Between 1 – 12 November 2021, the UK will be hosting the 26th annual session of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention, or ‘COP26’, in Glasgow. At the summit, heads of state, climate experts and negotiators will come together to agree coordinated action to tackle climate change. There will also be space for countries, international organisations and other delegates to showcase climate action, highlight diverse climate change issues and share knowledge.

Holyrood’s COP26 Fringe events will take place over 4 days (Wed 3^rd – Sat 6^th November) in the centre of Glasgow, with each day exploring a different theme.

The Festival is planned to take place in-person but there will also be hybrid events over the 4 days that can be joined online.

The events will run in different formats with the Festival acting as a hub for people to meet, discuss ideas and share best practice on the way to, and coming back from, the COP26 official zones.

Expected attendees include local government officials, elected members in Holyrood and Westminster, civil servants, agencies, COP26 delegates from Europe and the rest of the world, and members of the Scottish public, private and third sectors.

Day themes:

• Wednesday 3rd: Diversity & Inclusion in Climate Change Discussions and Decisions
• Thursday 4th: Climate Change & Technology
• Friday 5th: Public Health & The Environment
• Saturday 6th: Scotland’s Role in Delivering a Net-Zero World

ScotlandIS’ Head of Research and Policy, Marc Strathie, will be participating in the Climate Change & Technology panel.

The Festival will end on Saturday evening with an awards dinner, that recognises and celebrates champions in Scotland who have made significant contributions in areas discussed over the four days, and a ceilidh. Find out more about the awards here.