on their experiences at Belem. Louise Davies noted the strength of Indigenous presence and representation, and the significance of the location of COP in the Amazon. "Giving up on climate change is a luxury our children cannot afford," said Ben Wilson.
In addition to these reflections, below we highlight just a few key aspects to consider: education, conflict and financing.
Image: negotiators at COP30 stand in front of sign 'Report on the Baku to Belem Roadmap to 1.3T', courtesy of UNFCCC flickr
Ambition vs provision of public climate finance | Eurodad
Two-thirds of countries cannot reach their full mitigation ambition without enhanced access to financial resources. In this blog, Eurodad's Climate Justice expert Bertha Argueta gives her assessment of COP30. Bertha highlights the gap between ambition, particularly what is needed to keep the 1.5°C goal alive, and the provision of public climate finance to countries in the Global South, as well as the divide in approaches between countries from the Global North and Global South. Read the full article here.
Is climate-conflict overlap COP30’s big blindspot? | The New Humanitarian
As flood, fire, and fighting grow worse - as the recent flooding in Gaza clearly demonstrates - the intersection of climate change and conflict is weighing increasingly heavily on humanitarians, who fear these complex drivers of crisis will only merge further as the planet heats and geopolitical fault lines fracture. Experts are now sounding the alarm about the neglect of the climate, peace and security agenda at the COP30 summit in Brazil - and worry about what that means for communities caught up in converging crises.
Image: Indigenous demonstration outside COP30. Protester's sign reads 'Fossil Fuel Phaseout now', courtesy of UNFCCC flickr
Climate Justice and Education | Link Education
While climate change disrupts access to education, education itself provides a critical opportunity to address climate change now and mitigate its future impacts. Education plays a vital role in equipping young people with the required knowledge, skills, attitudes, and behaviours to successfully adapt and respond to the climate crisis. In this report, Climate Justice in Practice, learn how Link Education is leading the way on Climate Resilient Schools through The Scottish Government-funded Climate Just Communities (CJC) Programme.
MEMBER UPDATES
Senior Comms Lead vacancy | Water Witness
Water Witness are seeking an energetic and enthusiastic individual to lead their communications function in a small but mighty team. If you are an experienced, innovative and proactive comms all-rounder with a passion for Water Witness’ mission, this could be the role for you! Follow the link to find out more. Applications close 11th January 2026.
How could support from Masters students and recent graduates benefit your organisation?
Students and graduates from Queen Margaret University's Sexual and Reproductive Health, Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS), Public Health and Global Health Masters programmes are seeking relevant volunteer work experience opportunities. QMU's Institute of Global Health and Development (IGHD) is now gathering information via this digital form on the type of volunteer work partners may need in 2026 in order to promote these opportunities to students and graduates in the coming weeks. Please fill out the form below if you are interested.
Complete AFFORD’s survey to win a return flight to Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria or Uganda
AFFORD have dedicated 30+ years expanding how the diaspora contributes to Africa’s growth. Diaspora investment is a key part of this. But there is a lack of information in the sector limiting its effectiveness and scalability. AFFORD need 500 diaspora respondents to turn the needle on this work. If you believe in the role of diaspora investment in Africa’s growth, please complete this 5 minute survey. As a thank you, all respondents will be entered into a prize draw for a return flight to Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria or Uganda from anywhere in the world (maximum value £800).
CBM UK's SAGE project receives International Collaboration of the Year Award
The CBM UK-supported SAGE project was recognised with a Times Higher Education Award last week. One of the project partners, The Open University, collected the International Collaboration of the Year Award for the development of a community-based, non-formal inclusive education pathway for Zimbabwe’s most marginalised girls. Read more about the project below.
Link Education joins Charter 4 Change as part of localisation initiative
Link Education are now signatories of Charter 4 Change, a global initiative for locally-led development, demonstrating a commitment to address imbalances and inequality in the humanitarian system. Learn more about the other ways Link Education is championing localisation at the link below.
SIDA members, this is your space! If you would like to feature in upcoming newsletters, please get in touch with us anytime at admin@intdevalliance.scot.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Open conversation with Dr Keetie Roelen on her book 'The empathy Fix'
The Open University’s Centre for the Study of Global Development (CSGD)is holding an in-person conversation with their Co-Director, Dr Keetie Roelen on her new book: The Empathy Fix: Why Poverty Persists & How to Change It. Dr Roelen’s work offers a powerful rethinking of why poverty endures, challenging policymakers, practitioners, and communities to consider how empathy can become a practical tool for dignity, agency, and systemic change.
When and where?
- Saturday 29th November, 11am-1pm
- Grace Church Leith, Edinburgh
The Scotland Malawi Partnership 20th Anniversary Lecture
Hosted by the Moulsdale Foundation in partnership with the McConnell International Foundation, Lord McConnell will share his reflections on the 20th anniversary of the signing of Scotland and Malawi’s Partnership in what promises to be a fascinating event being held on St Andrew's Day in Glasgow. Tickets are available now for the Anniversary Lecture entitled: ‘People to People: A development partnership for the 21st century.’
HIV Prevention in Scotland | African Scottish Development Organisation
Join the African Scottish Development Organisation and Waverley Care for an important discussion on the future of HIV prevention in Scotland and globally amid threats to global donor funding. Hear from Dr. Kingsley Oturu (ASDO) and Ese Johnson (Waverley Care) as they share global public health insights, explore community-focused strategies, and highlight what’s at stake.
Peace in a Changing World: a fireside chat with Mark Muller Stuart KC
The International Law of Global Security, Peace and Development (ILGSPD) 2026 Annual Lecture will be presented in a fireside chat with Mark Muller Stuart KC, an international mediator and senior advocate who specialises in public international law. The fireside chat will be followed by Q&A with the audience and a drinks reception. Mark Muller Stuart KC is founder and executive director of Beyond Borders, a Scottish organisation dedicated to fostering peace and international exchange, and director of the Scottish Peace Platform.
When and where?
- Tuesday 2nd December, 6-7.30pm
Yudowitz Lecture Theatre, Wolfson Medical School, University of Glasgow
From risk to resilience: discover free legal services | A4ID
Legal support is often sought following an a crisis event, but what if you could leverage free legal support not only to prevent risks before they occur, but as a proactive strategic tool to enhance all areas of your organisation and as a catalyst for delivering on your mission? Join us and Tom Carmichael, from Advocates for International Development (A4ID), to hear about how your organisation can access free, high-quality legal support to help you thrive. Please note this event is for SIDA members only.
SIDA members, this is your space! If you would like to feature in upcoming newsletters, please get in touch with us anytime at admin@intdevalliance.scot.
FUNDING UPDATE OF THE MONTH
Chrysalis Trust
The Chrysalis Trust supports projects in poverty and disability relief; access to shelter, education, healthcare and water; support for capital and core funding in hard-to-fund projects. You must be a charity registered with OSCR.
Grant sizes available: £1,000–£10,000. Deadline: 15 December.
OTHER NEWS & RESOURCES
SIDA service Directory
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