New International Development Minister Appointed

In a Cabinet reshuffle announced yesterday, Kaukab Stewart MSP has been appointed Scottish Government Minister (designate) for Culture, Europe and International Development. MSP for Glasgow Kelvin since 2021, Kaukab Stewart succeeds Christina McKelvie MSP who has been named Minister for Drugs and Alcohol Policy.

First Minister Humza Yousaf MSP said: "I am proud to bring the first ever Woman of Colour into government in Scotland – I believe another sign of the progress we are making as a nation, with the appointment of Kaukab Stewart as Minister for Culture, Europe and International Development.

"Kaukab Stewart showed her support for the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), during an SMP exhibition held in October 2022 in Holyrood at the half-way point in the term of the SDGs. Ms Stewart championed SDG 4: 'Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all'.

She also met Malawian representatives in Kelvin’s Woodland Community Garden during COP26 and was concerned to learn of the challenges that they were facing with climate change which had impacted upon their ability to respond to Covid. We are grateful to previous International Development Minister, Christina McKelvie MSP for her support and encouragement, including having participated enthusiastically in the SMP's Annual Gathering & AGM last November. We look forward to working with Minister Stewart.