COP29 – Through the looking glass

Ben Wilson, Director of Public Engagement at SCIAF and member of SIDA board, reflects on his time at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan.

Scottish Labour 2026 Manifesto Consultation

Scottish Labour have recently launched a wide-ranging ‘Policy Forum’ to help inform development of the party’s manifesto for the election - SIDA will produce and submit a detailed response, and we’d also welcome input from the wider membership about key points to include.

Humanitarian response in Syria

We hear from members of Scotland's International Development Alliance who are operating in Syria on the impact of the evolving political situation on their operations.

A moment for hope and a time for action | Action for Humanity

Action for Humanity, previously Syria Relief, have been providing assistance in Syria since 2011, and speak to SIDA about their work throughout and post the dismantling of the Assad regime.

Firefly International | Voices from Syria: First Hand Updates From The Ground

Join Firefly International for a unique webinar on Syria’s unfolding story. Trustee Samer Chamsi-Pasha will share exclusive insights from his recent visit to Damascus, offering a rare glimpse into the fast-changing events on the ground.

Fear, hope and bitterness: Syria’s refugees contemplate life after Bashar Assad

Until last week, the idea of being able to go back home seemed an impossible dream for many Syrian refugees. Now, the fall of Syria’s dictator Bashar Assad has opened the door for their return.

Link Education International selected as a Global Innovator in Education

The HundrEDorg has selected SIDA member Link Education International’s work 'Embedding Social Emotional Learning in Ethiopia Schools' as one of the top 100 global innovations for impact and scalability for 2025. 

'Growing up in Malawi' Film Launch | SMP

The Scotland Malawi Partnership are hosting the launch of episode two of the film series "Growing Up in Malawi". This special event will take place at Edinburgh City Chambers on 16 January, from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm UK time. The event will begin by screening the first episode before unveiling the latest instalment. 

SCIAF | Dignity Film Premiere

SCIAF is hosting an evening of two short films, and the premiere of SCIAF’s longer documentary ‘Dignity’, starring Ricky Ross of Deacon Blue on 16th January. A Q&A with Ricky Ross and those involved in the film will bring the evening to a close by 8pm.

Reflections on 2024: reckoning with racism, inequality, and a vision for justice | Bond

Head of Anti-Racism and Equity at Bond, Lena Bheeroo looks at what progress we made as a sector in 2024, and how the ugly events over the summer are happening both on a micro and macro level across the globe, both institutionally and societally.

Friends of Chitambo update

Catch up on the latest from Friends of Chitambo, including the completion of the Mothers' Waiting Shelter at Chitambo Hospital in Zambia.

10 steps to safe medical equipment donations

Join this webinar on 22nd January with NHS Scotland’s Global Citizenship programme, where we’ll explore best practice for medical equipment donations.

Global citizenship - it's for you | SIDA at the Gathering

We’re thrilled to be hosting an event at SCVO’s The Gathering 2025, which is being held at the EICC in Edinburgh in February. This year, we’re focusing on global citizenship!

Hidden handbrakes for climate action and social justice

Join us for an action-focussed workshop on 29th January bringing together expert researchers from IIED who will introduce the critical hidden handbrakes.

Upcoming changes to Employers NI Contributions & Employment Allowance

The recently announced budget means that employers will need to pay increased NI contributions for their staff from April 2025. SCVO have some helpful information about the changes and what it might mean for you: Employer National Insurance Changes - SCVO.

It’s not all bad news for small charities because the employment allowance for eligible companies will increase from £5,000 to £10,500 from April 2025.

Find out more about this allowance and if you are eligible:

SIDA Service Directory

Our Services Directory is a resource for organisations and individuals working in global sustainable development in Scotland. Listing your services is free for SIDA members, and £100 per listing for non-members.

Join the conversation on the SIDA Member Hub

Connect with other SIDA members, ask questions and engage with your community.

EU Regional Trust Fund in Response to the Syrian crisis

Supporting Syrian refugees and host communities in the following areas: Education; Health; Livelihoods; Water & Sanitation; Protection, Social cohesion, in various locations including Lebanon, Jordan, Turkey, Iraq, Armenia, and the Western Balkans.