July 2026 News
SIDA UPDATES
Keynote speaker announcement for 2026 Annual Conference
We are thrilled to share that Mikaela Gavas of the Center for Global Development will provide the keynote address at our upcoming Annual Conference in Edinburgh on the 29th September.
Mikaela joins a range of other fantastic panelists and speakers, including Simita Kumar, the Scottish Government Minister for International Development; campaigner Talat Yaqoob; Liam Wegimont of the Global Education Network; and many more.
SIDA and members react to detail of UK Government aid cuts in partner countries
The UK Government’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has published its Annual Report and Accounts, which show cuts to the UK's Official Development Assistance budget falling on some of the poorest and most vulnerable communities around the world.
100 UK NGO leaders call on Prime Minister to address global drivers of inequality and poverty for people in the UK and abroadOn Monday 27 July, 100 UK INGO leaders, including Frances Guy on behalf of SIDA, issued a joint statement calling on the new prime minister to confront the underlying drivers of inequality, injustice and poverty that affect people both here in the UK and around the world. |
Concern that UK Government bus fare freeze will be funded by changing climate finance from grants to loansSIDA members and network partners have been reacting to news that a 'reprioritisation' of the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) budget will switch grant funding that had been set aside for international climate finance projects into loans. |
FOCUS ON: Commonwealth games
Global Justice on the agenda at the Commonwealth Games
The arrival of the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow has provided an opportunity for SIDA members and global justice campaigners to press for action by governments and decision makers on challenging issues.
Measuring the contribution of sport to the Sustainable Development Goals
The Global Sport and Sustainable Development Goals Baseline and Initial Impact Report evaluates how sport might contribute to the SDGs, providing a baseline for measurement. It represents the first attempt to develop a sport and SDG measurement tool, offering an innovative framework for assessing the impact of sports on sustainable development.
Debt Justice in the Commonwealth: Glasgow statement
A statement was agreed with representatives of the Governments of Malawi and Zambia at a roundtable on debt justice and climate resilience as part of the Scottish Government’s 2026 Commonwealth Games event programme.
Clear existing demands that the Commonwealth could rally behind
The African Union’s Common African Position on debt - The commonwealth could ensure that more funds went to African led economic diagnosis and analysis. Africans should lead research on their economic problems and solutions, and more might be done to encourage the creation of an African Credit Rating Agency.
MEMBER UPDATES
Keeping schools open when climate change threatens learning | Link Education International
We hear from Samantha Ross, Executive Director Programmes & Partnerships at Link Education International. Link have recently been chosen by HundrED and Villars Institute as one of the top 10 innovations (out of 222!) using education for planetary health.
Director of Programme Impact | CBM UK
CBM UK are seeking an inspiring and strategic leader who is passionate about delivering lasting impact for people with disabilities and other marginalised communities. As the new Director of Programme Impact, you will shape the strategic direction and development of our programme portfolio, ensuring our partner-led work continues to grow in reach, quality, effectiveness, and impact.
Development & Business Partnerships Officer | Scottish Fair Trade
Scottish Fair Trade are hiring a Development & Business Partnerships Officer to strengthen relationships between Scottish Fair Trade and businesses, public sector organisations, social enterprises and partner networks across Scotland.
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
Beyond the Games: Sport and play as a Catalyst for Social Change | Right to Play
This conversation celebrates the new partnership between Right To Play and Commonwealth Sport Canada, announced ahead of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, bringing together two organisations united by a shared belief in the power of sport and play to create stronger, more inclusive communities.
Fair Trade and Social Enterprise | Scottish Fair Trade
Join Scottish Fair Trade to explore how Fair Trade principles can help social enterprises build supply chains that are ethical, transparent and rooted in partnership. Hosted by Social Enterprise Scotland, this webinar will explore how better sourcing decisions can support fairer livelihoods and a more just global economy.
When and where?
- Wednesday 12th August, 10.30am
Online
Please note access to this event is exclusive to members of SIDA.
AI with Eyes Open: Navigating Risk, Bias & Data Privacy
In the second session of our series with AI4NGO, we’ll tackle the practical side of responsible use: spotting bias, protecting sensitive data, handling hallucinations, and starting to think about AI governance for your organisation.
Leaders Knowledge Exchange Forum
For SIDA members only, SIDA’s Leaders Forum intends to provide a space for us to discuss and explore winning strategies in the workplace through shared wisdom and maybe even some laughter. We will be joined by Harriet Dodd who will facilitate our networking and thinking space.
When and where?
- Wednesday 19th August, 12.30pm
Edinburgh City Chambers & Online
Please note access to this event is exclusive to members of SIDA.
Learning across borders: Global Citizenship Education around the world
The next Global Citizenship Community call will bring together inspiring practitioners from around the world who are leading innovative Global Citizenship Education projects. Hear from people including Gloria Hingoma, a peace builder and Global Citizenship educator in Zambia, and discover new ideas, resources and connections to support your work.
When and where?
- Wednesday 26th August, 10.30am
Online
Please note access to this event is exclusive to members of SIDA.
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.
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.
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
Global Solidarity Fund
The Scottish Government is launching a new funding opportunity called the Global Solidarity Fund (GSF), designed to support small, Scottish‑based organisations, community groups, and diaspora‑led initiatives to take part in international development and global citizenship work.
Deadline: 10th August
SIDA MEMBER HUB
SIDA members, please remember to check out our new 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 vacancies, call-outs for shared expertise, an invitation to share exhibition space at our upcoming conference, and more!
OTHER NEWS & RESOURCES
The colonial context matters in Gaza’s food insecurity
Registered Scottish Charity No. SC035314
Company No. SC307352
CBC House, 24 Canning Street, EH3 8EG