Acting Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Energy, Gillian Martin, will represent Scotland at the COP29 UN Climate Summit in Baku. Her participation aims to solidify Scotland's position as a global leader in climate action.

Ms Martin's schedule includes a series of roundtable discussions and bilateral meetings with governments, international organisations, and climate groups. These engagements will focus on exploring strategies to address the climate emergency.

Key highlights of her visit include:

• Setting the Strategic Direction: Ms Martin will assume a leadership role as Scotland embarks on a two-year term as President of Regions4, an international network of subnational governments committed to climate action.

• Climate Justice: She will deliver the opening remarks at a climate justice event, sharing Scotland's experiences in addressing loss and damage caused by climate change and highlighting the injustices inherent in the climate crisis.

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• Under2 Coalition: Ms Martin will participate in the Under2 General Assembly as European Co-Chair of the Under2 Coalition, a global alliance of subnational governments committed to ambitious climate action.

• Showcasing Scottish Expertise: She will showcase Scotland's expertise in the clean energy transition and promote the country as an attractive destination for low-carbon investment.

Ms Martin said: "Our country has a wealth of experience and expertise when it comes to the just transition to net-zero, which can help influence, inform, and shape the global climate debate.

"Scotland was the first global north government to commit funding to address loss and damage – and that money is now supporting vulnerable communities who are at most risk of suffering the effects of climate change. We are committed to continuing that progress and contributing to the finance debate, to ensure it is in line with climate justice principles.

"I will be travelling to COP29 to represent the Scottish Government, share that practical experience and use our leadership positions in global sub-national organisations - such as the Under 2 Coalition and Regions4 - to help drive greater action across all levels of government in tackling the devastating impact of climate change.

"Scotland's commitment to ending our contribution to global emissions by 2045 at the latest is ambitious, but it is achievable. We know that challenges lie ahead and the only way we can truly meet the need and urgency of the task that lies ahead is by working together exchange ideas and agree shared actions."