The Scotland Forum 2025
Scotland’s Place in Europe: Promoting International Cooperation and Understanding
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Monday, |
Tuesday, |
Wednesday, |
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Location: The Dalmahoy Hotel Events Room |
Location: The National Robotarium, Heriot-Watt University |
Location: The National Robotarium, Heriot-Watt University |
09:00 |
The Nordic Initiative
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Tea, Coffee & Refreshments |
Tea, Coffee & Refreshments |
09:30 |
Keynote Speeches “Welcome to the National Robotarium” “Welcome from Heriot-Watt University” “Welcome to the Scotland Forum” “Interdependences- the Key to resilient Nations and a less Fractious World” |
Keynote Speeches Mark Donfried Stuart MacPherson (Consul General, The Royal Danish Consulate in Edinburgh-Leith) “Irish – Scottish Connection” “Wales, Scotland and Europe” |
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10:15 |
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11:00 |
Tea, Coffee & Refreshments |
Tea, Coffee & Refreshments |
Tea, Coffee & Refreshments |
11:15 |
The Nordic Initiative |
Location: Conference Room “Women’s Leadership in AI, Cyber Security and Crypto Space” “Global Women in AI, Digital Assets and the Economy” “Bridging Cultures: The Power of Intercultural Relationships - Wales and the World” “Shared Challenges, Shared Solutions: Wales, Scotland, and Europe in Partnership” |
Location: Conference Room Moderator: Bernard Ponsonby The Rt. Hon. Henry McLeish Bertie Ahern (Prime Minister of Ireland 1997-2008) Samantha Barber (Non-Executive Director, Strategic Advisor and Executive Coach) Tasmina Ahmed-Sheikh OBE (Head of the Scotland Forum; Former Member of the UK Parliament) |
12:00 |
Location: Conference Room “Feminist Foreign Policy as a Way to Strengthen the Situation for Women in the World” “Women’s Leadership in International Diplomacy” “Culture and Women’s Empowerment: Keys to Preventing Conflict“ Nasima Razmyar (Member of the Finnish Parliament)
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Location: Conference Room “The Scottish Parliament - Reforming with Purpose”
“Resilience Is No Accident: Shaping the Future of Equitable Societies“ |
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12:30 |
Lunch Break |
Lunch Break |
Lunch Break |
13:30 |
The Nordic Initiative |
Location: Conference Room “Nordic History and Security” “Scotland’s Future in Europe – The Role of State Interests” “Nordic Pathways of Trusted Partnerships, Co-Development, and Comprehensive Security” |
Location: Conference Room “How Improving Trade Links Can Enhance Broader Collaboration Between Scotland and African Countries” “The Importance of Collaboration between Scotland, Bangladesh and Beyond” “The Power of Arts and Culture in Advancing Citizen Diplomacy” Peng Guan (Founder of the International Asian Cultural Society) |
14:00 |
Location: Conference Room Moderator: Tasmina Ahmed-Sheikh Michelle Thomson MSP (Member of the Scottish Parliament) Sue Webber MSP (Member of the Scottish Parliament) Joanna Cherry KC (Member of the UK Parliament 2015-24) Eva Biaudet (Member of the Finnish Parliament) Elisabeth Nauclér (Member of the Finnish Parliament 2007-15) |
Location: Conference Room “Breaking Barriers: Women’s Leadership and Effective Participation in Shaping a Future of Peace and Prosperity“ “Pioneering Gender Equality in Politics: Insights from Lithuania’s Green Party“ “Equal Voices, Stronger Nations: Women at the Heart of Change” |
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15:00 |
Tea, Coffee & Refreshments |
Tea, Coffee & Refreshments |
Tea, Coffee & Refreshments |
15:15 |
The Nordic Initiative |
Location: Auditorium “The Empowerment of Women in the Economy & Diplomacy” „Writing makes me feel heard: “Modern Front-Runners, Though Gender Equality Remains a Journey” “Women Empowerment through GenAI” “Women’s Leadership in Politics and Diplomacy: The Experience of Türkiye“ |
Keynote Speeches Ivan Ivanov (Executive Chairman, International Center Alliance of Civilizations)
“Courageous Leadership for Turbulent Times” Gjorge Ivanov (President of the Republic of Macedonia 2009-2019) "Delivering on Devolution: Real Power for the Scottish Parliament" Closing Remarks:
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16:00 |
Location: Auditorium “Holding the Line - Why We Can't Afford to Deprioritize Human Rights” “Supporting gender equality through language in the European Union” “Addressing the Implementation of the UN SDGs Through Active Civil Society Engagement” |
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16:30 |
(16:30) Travelling Time to the Scottish Parliament |
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17:30 |
Welcome Address Tasmina Ahmed-Sheikh OBE (Head of the Scotland Forum; Former Member of the UK Parliament) Elisa Morgera (UN Special Rapporteur on Climate Change and Human Rights) |
Travelling Time to Edinburgh Castle |
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18:00 |
Welcome from the Presiding Officer The Rt Hon Alison Johnstone MSP With Contributions from Ash Regan MSP, Mark Donfried, The Rt Hon Mark Drakeford MS and Liz Smith MSP, Moderated by Tasmina Ahmed-Sheikh OBE |
(18:45) Edinburgh Castle – “Inspection of the Honours of Scotland” |
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19:30 |
Delegates Dinner |
Delegates Welcome Dinner at “Dynamic Earth” – Guest of Honour: Deputy Presiding Officer, The Rt Hon. Annabelle Ewing MSP |
Delegates Gala Dinner at the Edinburgh Castle Welcome Words: Craig Mackenzie Keynote Speech: _______________ Special Lecture: __________________ |
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