Acting CEO Top of Mind

Jessica Mackenzie, what is at the top of your mind this week?

For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, today is a day of mourning and protest. There are events across Australia acknowledging the endurance of culture and survival of First Nations Peoples. If you are unsure about why there is a discourse around January 26 this article provides a helpful explainer.

This week we’ve been monitoring the International Court of Justice proceedings closely. We continue to coordinate across the sector to advocate for Australia to do to alleviate the ongoing crisis in Gaza and wider region.

We’ve also be finalising ACFID’s prebudget submission, especially considering the release of finalised OECD data for 2022 which clearly shows that Australia is lagging. We give just 0.19% of our Gross National Income in Official Development Assistance, well below the DAC average of 0.37%. We’re looking forward to advocating for sustained increases to the ODA Budget and climate finance alongside all of you in the lead up to the May Federal Budget.

To Action

ACFID Hiring: ACFID Hiring: Policy and Partnerships Lead 

ACFID is recruiting a Policy & Partnerships Lead. Further information about the role can be found here. Applications close midnight, Monday 29 January.

To Note

Gaza Update

16 Leading Humanitarian and Human Rights Orgnisations have issued a Joint Call to Stop Arms Transfers to Israel and Palestinian Armed Groups. The letter in full can be found here. ACFID is set to issue a media release endorsing this letter shortly.

To Note

Organisations progressing through ACFID membership process

We are pleased to announce that another two organisations are close to the final stages of their membership application.
The organisations are:

MAF International
Taking Paediatrics Abroad

If you wish to learn more about the process or have any questions/concerns, please contact ACFID’s Member and Stakeholder Engagement Lead, Raewyn Lans on [email protected]

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 16^th. More information here

To Note

A little less conversation- New Episode

Episode 7, with Professor Howard Bamsey is out. In it, he discusses with Rachel and Dermot all things climate governance. Listen here

To Note

Development Partnerships Plan (DPPs)

DFAT is accepting written submissions, of a maximum of 2 pages, until the  January 30, 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:

1. 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.

ACFID’s media team is updating our Digital Image Library and contact list. We kindly request our members to contact [email protected] and contribute additional images and updated contact details.