The Weekly
Acting CEO Top of Mind
Jessica Mackenzie, what is at the top of your mind this week?
Welcome back for 2024.
As ever, the year ahead is set to be busy and eventful. More than half of the world’s population – over four billion people across 64 countries – will vote in elections this year. Never has there been a more critical moment for democracy. For us as civil society, it underscores the importance of our collective work towards free and open societies in which the rights of all people are upheld.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong is travelling in the Middle East this week. We’re seizing the opportunity to maintain strong advocacy for a permanent ceasefire, humanitarian access and increased funding. The Government announced a further $21.5 million in humanitarian assistance for Gaza and the region. While this is welcome, it pales in comparison to the rapidly escalating need. Read our response to the funding announcement here.
To Action
ACFID Hiring: ACFID Hiring: Policy and Partnerships Lead & Chief of Policy and Advocacy
ACFID is hiring for two roles in the Policy and Advocacy Team. Applications for Chief of Policy & Advocacy for 1-year parental leave cover (1 FTE) close on Monday! We’re also recruiting for a Policy and Partnerships Lead (0.8-1 FTE) . Further information about this role can be found here
To Note
Gaza Advocacy
ACFID’s Policy and Advocacy team has been hard at work advocating for government funding for our members providing life-saving humanitarian assistance in Gaza. Our Chief of Policy and Advocacy, Jessica Mackenzie, was interviewed on ABC New Radio and quoted in The Guardian this week in response to Minister Wong’s latest funding announcements.
Members wanting to become more involved with coordinating our messaging and advocacy on Gaza are invited to attend an ad-hoc cross meeting between the Government Relations group and Humanitarian Reference Group taking place on Monday 22 January at 11am. For more infromation please contact [email protected].
In a deal brokered by Qatar and France, Israel and Hamas have agreed to give medicine to hostages held by Hamas in exchange for more basic humanitarian aid to be allowed to enter Gaza. Read more
To Note
ACFID Conference 2023 Wrap upCOP28-ACFID’s take
As you resume work after a restful holiday, we invite you to reflect on the impactful moments from the 2023 ACFID Conference, themed ‘Global Development 2.0: Disruptive Dynamics, Inspired Ideas.’ Whether you attended or missed the event, the ACFID Conference 2023 Wrap-Up is available for your perusal here
Please note that registered participants are able to access recordings of all sessions (except the in-person concurrent sessions) via the Virtual Conference Platform, while those who did not attend will be able to access the virtual concurrent sessions only.
To Note
ACFID Climate Action Peer Learning Program
ACFID is excited to announce that registration is now open to Members for our Climate Action Peer Learning Program. This is a 3-month program for members to systematically review and enhance their approach to climate action in operational, programmatic and advocacy aspects of their organisation. The Program will be delivered through facilitated workshops, Peer Learning Group sessions, Deep Dive webinars, supported action planning and access to curated resources.
Registration closes February 16th. More information here
To Note
A little less conversation- New Episode
The latest episode of the ACFID/WWF/Good Will Hunters podcast series on climate change, “A Little Less Conversation”, has landed. Episode 6 brings together Sala George Carter at ANU with climate activist Lisa Viliamu at 350 Australia to discuss all things climate mitigation and adaptation.
COP28 resulted in mixed outcomes. In a historic win for low-income countries, the Loss and Damage fund was finally established. On an interim arrangement, the World Bank will be hosting the fund. This has raised concerns for some regarding the World Bank’s transparency and track record on environmental and social harms, while others believe this is the easiest arrangement to ensure the fastest operationalisation of the fund. You can find ODI’s analysis here.
On mitigation, there was widespread disappointment that an agreement to phasing out fossil fuels was not reached; however, the final text did include a world-first agreement to “transition away from fossil fuels in energy systems”.
To Note
Development Partnerships Plan (DPPs)
DFAT is accepting written submissions, of a maximum of 2 pages, until the 30th January 2024 for the South Asia Regional DPP. The countries included in this regional DPP are Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Mongolia, and the Maldives.
A couple of questions that DFAT would like ACFID members to consider in the submission are:
- What development challenges should Australia be aware of to inform our future development program in the region?
2. What type of programming would be fit for purpose over the coming 5-10 years?
a) Specifically, if you were DFAT, what are some undersaturated areas in climate change we could invest in to get the best returns with nimble funding?
Submissions are to be directly sent to [email protected] More information please contact [email protected]
For recent analysis on the DPPs, see Cameron Hill’s analysis this week in DevPol and ACFID’s blog on protecting civic space in Southeast Asia.
StoneX Advisory: New ForEx Requirements for NGOs in Nepal
As per a recent (28th Dec 2023) directive by the Central Bank of Nepal – Nepal Rastra Bank, for all remittances received from abroad, in favour of NGOs, the beneficiaries are required to provide to their bank, supporting documentation that they are approved by the Social Welfare Council (SWC) for funds to be released, as per the Social Welfare Act, 2049 B.S
Keep reading here View the new Nepal central bank directive here
Upcoming Events
|
Date |
Time (AEDT) |
Event |
|
Monday 22 January |
11:00 am |
Gaza Advocacy meeting |
|
Friday 16 February |
– |
ACFID Climate Action Peer Learning Program |