John Swinney: ‘When we lead by example on a cause that is just the world follows’

In 2021, the eyes of the world were on Glasgow as we hosted COP26 – the gathering of global leaders to discuss and progress action on the climate emergency. Our proud history of ambitious leadership on climate justice is a legacy that we continue to build upon.  

We were one of the first governments to put climate justice at the heart of our international climate action. Through leading by example, we have created change that has the potential to benefit the lives of millions across the Global South.   

At COP26, we became the first Global North country to commit funding to address loss and damage. Our action helped to amplify the voices of those who had for decades, been calling for proper recognition of loss and damage.

This led to the operationalisation last year, at COP28, of the UNFCCC Loss and Damage Fund, now totalling over $600 million, with over $750 million committed to loss and damage more widely.  

We must now ensure that this funding can be accessed fairly, in a way that acknowledges the moral responsibility of those most responsible for historic emissions.

That includes Scotland. This is why we are advocating for a proportion of the UNFCCC Loss and Damage Fund to be made directly available to communities in the form of grants, not loans.   

In June 2024, Scotland was elected as President of the Regions4 Sustainable Development Network. And just last week in New York, I was proud that Scotland was confirmed as European Co-Chair of the Under2 Coalition for a third term.   

These two global networks work towards bringing governments at all levels together to combat climate change and initiate action. They focus on representing the ambitions of devolved, state, and local governments.

They also serve an important role in building the capacity of members, assisting in policy development and sharing vital knowledge across the membership.   

The reach and influence of these networks is vast. Regions4 is a network of 46 governments across 24 countries and holds a formal role in inputting to UN processes, whilst the Under2 Coalition is made up of 260 governments representing almost 2 billion people and over 50% of the global economy.  

Through our leadership of these two organisations, Scotland will bring together both memberships and harness the collective will of the people they represent to drive ever greater ambition, and inclusion at the highest levels of decision making.    

This leadership was evident last week at New York Climate Week. The Scottish Government co-authored a statement that was delivered to the UN General Assembly, calling for greater recognition of devolved, state, and regional governments within UN climate negotiations.  

COP29 will take place in Azerbaijan later this year. The Presidency has stated its aim to build bridges between the Global North and South. This has been an aim shared by the Government that I now lead for many years.

We have long sought to play this vital bridging role, championing the ambitions and priorities of the Global South at international climate forums. I want us to continue to build meaningful and lasting international partnerships in the pursuit of climate justice.

We will shine a light on the unequal impacts of climate change on marginalised people, especially young people and women. This is part of our moral obligation as good global citizens.  

It is vital that we ensure that climate action does not fall by the wayside. This is especially true of our efforts on the international stage.

There is no doubt that the challenge facing us is monumental. That is why it is more important than ever that we work together, and place the interests of those most affected by the climate crises at the centre of our action.  

I feel a renewed sense of responsibility to go further and faster, to face up to tough challenges and to help raise the bar of world leadership more generally. 

I am encouraged that when Scotland leads by example on a cause that is just – as we did on loss and damage – the world follows.

Though we are a small country, I believe that we can and will play our part in overcoming this great challenge of our time.