Why International Solidarity Work Matters for Wales

Across Wales, hundreds of community groups, charities, universities, health professionals and campaigners are involved in international solidarity work. These partnerships connect Wales with communities around the world, supporting projects on climate action, health, education and sustainable livelihoods.

But these programmes are sometimes misunderstood. They are often described simply as “international aid,” which can make them sound like money being sent overseas with little benefit to people in Wales. In reality, the story is much bigger, and much more important.

International solidarity work is about partnership, shared learning, and responsibility in an interconnected world.

Wales as a Globally Responsible Nation

Wales has made a clear commitment to playing a positive role in the world. Under the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015, one of Wales’ national goals is to be a “globally responsible nation.”

This means recognising that decisions made in Wales can affect people and environments far beyond its borders, and that Wales has a role to play in tackling global challenges such as climate change, inequality and environmental loss.

International partnerships are one of the ways this commitment becomes real.

Through initiatives such as the Wales and Africa partnerships, organisations in Wales collaborate with communities in countries like Lesotho and Uganda on projects that support health, climate resilience, education, and sustainable development.

These partnerships are not one-way transactions. They are long-term relationships built on cooperation and shared knowledge.

Working Together on Shared Challenges

Many of the issues facing communities across the world are deeply connected.

Climate change, food insecurity, water shortages and health crises do not stop at national borders. The impacts of environmental breakdown and global instability are felt everywhere, including in Wales.

Working with communities on the frontline of these challenges helps build knowledge and solutions that benefit everyone.

International cooperation helps strengthen global resilience, making societies better prepared to deal with the environmental and social pressures that affect us all.

Stronger Communities in Wales

International partnerships also strengthen communities here at home.

Wales is a diverse nation with people whose heritage connects them to countries across the globe. Solidarity programmes recognise and celebrate those connections, helping diaspora communities stay involved in projects that support their countries of origin.

At the same time, they create opportunities for people in Wales to learn from different cultures, share skills and build global awareness.

Schools, health workers, community organisations and universities across Wales take part in these exchanges, bringing back new knowledge, perspectives and ideas that enrich Welsh society.

Building Fairer Global Relationships

Projects supported through Welsh partnerships often focus on practical areas such as:

• Climate resilience and renewable energy
• Gender equality and women’s empowerment
• Sustainable livelihoods
• Water, sanitation and health
• Education and community development

These initiatives are designed to support communities facing the greatest impacts of climate change and inequality, while strengthening local leadership and knowledge.

Rather than charity, they are about fairness, cooperation and shared responsibility.

Looking Outward, Not Inward

At a time when some governments around the world are stepping back from international cooperation, Wales has the chance to show a different path.

Supporting international solidarity work reflects the values that many people in Wales share ,fairness, compassion and a belief that our futures are connected.

Being a globally responsible nation does not mean trying to act like a world power. It means recognising that even a small country can make a meaningful difference through partnership, solidarity and cooperation.

A stronger Wales is not one that turns inward. It is one that builds relationships, shares knowledge, and stands alongside communities around the world working towards a fairer and more sustainable future.