Scottish Global Dialogues is a joint annual series of lectures organised by Beyond Borders Scotland and the WS Society, which aims to bring a figure of international standing to Edinburgh each year during the Edinburgh festivals to shine an important new policy lens and light on an issue of global concern.

The inaugural SGD, The Climate Crisis, was delivered by Secretary John Kerry, then-United States Special Presidential Envoy for Climate and introduced by then-First Minister of Scotland, Humza Yousaf MSP on 24 August 2024.

The Climate Crisis occurred in the lead up to COP28 in the UAE, providing an opportune moment for fresh inspiration in the critical climate crisis debate. Edinburgh’s basis as a center of culture and festival also strengthens SGD. In reference to Scotland and Edinburgh’s role, Beyond Borders Scotland Founder, Mark Muller KC, stated that ‘we believe the original purposes and global convening power of the Edinburgh festivals, along with the Scottish enlightenment heritage of the city, can help us to find that inspiration. We cannot think of a better global backdrop or more symbolic place from where to deliver such an important speech than here at the Signet Library, birthplace of the modern world.’