SWIDN is the membership network connecting people and organisations across the South West who are working for global justice and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Founded in 2005, we exist to strengthen and champion this community in our region.
Our vision is of a thriving, diverse and connected network working effectively for global justice and equality. We know that achieving these goals demands a movement of people working together – and we’re here to ensure that happens.
SWIDN exists to:
- Connect people and ideas
- Strengthen local collaboration for global impact
- Amplify the South West’s voice in national policy conversations
- Support more equitable, inclusive, and justice-driven ways of working
- Bring together those working for global justice across the region
Every member strengthens the network.
Every connection strengthens our impact.
What we do:
SWIDN exists to increase the impact of the South West’s global justice community.
We do this through three core pillars:
1. Connecting People and Ideas
We create spaces for the region’s global solidarity community to come together, build relationships, and share learning. We do this by:
- Hosting online and in-person events for networking, collaboration and peer support
- Creating opportunities to learn from lived-experience leaders, global majority practitioners, activists and peers
- Linking researchers, NGOs, businesses, and individuals around shared goals and challenges
2. Amplifying the Collective Voice of the South West
We represent our members’ experiences where it matters most. We do this by:
- Engaging regularly with decision makers and policy shapers in London and the South West.
- Gathering member insights to influence public inquiries and policy processes
- Highlighting the South West’s expertise, priorities, and challenges at national level
3. Resourcing Transformative Change in the Sector
We are committed to achieving change – both in the way our sector works and through the work it delivers.
The international development sector has its roots in unequal power structures shaped by colonial histories. Many harmful attitudes and practices, including racism, persist today. At SWIDN, we are committed to supporting the sector to confront this legacy and transform our old ways of working. We do this by:
- Facilitating honest conversations on power, equity, and coloniality
- Creating spaces for critical reflection and collective learning
- Supporting organisational change alongside individual reflexivity
- Encouraging approaches rooted in solidarity, humility, and shared power
SWIDN is committed to resourcing and supporting transformative change across the sector — both organisationally and individually.
‘“I think SWIDN is really punching above its weight – creating dialogue and discussion about global issues and ensuring people practicing in development do so with self-reflection and a broad view. I’ve got no doubt that the work you’re doing will have resulted in improved practices, which will have a positive impact on lives across the world. You’re doing brilliant things and I’m really grateful to be part of this amazing network.”
SWIDN Organisational Member
You can read our current strategy, including our Values and Impact Statement, below.
