UK Hosts Global Partnerships Conference

Peace Direct questions the United Kingdom’s position leading the Global Partnerships Conference, given recent cuts to international spending. The organization notes the agenda has expanded to include private finance and technology alongside traditional aid. Peace Direct released a report, “From Aid to Solidarity,” gathering input from over 400 change-makers in more than 70 countries.

The report advocates for a fundamental shift in power and resources toward local communities in the Global South. Peace Direct emphasizes that lasting change requires moving beyond incremental adjustments and supporting the existing system. They’ve been working since 2020 to decolonize international development through research and advocacy.

However, the organization cautions against allowing powerful governments to push private finance and tech in ways that benefit them. They point out that simply freezing conflicts—as some world leaders claim—does not create lasting peace. The report details a vision of international solidarity, equitable partnerships, and direct resource sharing with local communities, but acknowledges that achieving this requires addressing harms caused by economic and foreign policies.