First Minister to headline 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.'
Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News
Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Independent
7 minutes ago
- The Independent
Some workers would be excluded from student loan forgiveness program for 'illegal' activity
Teachers, social workers, nurses and other public workers would be cut off from a popular student loan cancellation program if the Trump administration finds their employer engaged in activities with a 'substantial illegal purpose,' under a new federal proposal released on Friday. The Education Department took aim at nonprofits or government bodies that work with immigrants and transgender youth, releasing plans to overhaul the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. Opponents fear the new policy would turn the loan forgiveness benefit into a tool of political retribution. The proposal would give the education secretary the final say in deciding whether a group or government entity should be excluded from the program, which was created by Congress in 2007 to encourage more college graduates to enter lower-paying public service fields. The proposal says illegal activity includes the trafficking or 'chemical castration' of children, illegal immigration and supporting foreign terrorist organizations. 'Chemical castration' is defined as using hormone therapy or drugs that delay puberty — gender-affirming care common for transgender children or teens. President Donald Trump ordered the changes in March, saying the loan forgiveness program was steering taxpayer money to 'activist organizations' that pose a threat to national security and do not serve the public. The public will be given 30 days to weigh in on the proposal before it can be finalized. Any changes would take effect in July 2026. Under current rules, government employees and many nonprofit workers can get their federal student loans canceled after they've made 10 years of payments. The program is open to government workers, including teachers, firefighters and employees of public hospitals, along with nonprofits that focus on certain areas. The new proposal would exclude employees of any organization tied to an activity deemed illegal. The Education Department predicts that fewer than 10 organizations would be deemed ineligible per year. It doesn't expect a 'significant reduction' in the percentage of borrowers who would be granted forgiveness under the program, according to the proposal. Yet the agency acknowledges that not all industries would be affected evenly. Schools, universities, health care providers, social workers and legal services organizations are among those most likely to have their eligibility jeopardized, the department wrote. It did not give more specifics about what 'illegal' actions those groups were taking that could bar them from the program. But the proposal suggests that performing gender-affirming care in the 27 states that outlaw it would be enough. If a state or federal court rules against an employer, that could lead to its expulsion from the program, or if the employer is involved in a legal settlement that includes an admission of wrongdoing. Even without a legal finding, however, the education secretary could determine independently that an organization should be ejected. The secretary could judge whether an organization participated in illegal activity by using a legal standard known as the 'preponderance of the evidence' — meaning it's more likely than not that an accusation is true. Once an organization is barred from the program, its workers' future loan payments would no longer count toward cancellation. They would have to find work at another eligible employer to keep making progress toward forgiveness. A ban from the Education Department would last 10 years or until the employer completed a 'corrective action plan' approved by the secretary. Critics blasted the proposal as an illegal attempt to weaponize student loan cancellation. Kristin McGuire, CEO of the nonprofit Young Invincibles, which advocates for loan forgiveness, called it a political stunt designed to confuse borrowers. 'By using a distorted and overly broad definition of 'illegal activities,' the Trump administration is exploiting the student loan system to attack political opponents,' McGuire said in a statement. The Education Department sketched out its plans for the overhaul during a federal rulemaking process that began in June. The agency gathered a panel of experts to help hash out the details — a process known as negotiated rulemaking. But the panel failed to reach a consensus, which freed the department to move forward with a proposal of its own design. The proposal released on Friday included some changes meant to ease concerns raised by the expert panel. Some had worried the department would ban organizations merely for supporting transgender rights, even if they have no direct involvement in gender-affirming care. The new proposal clarifies that the secretary would not expel organizations for exercising their First Amendment rights. ___ The Associated Press' education coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP's standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at
BreakingNews.ie
7 minutes ago
- BreakingNews.ie
Serbia's police detain hundreds during violent anti-government protests
Serbia's police said they detained hundreds of demonstrators who took part in anti-government protests throughout the country this week. The arrests came amid reports of police brutality and excessive use of force during the unrest. Advertisement The three days of clashes between the police and loyalists of autocratic president Aleksandar Vucic on one side and the anti-government protesters on the other left dozens injured or detained. Serbian gendarmerie officers guard the street during an anti-government protest near the Serbian Progressive Party office in Belgrade, Serbia (Darko Vojinovic/AP) The unrest in the capital, Belgrade, and throughout Serbia this week marked a serious escalation of more than nine months of largely peaceful demonstrations led by Serbia's university students that have shaken Mr Vucic's firm grip on power in the Balkan country. Another protest, under the slogan 'Let's show them we are not a punching bag', was held on Friday night throughout Serbia. Police deployed armoured vehicles in parts of the capital as protesters faced off against riot police separating them from Mr Vucic's supporters in downtown Belgrade. Advertisement The protests that have rattled Mr Vucic first started in November after a renovated train station canopy collapsed in Serbia's north, killing 16 people. Many in Serbia blame the tragedy on alleged corruption-fuelled negligence in state infrastructure projects. Mr Vucic praised the police for their conduct during the latest demonstrations, saying he will propose additional bonuses for the officers. Speaking with state TV broadcaster RTS, he repeated his claim that the protests were inspired by the West with the intention of toppling him from power. He has not provided any evidence for the claim. Advertisement Several social media posts from this week show baton-wielding riot police beating people to the ground and then kicking them with their boots before they were handcuffed. Supporters of Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic hurl flares at anti-government protesters during an anti-government protest (Darko Vojinovic/AP) The apparent targets were often women and young people. Serbia's interior minister Ivica Dacic denied on Friday that police used excessive force, blaming the demonstrators for allegedly attacking the officers, who were protecting themselves with riot shields. 'The police were massively and brutally attacked without any provocation. There were violent attempts to breach the cordons,' Mr Dacic said. Advertisement 'Last night, 75 police officers were injured, and several vehicles were damaged. Those who spread lies about police brutality should comment on this fact.' Opposition leaders called for Mr Dacic to be removed from office. 'They are beating up people on the streets,' said opposition leader Dragan Djilas. 'They also beat up politicians, literally anyone who opposes Aleksandar Vucic, with the clear goal of inflicting serious bodily harm on them.' Advertisement Another social media video purported to show several young detainees kneeling with their faces to the wall as police officers stood to attention behind them. Some of the apparent detainees had bloodstains on their backs. The EU's commissioner for enlargement Marta Kos earlier this week said the reports of violence at the protests were 'deeply concerning'. Serbia is formally seeking EU membership, but Mr Vucic has maintained strong ties with Russia and China. The Serbian president has faced accusations of stifling democratic freedoms while allowing organised crime and corruption to flourish, which he has denied.
Edinburgh Reporter
an hour ago
- Edinburgh Reporter
Quantiumax Reviews: Can You Trust This Broker or Not?
What does a modern trader focus on when choosing a broker? Some look for a licensed platform, others study the technical specifications of the trading software, and still others rely on the personal experiences of fellow traders. In the case of Quantiumax, all these criteria converge: it is a regulated European broker with a solid reputation, advanced services, and an exceptionally client-oriented approach. Today, the company is working to further strengthen its position not only in the European market but also in Asia and the Middle East — and according to online reviews of Quantiumax, it's doing an excellent job. Quantiumax Reviews Online You can easily find reviews of Quantiumax on popular online platforms — from HackMD and Facebook to specialized trading forums. The overall tone of the comments is positive: users note that the broker maintains conditions under which trading is not stressful but instead becomes a systematic process with clear logic and predictable results. Many emphasize that Quantiumax invests heavily in educational programs and provides high-quality analytics. Among the platform's key advantages, reviewers often highlight: Stable service operation with no technical failures. Fast, commission-free withdrawals processed on time. Modern trading infrastructure. Multilingual customer support available 24/7. Of course, there is some criticism. Negative feedback usually comes from authors with overly high expectations. However, even those who raise complaints acknowledge that the company provides all the necessary tools for successful trading, and the final result largely depends on the investor's own competence. Legal Protection for Every User Quantiumax is not just about technology and brokerage services — it's also about protecting investors' legal rights. The broker operates under regulations in force within EU countries, complying with all requirements for data security, reporting, and risk management. This means: Financial guarantees and compensation mechanisms in the event of insured incidents. Mandatory handling of customer complaints and resolution of disputes within the legal framework. Such an approach makes any deviation from the industry's legal and ethical standards impossible, ensuring complete peace of mind for traders and investors. How to Start Investing with Quantiumax Getting started with the broker is intuitive. To open an account, you need to follow a few simple steps: Fill out the online application form on the official website. Read and accept the user agreement. Verify your identity (personal data and proof of address). Choose an account type based on your capital and goals. Make a deposit. After registration, traders can immediately invest in financial instruments, leveraging the full capabilities of the platform. Proprietary Trading Software Quantiumax has developed its own trading software, offering: One-click order execution. High-speed order processing. Built-in tools for technical and fundamental analysis. Adaptation to all trading styles — from scalping to long-term investing. The trading system is designed for both beginners and professionals who prefer an intensive investment management pace and high-precision order execution. Customer Support: Available When You Need It The broker understands how important it is to be there for clients at the right time. That's why its support team works 24 hours a day, five days a week. You can contact specialists via: Website live chat. Email. Messengers and social media. Support hotline. The conversations are with real professionals — not bots — ready to resolve any issue promptly, from verification problems to clarifying withdrawal conditions. This increases trust in the platform and reduces stress for beginners, especially in the early days after registration. Why Clients Choose Quantiumax The broker doesn't offer a one-size-fits-all solution — instead, it provides a flexible range of options, allowing each client to find exactly what they need: Access to hundreds of assets: Forex pairs, stocks, cryptocurrencies, gold, and more. Variable leverage. The most accurate quotes from verified liquidity providers. Support for all trading strategies: scalping, hedging, news trading, and more. Free trading signals and market analysis. Educational courses and practical training for all skill levels. At Quantiumax, they not only ensure high-quality trade execution but also create an environment for each client's growth and learning. Conclusion With Quantiumax, you can count on the best trading conditions — and that's not just talk. The company fulfills all its obligations to clients, while also educating, guiding, and supporting them at every step. That's why thousands of traders from around the world have already made their choice. Join the Quantiumax platform and start investing your way — with a broker you can truly trust. Like this: Like Related
