Thursday 08 May 2008 @ 10:07
Scottish Government
Scottish Government
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Fresh focus for international development
Following the publication of the Scottish Government's International Framework, details of the new International Development Policy were published yesterday.
In line with the drive to strengthen Scotland's place in the world Minister for Europe and External Affairs Linda Fabiani said this new policy will build mutually beneficial links with other countries and help people in some of the world's poorest countries to work themselves out of poverty.
Announcing the policy which confirms ongoing support to Malawi as well as reaching out to other countries, Ms Fabiani said:
"Scotland is a responsible nation with strong humanitarian values and we have a distinctive contribution to make in our work with developing countries.
"The new policy sets out clear direction and context for our future engagement in International Development, reinforcing Scotland's role in international engagement and recognising our responsibility towards the Millennium Development Goals.
"Last year I confirmed more money for the International Development Fund which will support the delivery of this new policy - increasing the fund to £9 million within the lifetime of this Parliament and allowing targeted support for people in developing countries.
"This government is committed to strengthening our work with Malawi and I was able to discuss future plans and our shared vision with the Government of Malawi when I was there in February. I have ring-fenced at least £3 million per year for our work in Malawi to ensure that we build upon this special relationship.
"However, Scotland also has strong links with other countries in Sub-Saharan Africa and the Indian Subcontinent, many of which will now benefit from working with us through this new policy.
"Scotland has a lot to offer and I am keen to harness the enthusiasm and expertise of the Scottish people to make a difference and actively engage in the global agenda."
The new policy strengthens the Scottish Government's commitment to Malawi and recognises the importance of this relationship, cemented by a Co-operation Agreement between our two countries.
The policy sets out the framework for our engagement with some of the poorest countries in Sub-Saharan Africa which have historical, and in some cases, contemporary relationships with Scotland. These countries will be supported through block grants delivered by the Government's partners in development.
The policy also recognises the Indian Subcontinent's strong links with Scotland, and the programme will build on strong, fair and inclusive national identity and express solidarity with communities represented in Scottish society. This programme will be developed with key stakeholders.
More detailed information on the programme strands, including funding criteria, will be published in due course, following discussion with the Network of International Development Organisations in Scotland (NIDOS) and the Scotland Malawi Partnership on the detail and process.
The International Development Policy comprises six distinct elements:
* Malawi Development
* Sub-Saharan Africa Development Programme - comprising block grants for Zambia,Tanzania, Rwanda and Sudan
* Fair Trade Scotland
* Core Funding for Scottish-Based Networking Organisations
* Responses to International Humanitarian Disasters
* Indian Subcontinent Development
The delivery of the new policy will be supported by the International Development Fund and specific funding criteria are being developed for each programme. As previously announced the total allocation per financial year will be as follows:
2008/09 - £6 million
2009/10 - £6 million
2010/11 - £9 million
At least £3 million per year will be ring-fenced from within this allocation for our engagement with Malawi. The Sub-Saharan Africa programme will be supported by block grants for each of the four the countries.
Related Information
In line with the drive to strengthen Scotland's place in the world Minister for Europe and External Affairs Linda Fabiani said this new policy will build mutually beneficial links with other countries and help people in some of the world's poorest countries to work themselves out of poverty.
Announcing the policy which confirms ongoing support to Malawi as well as reaching out to other countries, Ms Fabiani said:
"Scotland is a responsible nation with strong humanitarian values and we have a distinctive contribution to make in our work with developing countries.
"The new policy sets out clear direction and context for our future engagement in International Development, reinforcing Scotland's role in international engagement and recognising our responsibility towards the Millennium Development Goals.
"Last year I confirmed more money for the International Development Fund which will support the delivery of this new policy - increasing the fund to £9 million within the lifetime of this Parliament and allowing targeted support for people in developing countries.
"This government is committed to strengthening our work with Malawi and I was able to discuss future plans and our shared vision with the Government of Malawi when I was there in February. I have ring-fenced at least £3 million per year for our work in Malawi to ensure that we build upon this special relationship.
"However, Scotland also has strong links with other countries in Sub-Saharan Africa and the Indian Subcontinent, many of which will now benefit from working with us through this new policy.
"Scotland has a lot to offer and I am keen to harness the enthusiasm and expertise of the Scottish people to make a difference and actively engage in the global agenda."
The new policy strengthens the Scottish Government's commitment to Malawi and recognises the importance of this relationship, cemented by a Co-operation Agreement between our two countries.
The policy sets out the framework for our engagement with some of the poorest countries in Sub-Saharan Africa which have historical, and in some cases, contemporary relationships with Scotland. These countries will be supported through block grants delivered by the Government's partners in development.
The policy also recognises the Indian Subcontinent's strong links with Scotland, and the programme will build on strong, fair and inclusive national identity and express solidarity with communities represented in Scottish society. This programme will be developed with key stakeholders.
More detailed information on the programme strands, including funding criteria, will be published in due course, following discussion with the Network of International Development Organisations in Scotland (NIDOS) and the Scotland Malawi Partnership on the detail and process.
The International Development Policy comprises six distinct elements:
* Malawi Development
* Sub-Saharan Africa Development Programme - comprising block grants for Zambia,Tanzania, Rwanda and Sudan
* Fair Trade Scotland
* Core Funding for Scottish-Based Networking Organisations
* Responses to International Humanitarian Disasters
* Indian Subcontinent Development
The delivery of the new policy will be supported by the International Development Fund and specific funding criteria are being developed for each programme. As previously announced the total allocation per financial year will be as follows:
2008/09 - £6 million
2009/10 - £6 million
2010/11 - £9 million
At least £3 million per year will be ring-fenced from within this allocation for our engagement with Malawi. The Sub-Saharan Africa programme will be supported by block grants for each of the four the countries.
Related Information
