The former UN Assistant Secretary-General and current Secretary-General of the Global Alliance for a Sustainable Planet is to deliver a keynote speech at a major sustainability summit in Scotland.
Satya Tripathi, who was also previously Head of New York Office at UN Environment, is to address delegates at the Sustainable Development Summit in Inverness, bringing together leaders from across business, politics, public sector and nature for the two-day conference hosted by Highland CIC.
Other speakers at the summit include former Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Energy, Michael Matheson MSP, Head of Stakeholder Engagement at SSEN Transmission Chris Bell, and the Royal Scottish Geographical Society’s Chief Executive, Dr Mike Robinson OBE.
The summit is being billed as the most important in the organisation’s history coming at a time when governments navigate international obligations across energy, climate, sustainability and economic policy, with business and communities in the Highland and Islands located at the vanguard of the green revolution.
Yvonne Crook, Chair of hosts Highland CIC, said: “The time for the business and wider community to mull things over has passed – right now is the moment for collaboration and action. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to realise and act on the opportunities that the clean energy revolution brings to the Highlands.”
The event, held at the Kingsmills Hotel in Inverness on 25-26 November, will look to unbundle topics including green energy development, community funds, nature restoration, energy security, economic growth, social impact, tourism and cultural heritage, future jobs. and training and youth empowerment and opportunity.
Also under the microscope will be co-designing strategies for tourism and renewable energy in fragile environments, empowering communities to deliver best practice models, and shared prosperity from a predicted £100bn in green investments.
Ms Crook also unveiled the Highland Renewables Network ‘manifesto’, which comes just six months until the Scottish elections in May, will be presented to delegates at the Summit in November. With £11 million in community benefit funds already available and that figure set to rise massively, host Highland CIC has carried out intensive mapping work that highlights both the challenges and the opportunities ahead.
Although such funds are unprecedented in scale for the region, the research findings highlighted that there is no agreed overarching framework or correlation between large scale energy development and urgent public needs such as poverty alleviation, housing, social care, and climate resilience.
Ms Crook said: “Our manifesto was designed following 18 months of research, community roadshows and a mapping exercise. This work included looking at green energy development as well highlighting areas of deprivation without access to adequate support, an unsustainable tourism model, a lack of strategic investment in environmental restoration, and that only half of Highland communities have access to community benefit funds.
“Supported by our energy transition partners (approaching 30), our manifesto sets out a strategic partnership and leadership approach to get it right – one that ensures every pound of community benefit funding delivers maximum value, social impact and shared prosperity for the Highlands.”
The summit will also hear from Michael Matheson MSP, former Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Energy and Highland CIC Ambassador, who will stress the importance of a just transition and collaboration. Mr Matheson said: “The CIC and its unique partnership between tourism and green energy transition partners is inspiring. It is playing a leadership role in bringing together all stakeholders in the Highlands to drive a manifesto for sustainable development.
“By working together, we can secure a just transition that delivers lasting economic and environmental value for the Highlands and for Scotland as a whole. If we get it right, we can create the type of sustainable economy that meets the needs of this and future generations.”
Head of Stakeholder Engagement at event sponsors SSEN Transmission, Chris Bell, will also deliver a keynote at the Summit. Highlighting the role business leadership plays in sustainable development. He said: “The summit provides a valuable platform to align the ambitions of the significant investment opportunities the green energy transition brings to the Highlands – ensuring that progress towards decarbonising our energy system strengthens local communities, protects the natural environment and safeguards a thriving Highland economy.”
Jan Tucker, Vice Chair, Highland CIC, said: “With the Highlands’ distinctive topography and rich natural resources, we offer a unique proposition to both the renewable energy and tourism sectors. This presents a powerful socioeconomic opportunity that must be cultivated to ensure long-term prosperity for the region. I encourage all those working across these industries to join the conversation and help shape a sustainable future for the Highlands.”
The Summit will open with the Highland Renewables Network supply chain event, creating a dedicated space for buyers and suppliers across energy, construction, skills development and tourism and hospitality facilities management to connect and collaborate. Workshops on communications, supply chain and youth-led action will also take place.
Day two will feature speakers from across the tourism, environmental, community development and clean energy sectors, sharing insights, challenges and success stories to help delegates turn ambition into action.
