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 2023. 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.

The second SGD was delivered by former Under-Secretary General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Martin Griffiths OBE on the conflict and humanitarian crisis with an introduction by First Minister of Scotland, John Swinney MSP on 22 August 2024.  

Why Scotland and Edinburgh?

In reference to Scotland and Edinburgh’s role, Beyond Borders Scotland Founder, Mark Muller Stuart 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.’

The first Edinburgh Festivals were started in the wake of World War II with the purpose of multlateral cooperation and reuniting people through the power of visionary artistic, political, and cultural projects. Today, over a million people gather in Edinburgh annually to enjoy its festivals, yet it historically has lacked a dedicated event that can focus on an international policy lens on an issue of global concern to all. The Scottish Global Dialogues initiative seeks to fill that gap.