Global experts gather in Edinburgh to debate the most challenging issues of our time

13.09.2013

• FREE events part of a week-long celebration of the Andrew Carnegie Legacy
• Tickets released for six seminars covering education,environment, peace, ethics, knowledge and philanthropy

Tickets have been released to the public for a series of free seminars debating some of the most challenging issues of our time. The seminars will take place on Wednesday, 16 October.

Led by global experts, the events will be held at the Scottish Parliament in October and form part of a festival exploring the legacy of Scots-born philanthropist Andrew Carnegie.

Some of the eminent speakers, debating topics from education to peace and from ethics to the environment, include:

Professor Iain Stewart, the geoscientist, author and TV presenter behind programmes such as Earth: The Power of the Planet and The Climate Years, Lord Stewart Sutherland, former Chief Inspector of Schools for England and Wales and Vice-Chancellor of the University of London, Professor Louise Richardson, Principal and Vice Chancellor of the University of St Andrews, awarded the Sumner Prize for work towards the prevention of war and the establishment of universal peace, Professor Martyn Wade, Chief Executive and National Librarian at the National Library of Scotland and David Rodin, co-director of the Institute for Ethics, Law and Armed Conflict at the University of Oxford

The Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament, Rt Hon Tricia Marwick MSP, added:

“The Scottish Parliament is the home of debate in Scotland and we are delighted to be hosting this series of public seminars which will provoke thought and inspire discussion.
 
The seminars will also complement the exhibition on Andrew Carnegie’s legacy and together these events will provide a unique opportunity for people to find out more about the life and work one of Scotland’s most famous and influential sons.”
 
Angus Hogg, chair of the Carnegie UK Trust, said:

“Encouraging debate on key issues lies at the heart of our Trust’s mission. Importantly, they are also topics which drove Andrew Carnegie on his quest to improve the wellbeing of society a century ago.

“We are very excited to welcome such an interesting and informed group of speakers to the festival. Their presence and the nature of the discussions, ensures that these challenging issues continue to be debated.”

The seminars are brought to Scotland by the Carnegie Trusts of the UK, in partnership with the Scottish Parliament.  They are part of a festival of events forming Andrew Carnegie’s International Legacy: Shaping the Future festival taking place at Holyrood from October 2013 to January 2014. 

Seminar availability and tickets

Free tickets are available via the Scottish Parliament's website.  You will be re-directed to an external website for requesting tickets, which are available from Friday, 13 September 2013.