Scottish Government
Printable version

Scotland can lead on international development

Countries of Scotland’s size lead league table on tackling poverty.

An independent Scotland could be a world leader in international development, External Affairs and International Development Minister Humza Yousaf will say today.

Figures from the Centre for Development’s Commitment to Development Index show the influence that countries of Scotland’s size, such as Norway, Sweden and Ireland can have in making a difference.

Under independence, Scotland is committed to meeting the United Nation’s target of spending 0.7% of Gross National Income on aid – and to enshrining that commitment in law.

Mr Yousaf said:

“We know that countries of Scotland’s size can make huge changes to the lives of people in the developing world. Independent countries such as Norway, Sweden, Finland and Ireland all rank higher than the UK in the Centre for Development’s tables.

“An independent Scotland could have a dramatic impact in reducing poverty and improving lives in the developing world.

“The Scottish Government has an ambitious vision of the role Scotland could play as a global citizen. We have a unique contribution to offer the world and are already making a real difference through our people’s expertise on climate change and energy, education, health improvement and research along with our innovative approach to international development.

“But with the powers of independence we could do so much more, ensuring that never again do we fail to meet our promises to the world’s poorest.

“For 42 of the last 43 years the UK have failed to meet the United Nations target to spend 0.7% of GNI on aid – resulting in £87.5 billion of missing aid over the period since 1970 – aid that would definitely have saved and changed lives.”

Notes To Editors

The CDI currently ranks overall contributions to development. This takes into account the impact of trade, finance, migration, environment, security and technology as well as aid.

No.

Country

1

Denmark

2

Sweden

3

Norway

4

Luxembourg

5

Netherlands

6

Finland

7

Ireland

8

United Kingdom

9

New Zealand

10

Belgium

 

http://www.cgdev.org/initiative/commitment-development-index/index

Channel website: http://www.gov.scot/

Share this article

Latest News from
Scottish Government