First Minister will visit Zambia and Malawi
to see the impact of the Scottish Government's international
development and climate justice work on the lives of people in
partner countries over the past two decades.
This will be the first time a First Minister has visited Malawi
since the historic Co-operation Agreement between the
governments of Scotland and Malawi in 2005, and the first ever
visit to Zambia.
While in the countries, the First Minister is due to announce new
international development funding for health and investment
partnerships, and see existing programmes supporting education,
advancing gender equality and helping to tackle the impacts of
climate change.
Speaking ahead of his visit, the First Minister said:
“The 20-year anniversary of our overseas development programme is
a landmark that we should be proud of – we have seen how working
together with our partner countries to better understand their
challenges, can have transformative impact on communities.
“Current global challenges such as climate change, pandemics,
conflict, poverty and inequality can only be addressed if the
Global South and North work together.
“Through that partnership approach, Scotland is both contributing
globally and learning from our partners – for example providing
joint leadership on climate justice, including loss and damage,
and by focusing investment in traditionally neglected areas such
as non-communicable diseases and disability education.
“Our funding has helped to build operating rooms for children's
hospitals, establish research labs, advance gender equality,
support renewable energy initiatives, and ensure children – in
particular girls – can attend school.
“At a time when governments across the world are cutting aid
programmes overseas, internationalism, and international
solidarity, has never been more important.
“Scotland will continue to stand with the international community
and to do our bit for a fairer, more equal world.”
CEO of the Malawi Scotland Partnership Linda Dembo said:
“We are deeply honoured to welcome the First Minister of Scotland
to Malawi for a visit that not only strengthens our enduring
friendship, but also marks 20 years of transformative partnership
through Scottish Government international development support.
“This milestone is a celebration of shared values, mutual
respect, and the countless lives uplifted through collaboration.
“At the Malawi Scotland Partnership, we remain committed to
deepening these ties and amplifying the impact of our collective
efforts.”
Background
The First Minister will travel to Zambia on Tuesday 14 October
and return from Malawi on Monday 20 October.
International development -
gov.scot
The Malawi Scotland Partnership
(MaSP) is a Malawian owned and Malawian led national
network which exists to support, inspire and develop links that
benefit both Scottish and Malawian people.
