SCOTLAND has a lot to contribute and even more to gain from its partnerships with the Arctic Nations, the First Minister is expected to say during her speech to the 2021 Arctic Circle Assembly.
Many Scottish Institutes are in the University of the Arctic network and the research partnerships Scotland is contributing to as a result underline our many common interests including digital health in rural areas, the protection of indigenous languages, marine science and rural repopulation.
Speaking at her first in-person international event in almost two years the First Minister will address heads of states and governments, business leaders, scientists and environmentalists as well as many others with an interest in the Arctic.
Ahead of Glasgow welcoming COP26 the First Minister will discuss tackling the climate emergency – one of the key elements in Scotland’s partnership with the Arctic – as well as many of the other shared challenges, opportunities and ambitions we have in common.
Speaking ahead of her visit, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said:
“Scotland’s partnership with the Arctic has social, cultural and economic benefits and is based not just on common interests but in the practical realities of the shared challenges our nations face.
“Tackling the climate emergency remains our most vital shared priority and I look forward to attending the Arctic Circle Assembly which will feature a range of discussions on this key issue.
“In less than three weeks Scotland will welcome the world to Glasgow for COP26, possibly our last chance to safeguard our planet by delivering on the goals of the Paris agreement.
“The nations of the Arctic, the ground zero of the climate crisis, have a major contribution to make in achieving this and we will work with them whenever we can to deliver real and lasting change which will benefit not only the Arctic region but the entire world.”
