World leaders gather at The National Robotarium for international convention
On 2-3 September, The National Robotarium at Heriot-Watt University hosted The Scotland Forum, an initiative aimed at enhancing Scotland’s international engagement across economic development, intercultural relations and academic collaborations.
Led by Tasmina Ahmed-Sheikh OBE, former Member of UK Parliament for Ochil and South Perthshire, and facilitated with the Institute for Cultural Diplomacy, the event welcomed dignitaries and political leaders from across UK and European parliaments to explore how deeper engagement between Scotland and Europe could address pressing global challenges and generate strategic proposals and policy recommendations with the potential for national and global impact.
Keynote speakers at the forum, themed ‘Scotland’s Place in Europe: Promoting International Cooperation and Understanding’, included Former First Minister of Scotland, The Rt. Hon. Henry McLeish, Minister for Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade of Finland, Ville Skinnari, Former Prime Minister of Ireland, Bertie Ahern, Chair of the Lithuanian Green Party, Ieva Budraite, and Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, Sir David Davis.
Speaking on behalf of the University were Associate Executive Dean for International and Partnerships, Professor Amos Haniff and Chief Operating Officer of The National Robotarium, Steve Maclaren, who welcomed guests to the global research institute for robotics and Artificial Intelligence on the first morning of the event, and spoke at that evening’s VIP dinner at Dynamic Earth.
Chief Operating Officer, Steve Maclaren (second left) and Professor Amos Haniff (furthest right) with Mark C. Donfried and representatives from The Institute for Cultural Diplomacy
Steve said: “It was honour to host so many great leaders and parliamentarians for The Scotland Forum and to contribute to discussions that could shape how Scotland and Europe work together on advancing innovation for years to come.
“As the UK’s National Robotarium, we are passionate about expanding our global networks and collaborating with a diverse range of partners that can support our mission to transform people’s lives, work and health through science, technology and robotics.”
As well as talks, panel discussions and workshops, the event included a gala dinner at Edinburgh Castle with a special lecture from lead singer and lyricist of Deep Purple, Ian Gillan.
