First Minister to headline European climate event in Glasgow

The First Minister has said that moving to net zero is “intrinsic” to Scotland’s success as a country as he prepares to headline a European climate event in Glasgow.

John Swinney will deliver the keynote speech next Friday at The Social Hub event, touted by organisers as the most significant climate event in the city since Cop26.

The Better Society Academy will take place at the city centre venue from April 29 until May 2, bringing together business leaders, activists and experts.

It follows on from events in Amsterdam and Vienna.

The three-and-a-half-day event is run by the TSH Talent Foundation, a non-profit established by The Social Hub, a hybrid hospitality firm founded by Edinburgh-born entrepreneur Charlie MacGregor.

The First Minister said: “I can think of no better setting than the city that hosted Cop26 just a few years ago, to bring together forward-thinking young leaders, entrepreneurs and changemakers – all working collectively to tackle one of the most urgent challenges of our time: the twin climate and nature crisis.

“This event is an example of the positive impact B-Corp organisations in Scotland like The Social Hub can bring to cities like Glasgow.

“The Better Society Academy is committed to inclusive, action-driven learning, and reminds us of what’s possible when we bring like-minded people together to build a better future.

“This attitude closely aligns with my ambition to build a better Scotland for generations to come, which is translated into the four core priorities I have set for my Government: eradicating child poverty; stimulating Scotland’s economy; ensuring high-quality, sustainable public services; and tackling the climate emergency.

“Tackling the climate and nature emergency is intrinsically linked to the success of our nation. It is not just about numbers and carbon targets – it is about improving lives, restoring nature, and securing Scotland’s future prosperity.”

The event will come just a week after the Scottish Government dropped a key climate change target to cut car use in Scotland by 20% by the end of the decade.

And that follows on from last year’s decision to abandon Scotland’s legally binding target to reduce emissions by 75% by 2030.

The 2025 Glasgow programme, Changemakers Leading the Way to Net Zero: Inspiring Stories of Collaboration and Impact, will feature figures in sustainability, business, design, and activism.

Among the speakers are Anna Campbell-Jones, designer and presenter of the BBC’s Scotland’s Home Of The Year programme; Clover Hogan, climate activist and founder of Force of Nature; Alison McRae, senior director at the Glasgow Chamber of Commerce; and economist Mattia Romani.

Frank Uffen, chairman of the TSH Talent Foundation and adviser to The Social Hub’s board, said: “The First Minister’s attendance at this event shows how important these issues are to Scotland and all nations and the potential for changemakers in all industries to make a difference.

“This event will equip emerging changemakers with the networks, insight and tools to drive real transformation in their communities.

“We’re proud to be hosting them here in Glasgow – a city with a deep legacy of innovation and global outlook.”