Increase in international development support

International Development Minister Alasdair Allan has confirmed increased funding to support some of the world’s poorest, most vulnerable people out of poverty and crisis.

An extra £1 million will be allocated for the International Development Fund in 2017-18, taking the fund total to £10 million.

A refreshed International Development Strategy published today will target support for communities in Malawi, Zambia, Rwanda and Pakistan.

A new £1 million per year Humanitarian Aid Fund will also be set up.

Dr Allan said:

“Scotland may be small but we can make a big difference in the fight against global poverty, injustice and inequality.

“Since 2005 we have supported hundreds of projects in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia that have made a real and lasting difference to communities. We have funded lifesaving healthcare initiatives, supported midwives to safely deliver babies, improved children’s access to vital education, increased access to energy and helped people to find work to support their families out of poverty.

“Having consulted with stakeholders, the strategy sets out how we will build on this work to help individuals, families and communities in Malawi, Zambia, Rwanda and Pakistan contribute to the achievement of the new UN Global Goals.

“Strengthening our international development and humanitarian aid by increasing funding next year underlines the importance we place on Scotland being a good global citizen, determined to play our part to tackle global challenges. This meets the commitments we set out in our current Programme for Government.”

Jane Salmonson, Chief Executive of NIDOS, the membership body for international development organisations in Scotland said:

“NIDOS warmly welcomes the new International Development Strategy and its commitment to the internationally agreed Sustainable Development Goals. While the strategy’s focus quite rightly is on responding to the needs of its partner countries overseas, and their people, I am also delighted to see that the contribution made by people and groups in Scotland is recognised and encouraged.

“I particularly welcome the opportunities for engagement in international development, offered through the new humanitarian response fund and through the continuation of the very successful small grants programme.”

Background

The new International Development Strategy is available online at http://www.gov.scot/Publications/2016/12/4633   

The draft 2017-18 budget chapter for Culture, Tourism and External Affairs, is available online at: http://www.gov.scot/Publications/2016/12/6610/15