Apr
29
2021

Meet FCDO's Malawi Development Director - Fiona Ritchie

We were delighted that following in the tradition of DFID Malawi Country Directors, Fiona Ritchie joined us for a Zoom conversation on April 29th at 2pm UK time/3pm Malawi time.

We were delighted that, following in the tradition of DFID Malawi Country Directors, Fiona Ritchie joined us for a roundtable meeting with Members on the 29th of April 2021.

Please click here to view the agenda.

Fiona is the Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO) Development Director for Malawi (what used to be the Head of DFID Malawi). She is originally from Edinburgh and was keen to learn more about the work of SMP members and their partners.

Thanks to all the many SMP and MaSP members that joined the meeting.

We used the meeting to: listen to FCDO Malawi’s priorities; give overarching briefings on the SMP and MaSP; give 10 SMP and MaSP members the chance to give ‘micro cases studies’ about their work; and have an open discussion around key topics relevant for members.

On COP26: We agreed to work closely together with FCDO in the planning, with a shared desire to amplify Malawi’s voice. A roundtable with the relevant Malawian Minister, Nancy Tembo, was proposed.

On the cut to 0.7% ODA: Members and partners highlighted how damaging these cuts are and we agreed to keep in contact, sharing information about how and where the cuts will be made, when available.

On future collaboration: We agreed to have an annual roundtable with the FCDO Development Director, and one with the British High Commissioner, spaced six months apart.

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Watch back - SMP Members Meet FCDO's Malawi Development Director, Fiona Ritchie

Please find a full recording of the event here. Head to our YouTube channel below to find timestamps to specific sections of the meeting.

YouTube