International strategy: annual report 2024 to 2025
Annual report on delivery of Scotland’s International Strategy, highlighting progress made during the 2024 to 2025 reporting year.
Foreword by Cabinet Secretary for Constitution,External Affairs and Culture
The Scottish Government’s international work is rooted in a clear purpose: to deliver real and lasting benefits for the people of Scotland. This work abroad is not an add-on. It is integral to building prosperity at home. Additionally, our international development, humanitarian and climate justice work reflects our values and commitment to global solidarity. Our 2024 International Strategy sets out how the government is working to enhance our global reputation, contribute to addressing the climate crisis and promote sustainable economic growth.
Building on previous reports focused on our International Network, this year we are reporting more widely to showcase how we are leveraging our global networks, ministerial engagements, and partnerships to deliver benefits for the people of Scotland. We do this by opening doors for Scottish businesses, securing inward investment, and promoting our strengths in renewable energy, technology, and world-class education. Our network of international offices, Scottish Development International (SDI), the Brand Scotland Partnership and the wider Team Scotland are all working to meet these goals. They build the economic and diplomatic links which promote Scotland as a great place to live, work, visit, study and do business. These efforts are vital in a world where economic competition is intensifying and global supply chains are being reshaped.
This report sets out how Scotland seeks to play its part in an ever-changing world while staying true to our values. We are guided by these values to enhance global safety and security where we can. Through our international development programmes, we work with partner countries, while recognising and addressing the pressing challenges of climate change and its unequal effects.
Our annual report also documents how we have harnessed our connections with the Scottish diaspora and built relationships with international partners. We work with likeminded governments to put people at the heart of our decision-making, through activity to promote a wellbeing economy and sharing best practice on renewable energy. We also demonstrate how we have harnessed relationships with our European neighbours, including during the EURO 2024 in Germany, a moment that not only celebrated sport, but also Scotland’s cultural identity and international reputation.
Our globally recognised culture is intrinsic to our prosperity; an asset to us both at home and abroad. Our festivals attract visitors to Scotland, and our creative industries have the power to inspire and to transform peoples’ lives and communities. In 2024, we published Inspiring Connections: Scotland’s International Culture Strategy 2024-30, with a resolute focus on sectoral development and international engagement. The Scottish Government has demonstrated our commitment to the culture sector with a funding increase of over £34 million in 2025-26. This takes us to over £50 million more in culture funding than in 2023-24.
I’m proud that we have maintained our commitment to international development and climate justice in the face of a global reduction in international aid. Scotland continues to invest in partnership working in Malawi, Zambia, Rwanda and Pakistan, funding health and education programmes, promoting equality, renewable energy and good governance, and responding to humanitarian crises there and in other parts of the world, not least in Gaza.
Of course, we cannot ignore that wider global context. The war in Ukraine continues to destabilise Europe. Conflict in the Middle East has deepened humanitarian need. Strategic competition between major powers, including the United States and China, is reshaping international relations. These challenges underline why Scotland must remain outward-looking, resilient and ready to work with partners to find solutions.
Our international ambitions for Scotland are clear: to deepen global partnerships, position Scotland as a leader in the green economy, and ensure our voice is heard on the issues that matter, from climate action to inclusive growth. By combining economic opportunity with our enduring values, we will continue to build a Scotland that is trusted, respected, and recognised around the world.
Angus Robertson MSP
Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, External Affairs and Culture