April 2025 News
SIDA UPDATES
Engaging audiences at our Spring Conference
April kicked off with a buzz of activity here at SIDA as we welcomed over 150 of our members and colleagues in person and online to our Spring Conference to contribute to the conversation on engaging audiences and inspiring action at this critical moment for the international development sector following global aid cuts. If you missed the event, you can catch up on the highlights and watch the recording of the keynote and panel speakers on our website.
For the latest from the FCDO on the cuts, read this letter from Baroness Chapman, Minister for International Development, Latin America and the Caribbean to Sarah Champion MP, Chair of the International Development Committee.
Open letter to UK government
SIDA joined over 100 NGOs and refugee charities in signing an open letter to the Prime Minister calling for the government to end the use of hotels for housing asylum seekers as soon as possible and to stop using the UK aid budget to cover these costs.
Frances Guy, SIDA’s Chief Executive, said: “The human rights and basic needs of refugees and asylum seekers in the UK must be supported, but this should not and does not have to be at the expense of efforts to tackle poverty and injustice elsewhere.”
Myanmar earthquake appeal
Following the devastating earthquake in Myanmar at the end of March, our colleagues at the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) launched an appeal raising over £16 million to fund an emergency response coordinated by DEC (and SIDA) members including ActionAid, Islamic Relief, Oxfam, ChristianAid, British Red Cross, Save the Children and Tearfund. Read more here.
Upcoming events
This month, we also launched an events newsletter that you will have received last week, highlighting upcoming events from webinars to a multicultural festival. Read on for a reminder of these events, along with updates from SIDA members and more.
Commemorating Pope Francis
SIDA joins members and their partners around the world in paying tribute to Pope Francis, following his death on 21st April.
Oxfam called him “a true humanitarian on so many issues, not least Gaza”. SCIAF, the official aid agency of the Catholic Church in Scotland, said his “profound empathy and leadership shed light on the systemic injustices faced by the world's most vulnerable.” Christian Aid’s Chief Executive, Patrick Watt noted that “he always championed the oppressed, marginalised and those struggling with poverty, particularly people around the world impacted by conflict, the climate crisis and the unfair debt crisis… [he] was also committed to building peace in South Sudan”.
FOCUS ON: SUDAN
Sudan conflict: two years on
Last week marked the second anniversary of the breakout of conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Sudan. Two years on, the conflict continues, with the country enduring one of the world’s largest humanitarian and displacement crises. Read the statement from Bond here.
Aid efforts blocked and weaponised amid sweeping cuts
Aid efforts are being sabotaged by deep funding cuts and systematic obstruction by the army. Interviews with aid officials in this special report highlight an unwieldy and often sluggish international response, with aid groups blocked or otherwise hindered from consistently reaching many of the people who need assistance the most, including in areas hit by catastrophic famine.
MEMBER UPDATES
Na'amal: Addressing Economic Exclusion of Refugees
New member Na’amal share their unique approach to supporting refugees in our latest members blog. The Na’amal Agency directly connects skilled refugee talent with paid project-based work opportunities. Learn more about the services available via our service directory.
Job opportunity: Tiyeni Fundraising Manager
Tiyeni is looking for a Fundraising Manager to support them in their mission to end food poverty and to improve water security. For more information about the role, see the full job description on the Tiyeni’s Vacancies page. Applications close 27th April at 23:59.
Director positions for Fair Change Co.
Scottish Fair Trade are recruiting for up to three new directors, including a Chair, to join their recently launched trading subsidiary Fair Change Co to support the development and growth of the organisation. The trading subsidiary offers consultancy services to encourage more ethical supply chains and to help businesses access the Scottish market. Applications close 2nd May.
Trustee position opening: Scottish Love in Action
Scottish Love in Action are looking for a trustee to join them to aid their work supporting vulnerable children and young people in India. Those with professional experience as a senior fundraiser or professional expertise in either charity management, business management, or HR management, and an interest in or links with South Asia are invited to apply by 12th May.
Accounting for International Development financial support
Accounting for International Development (AfID) is increasing their ‘in-person’ technical-assistance assignments in 2025. If your organisation, or your overseas partners would welcome targeted support with financial management / reporting from an experienced & qualified accountant, follow the link below.
Collaboration across sectors to scale up Global Citizenship education
Read another recent members blog from Signpost International. Signpost International is working with the University of Dundee to transform classrooms into training grounds for the next generation of global citizens.
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
Featured event: Unity is Strength Multicultural Festival (all welcome)
Organised by SIDA's Diaspora Group for Global Citizenship (DGGC), a group of community leaders from across Scotland committed to global justice and racial equality, the festival brings people and communities from all over Scotland to advocate for peace and justice for our world through the power of music, dance, poetry, stories and food. You can expect live performances, global food & stalls, interactive activities, speeches & networking.
When and where?
- Saturday 10th May, 10:30am- 4:00pm
- Tannahill Centre, Paisley
CPG on International Development
The Scottish Parliament’s CPG on International Development will meet to discuss current emergency & humanitarian situations. We will hear from representatives of Islamic Relief, Action for Humanity, the Halo Trust, and the Disasters Emergency Committee regarding Sudan, Gaza, Ukraine and Myanmar, respectively.
Unlocking Funding: A New Guide to Trusts & Foundations
Navigating funding, especially in the current climate, can be a daunting task. SIDA has recognised this as an issue and so we have developed a ‘Trusts and Foundations’ guide launching soon to support members in this process. This webinar will explore the guide and its elements from where to start, to finding matches to preparing proposals and grant management. Please note this event is for SIDA members only.
Friends of the Earth Scotland’s monthly national meeting
Friends of the Earth Scotland has recently set up a new series of events for the climate movement to learn, share and plot together, considering big questions like: “why do we need to change this exploitative system and how do we collectively build a movement that makes lasting change inevitable?” Hear stories of trailblazers in Scotland and the world who have created new visions of the future, pioneered new ways to organise, connected diverse community struggles and build powerful coalitions.
When and where?
- Wednesday 4th June, 11am-12:30pm
- Online
Stop the Scroll: How to make your work standout on socials
In this workshop led by Jeremy Skeet, digital storytelling expert, award winning journalist and former head of Social Media at BBC News, we'll explore practical, low-cost strategies to cut through the noise, build genuine connections, and hopefully inspire action.
International Fair Trade Towns Conference 2025
Hosted by Edinburgh City Fairtrade Group and Scottish Fair Trade, the 18th International Fair Trade Towns Conference will take place in Edinburgh from Saturday 30 August to Sunday 31 August 2025, with the aim of bringing together local and global stakeholders committed to sustainability and wellbeing to highlight Fair Trade’s role in the drive for sustainable development and a new economy.
When and where?
- 30th - 31st August
- The Nucleus Building, University of Edinburgh’s King’s Buildings Campus
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
The Lawrence Foundation
The Lawrence Foundation is offering grants of $5,000 – $10,000, with potential for larger grants over time, to organisations based worldwide working on Environmental projects, human services, and other causes with unrestricted grants for operating or program expenses. Applications close 30 April 2025.
OTHER NEWS & RESOURCES
Gaza: Israeli aid blockade creates crisis ‘unmatched in severity’
SIDA service Directory
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