This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Scotland's contribution to developing world
15/03/2005
Scotland can make a positive contribution to the future
of the world's developing countries, the Commonwealth Local
Government conference was told today.
First Minister Jack McConnell described how devolution
had given Scotland the self confidence to forge deeper and
stronger links with Commonwealth countries as well as the
rest of the world.
The three-day conference begins in Aberdeen today and
runs until Thursday when one of the highlights will be the
presence of Archbishop Desmond Tutu from South Africa.
Mr McConnell said:
"Responsibility for foreign policy and international
development in our country lies with the UK Government -
but all levels of government can contribute. So today we
have launched a new International Development policy for
Scotland. This sets out the contribution the devolved
Scottish government can make and the responsibilities we
have towards developing countries.
"This policy builds on our long-standing historical role
of looking beyond our borders to both gather and exchange
knowledge. And it acknowledges Scotland's collective
efforts and aspiration - as a prosperous, but caring,
nation - to play its part in tackling global
inequality.
"It focuses on Scotland's key strengths and values. We
will aim to transfer Scottish knowledge, skills and
expertise to where they are most needed. Our priorities of
education, health and civil society development are
designed to contribute to the needs identified by the
Millennium Development Goals.
"With our proud record of women's representation, we can
play a particular role in building the capacity of, and
supporting women's engagement in, development and
change.
"We will be backing this policy with a development fund.
We will increase the capacity of Scotland's Non
Governmental Organisations and charities who work in
developing countries or in disaster relief.
"And the policy will also focus on helping us to raise
awareness of international development issues more widely.
In particular, in our schools, future generations of Scots
will become more aware of what we must do for our fellow
human beings across the Commonwealth and beyond.
"In the lead up to the G8 Summit. I want Scotland and
the Scottish people to speak out to help Make Poverty
History. And I will continue to lend my own voice to call
for trade justice, better aid and debt cancellation."
The Scottish government's international development
strategy builds on the existing work of Scottish
institutions, such as NGOs, academic institutions, the
public sector and philanthropic organisations such as the
Hunter Foundation.
It will have three strands:
- Support for Scottish NGOs
- Assistance during times of international
crisis
- Ensuring domestic policies have a positive impact
on the developing world
There will be a strong focus on health and education and
Sub-Saharan Africa, in particular Malawi, one of the
world's poorest countries which has strong historical links
with Scotland.
Mr McConnell will visit Malawi in late May where he
will meet senior politicians, visit health and education
projects and meet Scots working in the country. He will be
accompanied on his trip by the winners of the Scottish
African Schools Challenge, which he announced, with
entrepreneur Tom Hunter, last month.
See
www.scottishschoolsafricachallenge.com.
The conference in Aberdeen will focus on promoting,
sustaining and re-energising local democracy. There will be
speakers from countries including Australia, Canada, India,
New Zealand, and Sri Lanka.
At the opening session, Finance and Public Service
Reform Minister Tom McCabe said:
"I am delighted to welcome delegates from across the
Commonwealth to Scotland. I am also delighted that
representatives from the highest level of national and
local government will be at the conference in Aberdeen.
"This event provides a unique opportunity for those
involved in local government to meet, discuss key issues
and learn from international experience. This is a timely
event for Scotland to host as we endeavour to renew local
democracy.
"It is important for us to consider, and stimulate
discussion with others, why local democracy is important,
how it can be strengthened in our communities, and what
benefits it will bring.
"This conference offers an excellent opportunity to
promote Scotland. Our constitutional arrangements are
maturing and there is no doubt we - and local government -
are looking forward to engaging with our Commonwealth
colleagues."