Wales in the World: an inquiry into the Welsh Government’s approach to external affairs

Background

In the summer of 2017, the External Affairs and Additional Legislation Committee agreed to establish an inquiry into the Welsh Government’s approach to external affairs.

Terms of reference

The Committee assessed whether there were gaps in the Welsh Government’s approach to external affairs and how they could be filled. This involved:

• mapping the existing strands of the Welsh Government’s approach to external affairs;
• identifying best practice examples from elsewhere in the World; and
• recommending how any gaps in the Welsh Government’s current approach could be filled.

Evidence gathering

On 8 May 2017, Jane Hutt AM met with experts from Cardiff University, Dr Einion Dafydd and Dr Jo Hunt, in a private, informal session. The purpose of the meeting was to get an overview of the Welsh Government’s international approach and to explore potential examples of best practice from elsewhere in the World. On 5 June 2017, an additional meeting was held. Jane Hutt AM met with Professor Michael Keating from the University of Aberdeen and Dr Elin Royles from Aberystwyth University.

The first phase of this work culminated in a rapporteur report (PDF, 165KB), prepared by Steffan Lewis AM and Jane Hutt AM, to the Committee on 24 September 2018. At this meeting the Committee agreed to incorporate the second phase of this work into Part Two of its future relationships inquiry. As such the Committee planned to examine the Welsh Government’s approach to external affairs in the round, including:

• identifying best practice examples from elsewhere in the World; and
• recommending how any gaps in the Welsh Government’s current approach could be filled.

Hub Cymru Africa

On 25 June 2018, the Committee held an evidence session on Hub Cymru Africa and the approach of the Welsh Government to international development. Following the meeting, the Committee wrote to (PDF, 159KB) the First Minister in order to request more information. The First Minister responded (PDF, 292KB) on 16 October 2018.