This CPG will be held both in person at the Scottish Parliament Building, as well as virtually via MS Teams.

Following a variety of new commitments set out by the Scottish Government relating to external affairs and climate justice, the recent inquiry by Parliament’s CEEAC Committee, and the recent publication of the Scottish Government’s Global Affairs Framework, the time seems right to discuss how Scotland’s contribution to global sustainable development can evolve.

Discussions will centre on both the practical implementation of new commitments, such as how the new ‘Women and Girls Empowerment Fund’ can be used most effectively, and on the bigger picture, in terms of why it is important to ensure a more joined up approach to programming across national and international portfolios.

At this meeting, Frances Guy, Alliance CEO, will introduce key recommendations from a new report calling for a new joined-up ‘Global Solidarity Strategy’ that 'that seeks to ensure Scotland adds value and leads by example on global sustainable development.

Wangari Kinoti (ActionAid International’s policy lead on women’s rights), based in Johannesburg, will explain current challenges faced by women and girl-led groups in accessing donor funding and explore how the new Women and Girls Empowerment Fund can be used most effectively.

Dr Tracy Morse, Head of the Centre for Sustainable Development at University of Strathclyde will also share insight on their interdisciplinary, integrated approach to research and how this can support innovation and joined up impact.

We also hope to welcome Neil Gray MSP, Minister for Culture, Europe and International Development, or one of his senior civil servants, who has been officially invited to join the CPG meeting.

Bios:

Wangari Kinoti is a Kenyan feminist who has worked in various programmatic and policy advocacy roles in national and African regional women’s rights organizations and in the international women’s rights and social justice arena for the last two decades. She has led work on political participation, gender-based violence, land rights, extractives and corporate accountability, unpaid care and domestic work and access to decent work, public services and social protection. Wangari currently leads the women’s rights and feminist alternatives work at ActionAid International.

Dr Tracy Morse is Senior Lecturer and Head of Strathclyde Centre for Sustainable Development. Having previously been based in Malawi for 20 years, she leads an interdisciplinary research team with a focus on addressing the determinants of health in low and middle income countries. Working with a number of partners globally, she is focussed on promoting the importance of transdisciplinary research in addressing sustainable development for all, and supporting the transformational change needed to support attainment of UN SDGs.