Glasgow wishes COP26 delegates "heart and courage" for the task ahead

Councillor Susan Aitken, the Leader of Glasgow City Council, has today (31 October 2021) welcomed delegates to Glasgow at the opening plenary session of COP 26.

Speaking to the conference as it got underway, she said:

"There have been delays and uncertainties on our collective journey here. But we are here now, and humanity looks to you and the work you will do here over the next two weeks to fulfil the promise of a safer, sustainable, more equitable future for us all."

And she invited world leaders to be inspired by Glaswegians:

"This is a city that has been through tough times. But we have survived and thrived against the odds through resilience, innovation, imagination, sense of community, humour and grit. 

"These are all qualities you will need in abundance in the days ahead.

"Like the rest of the world we'll be watching - and judging. Our demands and expectations of you will be high. But we'll also be cheering you on and wishing you all the heart and courage you need for the task ahead."

The full text of Cllr Aitken's comments is as follows:

Friends, it is my very great pleasure, honour and responsibility to give you the warmest of our famous welcomes to the city of Glasgow.

There have been delays and uncertainties on our collective journey here. But we are here now, and humanity looks to you and the work you will do here over the next two weeks to fulfil the promise of a safer, sustainable, more equitable future for us all.

Let Glasgow and its people serve as an inspiration to you. This is a city that has been through tough times. But we have survived and thrived against the odds through resilience, innovation, imagination, sense of community, humour and grit.

These are all qualities you will need in abundance in the days ahead.  If you feel your determination flagging, take a look outside, talk to a Glaswegian, and let the spirit that infuses this city infuse you too.

And if as you spend time here, you find yourself feeling a bit bolder and with a wee bit more swagger than usual - well, that's just the Glasgow effect.

Take inspiration too from Glasgow's climate ambition.  If this post-industrial city, still living with the legacies of our high carbon emissions past, can have a plan for Net Zero by 2030, then there should be no limit on your ambition either.

Let the example of pioneer cities like ours light your way to the actions you must agree here to safeguard our climate and ecology for future generations.