Scottish volunteers needed for COP26 conference

Applications are open for Scots to get involved in the upcoming global climate conference.

Organisers want people to showcase the best of Scotland - with volunteers needed in both Glasgow and Edinburgh.

The Cop26, due to be held in Glasgow in November after being postponed by a year due to coronavirus, will be the largest summit the UK has ever hosted, bringing together representatives and world leaders from nearly 200 countries.

Leader of Glasgow City Council, Councillor Susan Aitken said: “Glasgow has firmly established itself among the best in the world at hosting world-class events and volunteers have long been at their centre.

"Our COP26 volunteers will provide delegates and visitors with our world-famous warm Glasgow welcome, ensuring they have the best possible experience."

COP26 President Alok Sharma said: "Time and time again we see the generosity of the great British public in making global events a triumph, and we are asking you to play a part in making COP26 a huge success.

"This is an exciting opportunity to volunteer in Glasgow and help us all tackle climate change."

As part of the recruitment launch, local volunteering ambassadors from across the city have stepped up to be the face of the campaign and encourage others to get involved.

Glaswegian Karen Donaldson from Cardonald, who has volunteered at the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games and Glasgow Doors Open Day, said: “Volunteering at COP26, in particular, will be a once-in-a-lifetime chance so for anyone thinking of applying, my advice would be: do it!

"Event volunteering is such a buzz, you get so much from it and it opens your mind. There’s also a community spirit among all the volunteers. You’re joining people from all walks of life and it gives you a warm feeling to know you’re part of that team.”

Scott Twigg of Govanhill, who is originally from Liverpool and has lived in Glasgow for five years, shared his reasons for getting involved: “I’m very passionate about climate change so the COP26 volunteer programme is a fantastic opportunity for me to follow that passion and represent the city I love and call home, to an international audience."

Applications close 31st March 2021

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