Our policy work
As the only membership body that inclusively champions global sustainable development in Scotland, we have an important role to play in terms of policy and influencing.
We make connections between our members and decision-makers, creating ways for members to connect directly with decision-makers in Scotland and beyond. We believe we have a responsibility to our members to work with governments, helping to inform their policy decisions, to support and promote them, and when appropriate, to challenge them. Our activities include:
- Organising quarterly meetings with the Scottish Government and the Scottish Minister for International Development.
- Providing the secretariat for the Cross Party Group (CPG) on International Development at Holyrood
- Convening meetings for our members with political party spokespersons across the political spectrum.
- Maintaining important relationships with the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, the International Development Committee at the House of Commons, MPs and shadow spokespersons on International Development from different political parties.
- Inclusively championing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Scotland, the UK and internationally and working with the Scottish Government to enhance policy coherence for sustainable development (PCSD).
- Convening the Alliance Policy Committee, a sub-group of our Board of Trustees, which drives our work on behalf of our membership. Agendas and minutes of all meetings are published here. The group is flexible and open, so input to future agendas is welcomed by all members. Get in touch if you wish to get involved or would like more information.
- Facilitating collaborative responses to relevant Scottish and UK government consultations and provide briefings for relevant debates in the Scottish Parliament.

Scotland & global sustainable development: time to chart a new path?
This paper makes the case for a new Scottish Government (SG) ‘Global Solidarity Strategy’ that would replace the 2016 International Development Strategy. A new strategy of this kind would sit alongside the new Global Affairs Framework and would set out clearly what it seeks to achieve, why, and how.

Towards a Wellbeing and Sustainable Development Bill
A report providing detailed recommendations for new, world-leading legislation that puts joined-up policymaking, linking global and domestic priorities, alongside human and environmental wellbeing, at the forefront of decision-making.

Draft Discussion Paper: Scottish Government International Development Programming – a new way forward for global solidarity?
Draft discussion paper for consultation with members and partners regarding Scottish Government International Development Programming.

Policy Coherence for Sustainable Development
This page summarises the concept of policy coherence and links to our main our main body of work on this issue - an open and editable Wiki.

2021-2026 Policy Priorities for Scotland
This is our flagship report outlining policy priorities for political parties to include in their 2021 Scottish Election manifestos. It covers five key areas important to our members and will remain a key policy document for us throughout the 2021-2026 parliamentary session.

Alliance Policy Committee
This page summarises details and membership of the Alliance Policy Committee which meets regularly to share policy and advocacy priorities, find ways to collaborate and steer the Alliance's policy work.

Consultation submissions, policy briefings & letters to decision-makers
An archive of written policy work undertaken by the Alliance, including letters to decision-makers, consultation responses, and briefings.

Policy Coherence for Development: Exploring and Learning from European PCD Approaches
This report compares different policy coherence for development (PCD) approaches across six different countries in Europe.

Scotland's Place in Building a Just World
A detailed report examining recommendations on how to implement policy coherence for development.
Join Scotland's International Development Alliance and be part of Scotland's international development community.
Our Work
Policy Work
We broker connections between our members and decision-makers, while also providing a platform to develop a collective voice on important issues.
Knowledge Exchange
Working on effectiveness has long term benefits for an organisation and the people it supports. We offer a number of bespoke services for our members.
Community
By participating in an active network, organisations can become more effective. Together we can make better progress towards meeting our international development goals.
Facing the Crisis
In the runup to COP26, this new digital exhibition will explore the impacts of the climate crisis on people and communities across the world. Through a diverse range of visual content, it shares personal stories, highlights climate challenges and celebrates responses to the climate crisis in lower-income countries.