sCADA has launched a new report setting out a vision for establishing a dedicated international development function in Northern Ireland, building on the region’s strong tradition of international solidarity, charitable giving and peacebuilding expertise.
The report, Establishing an international development function in Northern Ireland, was formally launched at an event at Parliament Buildings, Stormont on 16th September, bringing together representatives from Northern Ireland’s humanitarian and international development sector, and other stakeholders.
The launch provided an opportunity to highlight the growing body of work behind the report and to begin a wider conversation about how Northern Ireland can develop a more strategic and outward-looking approach to international development.
Northern Ireland is currently the only devolved region of the UK without a dedicated international development function or strategy. CADA’s report examines possible mechanisms for establishing such a function and makes recommendations for taking this work forward, including the development of a clear strategy and dedicated resources during the next Assembly mandate, 2027–2031.
A dedicated function would provide an opportunity to better reflect the priorities and generosity of people across Northern Ireland, while creating a stronger framework for the region’s contribution to international development and humanitarian action. CADA believes it could also provide a platform to showcase Northern Ireland’s considerable peacebuilding experience and expertise internationally.
The work is grounded in the strength and breadth of Northern Ireland’s international development sector. CADA’s member organisations collectively have the support of more than 130,000 people across Northern Ireland, demonstrating a significant and engaged public interest in humanitarian and international development issues.
The report also highlights the importance of Global Citizenship Education, recommending that it be strengthened within Northern Ireland’s education and lifelong learning systems. This would support young people to understand global connections and challenges, engage critically with different perspectives and take informed action as responsible global citizens.
Continuing the conversation with political parties
The report launch marks an important milestone, but it is part of an ongoing programme of engagement by CADA. Read our 4 key asks here: CADA priority actions
CADA is currently undertaking a series of policy dialogues with political parties across Northern Ireland to discuss the report’s findings and recommendations and to explore how a dedicated international development function could be developed in the Northern Ireland context.
These conversations are an opportunity to share evidence and expertise from across the sector, consider the different mechanisms outlined in the report and discuss how Northern Ireland could build a more strategic role in international development. CADA is also continuing to engage with its members and partners as this work progresses.
The launch event provided an important opportunity to learn from experience elsewhere, with Lord Jack McConnell, former First Minister of Scotland, sharing his experience of establishing an international development function in Scotland. A panel discussion featuring Frances Guy of Scotland’s International Development Alliance and Peter Heaney, CADA Chair and Head of Region NI at Trócaire, also explored the opportunities and lessons relevant to Northern Ireland.
The report provides a starting point for that conversation. CADA will continue working with political representatives, member organisations, civil society and other partners to build understanding of the proposals and consider how they can be taken forward.
Read the full report: Establishing-an-International-Development-within-Northern-Ireland.pdf
For further information about the report or CADA’s ongoing policy dialogue work, please contact CADA.