Newcastle University

The University's International Development Society is planning its annual conference on 9–10 February 2012 and it needs your help, writes David Moffatt (BSc Agriculture 1967). 

Newcastle University boasts a thriving student International Development Society (IDS) with more than 60 members and engaging with the wider public. The Society ensures that international development is kept high on the student and university agenda, and aims to educate students, staff and the public of Newcastle about issues facing the global community.

It does this primarily through a series of events and talks held throughout the year. The Society’s flagship event is the annual two-day International Development Conference, which over the last few years has grown in scope and stature. The conference aims to inspire and raise awareness about global development issues by bringing together a diverse audience of students, academics, field practitioners, global organisations, politicians and journalists.

Last year’s theme critically examined 'World at 7 Billion: Rethinking Development'. A review of this highly successful event can be found on the alumni website along with preliminary information on the 2013 conference.

IDS is keen to forge links with alumni involved in international development and it has been proposed that an alumni group should be established to facilitate and support the relationship between IDS and former students. So if you work for a funding agency, a research body, a consultancy operating overseas, a charity or advocacy group, or perhaps you were an international student who has returned to work in government, or if you are simply interested in international development issues we would like to hear from you.

The structure, objectives and constitution of the alumni group will be determined over the coming months and alumni will be encouraged to participate in the process of determining these. However, the essential aims of the group will be to foster the relationship between current and former students and to provide a forum in which the University’s alumni can share their experience. The alumni group will be a resource to IDS, providing speakers and real life examples of development successes and failures. On its part, IDS can offer fresh insights into current issues and provide a pool of dedicated and enthusiastic students who may meet the needs of alumni looking to fill vacation or longer-term assignments.

David Moffatt (BSc Agriculture 1967), a member of the Alumni Consultative Group, who has spent his career working in international development, has undertaken to coordinate the response to this call and to draft initial proposals for the aims, objectives and constitution of the alumni group. He will work closely on this with the President of IDS. So, if you wish to become part of this exciting new alumni group please email a brief statement of your interest to david@djmoffatt.co.uk