Member Spotlight: International Development Alliance

Scotland's International Development Alliance is the membership body for everyone committed to creating a fairer world, free from poverty, injustice and environmental threats. 

Chief Executive Frances Guy talks to us about what being a global citizen means to them and how The Alliance are championing Global Citizenship Education through their work.

What does being a global citizen mean to you?

Essentially,  being a global citizen is an acknowledgement that every individual is part of a global network and has a part to play in looking after each other and our shared planet. I have had the privilege of having lived in different countries of the world, mostly in the Middle East and Africa but also in South East Asia. I would like to think that makes me more conscious of the effect my daily decisions have on others elsewhere but it is a constant learning process nevertheless.

Why do you personally think Global Citizenship Education is important?

Many of our ideas are shaped at a young age. It is therefore very important to start sharing ideas of global citizenship and global responsibility early. It is crucial to understand the interconnectedness of the world, historically as well as in the current day and to take an interest in the origins and realities behind everything we purchase or consider part of our daily lives. I think that there is more we can all do to tap into the ideas of others all round the world and to understand that we can all learn from each other. Greater humility would probably make the world a more cooperative place.  

How does your organisation champion Global Citizenship Education?

Scotland’s International Development Alliance has a key objective to contribute to wider understanding across Scotland of what it means to be a global citizen. We advocate for this by working closely with universities, encouraging wider global participation at our events, and supporting IDEAS in promoting global citizenship education to new audiences.   

What do you think Scotland's future would look like if GCE was embraced by all of our schools?

If global citizenship was encouraged and embraced in all our schools, there is no limit to the potential power of upcoming generations to create substantial global change. Our vision is for a Scotland working to reduce global inequalities, and we think that youth led campaigns can play a major role in ensuring Scotland plays its part in addressing global poverty, injustice, and environmental threats.