October 2025 News
SIDA UPDATES
First Minister’s visit to Malawi and Zambia
Earlier this month during his visit to Malawi and Zambia, First Minister John Swinney announced that new international development funding will be made available for health and investment partnerships. 90 SIDA members including Classrooms for Malawi, Tiyeni, SCIAF, Oxfam Scotland, Friends of Chitambo, and the British Red Cross, have an operational presence in Zambia and Malawi, working in a variety of areas including health, education and climate adaptation.
During his visit, the First Minister visited projects receiving Climate Justice Fund funding to see the impact of these funds on the ground. At the Scotland Malawi Partnership’s AGM last weekend John Swinney shared a video message reiterating his commitment to strengthening this long-term partnership, marking 20 years since the signing of the Co-operation Agreement between the governments of Scotland and Malawi in 2005.
Following his return to Scotland, in an announcement made yesterday, the First Minister committed to increase the International Development budget to £16million as well as noting his support for the Cancel Debt, Choose Hope campaign, echoing the themes and key takeaways from our annual conference at the end of last month.
Reflections on our Annual Conference
It's hard to believe it’s been a month since we gathered at Dynamic Earth for our annual conference, "What’s next for aid and development?". You can now read some reflections on three of the panel sessions on our website, or catch up on the recording of the livestream here. Thanks to our headline sponsors, WaterAid UK, StoneX Payments and Kids Operating Room, and our associate sponsors Christian Aid Scotland and Comic Relief.
COP 30, what to expect?
We are now less than two weeks out from the UN Climate Conference, COP 30, taking place in Belem, Brazil. Undoubtedly some of the themes covered during our conference will emerge throughout the talks. For those interested in what we can expect, see this useful briefing from the Climate Action Network. The COP will also be the focus of the next meeting of the Scottish Parliament's Cross-Party Group on International Development - more details below.
Women, peace and security
We can't let October 2025 pass by without acknowledging that this month marks 25 years since the UN Security Council resolution 1325 on women, peace and security. What does this mean now in a world which gives space to the Taliban and increasing war crimes against women? Read some reflections here.
Save the date for our AGM
SIDA’s AGM will take place online at 1pm on Wednesday 26th November 2025. SIDA members will already have received their invite by email. During the meeting we will be appointing three new members of SIDA’s board of trustees. If you are interested in joining the board, please complete the nomination form by Friday 7th November 2025. Please note that only current full members may nominate trustees.
FOCUS ON: BLACK HISTORY MONTH
October is Black History Month. As a country with a colonial past, Scotland has a particular responsibility to tackle racism at home, as well as addressing underlying structural inequalities in relationships with partners abroad. Anti-racism work is part of Scotland’s role as a responsible global citizen, and a key part of our decolonial approach to international development at SIDA.
Diaspora Group Statement
In recent months, members of SIDA’s Diaspora Group for Global Citizenship from across Scotland have shared experiences of racism, harassment, and feeling unsafe. These aren’t one-off incidents, but part of a broader picture. Something is changing in how people talk about migration, race, and belonging. Read the Diaspora Group's anti-hate statement which outlines some practical ways that you can stand in solidarity with diaspora communities.
Black History Month Scotland: Events & Resources
The Coalition for Racial Equality and Rights (CRER) has coordinated Scotland’s Black History Month since 2001, acknowledging the struggles and successes of African, Caribbean and Asian people in Scotland. There are a number of events still running until the end of the month, along with some great educational resources on their website, including the hidden stories map, where you can go on a journey across Glasgow through time, uncovering some of the hidden stories behind our buildings and the spaces between them.
MEMBER UPDATES
NGOs call on Israel to uphold ceasefire agreement
In a recent press release, Islamic Relief UK note mounting alarm as Israeli authorities reject 99 NGO applications to transport life-saving aid into Gaza. 41 organisations operating on the ground in Gaza including SIDA members Oxfam and Action Aid, call on the Government of Israel to uphold its commitments under the ceasefire agreement and international law and let humanitarian aid flow freely.
Classrooms for Malawi’s latest project
In this article, the Borgen Project speak with James Kelly, the current chair and a founding member of the Scotland-based charity Classrooms for Malawi. In the interview, Kelly shared an overview of one of the charity’s current project: converting a classroom at Nansomba Secondary School into a textile and design classroom.
Friends of Chitambo meet the First Minister
Friends of Chitambo Zambian board members, Mr Levi Chifwaila, and Mrs Ida Waddell, were was thrilled to be invited to attend the evening reception for Scotland’s First Minister’s historic visit to Zambia. This was the first ever visit of a Scottish First Minister to Zambia. Chitambo Hospital, founded in memory of David Livingstone, received a big mention in the video played at the reception.
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
When and where?
- Monday 3rd – Friday 7th November
- Online
OSCR Trustees' Week 2025
OSCR’s Trustees’ week takes place this year from 3-7 November 2025. It’s a time for people and organisations across the charity sector to come together and celebrate the achievements of trustees. Throughout the week, OSCR will be hosting and taking part in a number of events to help trustees develop their skills and understand their role within the charity sector.
Cross-Party Group on International Development
The Scottish Parliament Cross-Party Group on International Development will meet on Tuesday 11th November for its AGM and to discuss the challenges and opportunities at the UN Climate Conference (COP30) which will be taking place in Brazil. The meeting will hear from speakers joining live from the COP, as well as perspectives from Scotland and how domestic action can match with global ambition.
Scotland's Climate March: a better world is possible
Timed to coincide with the COP30 UN Climate Change Conference in Brazil, this event will mobilise civil society and the wider public from across Scotland. Add the date and assembly point (see below) to your calendar and look out for more news very soon. Edinburgh Communities Climate Action Network (ECCAN) are among the organisations taking part, with more information available on their website.
In Conversation with Humza Yousaf, Former First Minister
Join the Britain Palestine Project for this event with Humza Yousaf, former First Minister of Scotland: an open conversation about the UK’s role in achieving peace and justice in Palestine following the formal recognition of the State of Palestine.
When and where?
- Thursday 20th November 3pm
Online
When and where?
- Tuesday 25th November 2025, 10:00–11:00am
- Online
Legal support as a strategic tool to help you thrive
Join us and Advocates for International Development (A4ID) for an informative session on how your organisation can access free, high-quality legal support to overcome challenges, design impactful strategies, and achieve your long-term vision. This webinar will show you how legal support can be a catalyst for change. 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
100x Impact Accelerator
The 100x Impact Accelerator offers a comprehensive support package for social ventures, combining catalytic capital, expert mentorship, policy engagement, and a strong alumni network to help scale impact-driven businesses and non-profits. Applicants should have a proven track record and be ready for their next big leap of growth. You should be able to demonstrate that your organisation offers a game-changing solution that’s already driving positive change. Location: Global, grant size: £150,000. Apply by 10th November.
OTHER NEWS & RESOURCES
10 things international NGOs can do to protect civic space and show solidarity
SIDA service Directory
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