Article Source: COP26
First Published: 20 January 2021 10:48
Updated: 20 January 2021 10:53
Applications have today, Wednesday 20 January, opened for the volunteer programme for the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference – COP26.
The UK will host the international summit at the Scottish Event Campus (SEC) in Glasgow on 1 – 12 November 2021 and Glasgow City Council is looking for a team of around 1000 volunteers to support the staging of this globally significant event.
Anyone interested in volunteering is invited to step forward and submit their application at www.ukcop26.org/volunteer. Applications are open now until Wednesday, 31 March.
These vital climate talks are expected to bring together the largest gathering of heads of state ever hosted in the UK, alongside climate experts and campaigners, to agree coordinated action to tackle the climate emergency.
A variety of volunteer roles will be available in both Glasgow and Edinburgh, including providing information on the conference and the venues, supporting delegates staying in and travelling around the city, and promoting the best of what Glasgow and Scotland has to offer.
Leader of Glasgow City Council, Councillor Susan Aitken said: “Glasgow has firmly established itself among the best in the world at hosting world-class events and volunteers have long been at their centre. Our COP26 volunteers will provide delegates and visitors with our world-famous warm Glasgow welcome, ensuring they have the best possible experience.
“We are proud to be staging COP26 and I would encourage anyone interested in grasping this opportunity to step forward and be part of our volunteering team. You will be joining a collective of people who share your enthusiasm for the event, the cause and our vibrant city.”
COP26 President Alok Sharma said: "Time and time again we see the generosity of the great British public in making global events a triumph, and we are asking you to play a part in making COP26 a huge success.
“This is an exciting opportunity to volunteer in Glasgow and help us all tackle climate change.”
Ahead of taking on their roles, volunteers will receive a workshop on sustainability from the UN and be given the training and tools required to carry out their roles successfully and confidently.
As part of the recruitment launch, local volunteering ambassadors from across the city have stepped up to be the face of the campaign and encourage others to get involved.
They spoke about their experience of volunteering and its many benefits, including gaining valuable life and career experience and new skills, meeting new people, having fun and feeling part of a community.
Proud Glaswegian Karen Donaldson from Cardonald, who has volunteered at the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games and Glasgow Doors Open Day, said: “Being part of the volunteering programme is a cracking opportunity to represent your city. Through volunteering I’ve learned so many things and met so many people.
“Volunteering at COP26, in particular, will be a once-in-a-lifetime chance so for anyone thinking of applying, my advice would be: do it! Event volunteering is such a buzz, you get so much from it and it opens your mind. There’s also a community spirit among all the volunteers. You’re joining people from all walks of life and it gives you a warm feeling to know you’re part of that team.”
Scott Twigg of Govanhill, who is originally from Liverpool and has lived in Glasgow for five years, shared his reasons for getting involved: “I’m very passionate about climate change so the COP26 volunteer programme is a fantastic opportunity for me to follow that passion and represent the city I love and call home, to an international audience.
“Whether you want to have new experiences, learn new skills or represent your city, I recommend you take this opportunity to be involved in a collective, collaborative effort in Glasgow and make it your own. It’s a really exciting thing to be part of and I personally hope to come away with a fantastic experience that I’ve learned from and can use in the future.”
COP26 was postponed by a year to November 2021 to allow time to deliver a successful summit while the world tackles the pandemic. Organisers’ intent remains to hold the summit in person, with Glasgow as host city, whilst putting the health and wellbeing of all involved at the centre of any future decisions on the event.
Apply now to be a COP26 volunteer at www.ukcop26.org/volunteer. Applications close Wednesday, 31 March 2021.
Dobbies Garden Centres, the UK's leading garden centre retailer, has opened a new look foodhall in Sandyholm as part of a store refresh!
Lanark Amateur Musical Society (LAMS) have recently celebrated their 40th Anniversary, but like many organisations - the last 12 months have been very different for the local musical theatre club.
The main entrance to Calderglen Park in East Kilbride has now reopened to vehicles.
Scottish Ballet have launched a new programme of online workshops for health and social care staff to help build personal resilience and enhance their wellbeing.
Listen to Clyde 1 or Clyde 2 for your chance to win a share of £1 million with Scotland's Biggest Radio Competition!
The National Trust for Scotland has picked out Scotland’s best romantic walks, area by area, across the country. Perfect for Valentine’s Day!
Adam, the multi-award-winning stage production inspired by the life of Adam Kashmiry, has been reworked for screen and is now set to be broadcast on BBC Scotland in early March.
Cumbernauld Theatre Trust is delighted to announce that the organisation is a recipient of a £186,821 grant from the Weston Culture Fund.
Glasgow Science Centre is holding its first digital science festival, Curious About Our Planet, which aims to celebrate the wonders of our planet and the science of climate change.
Scotland’s much-loved Capital Sci-Fi Con is set to return for a sixth year on Saturday 13th March 2021 and will be held virtually for the very first time, attracting audiences across the globe.
Six town centres in South Lanarkshire have had temporary 20mph speed limits introduced.
Proposals for new cycling and walking routes through Ravenscraig are being published for people to share their views.
Danni The Champion, a short film created for Scenes for Survival digital project, achieves success at international film festivals.
The UK's leading garden centre retailer, Dobbies, has partnered with surplus food app, Too Good To Go, in a bid to combat food waste across its stores.
BBC Scotland's topical TV discussion programme is touring the country virtually, to give the people of Scotland the opportunity to have their say about the issues that matter most to you.
Alan Carr’s Epic Gameshow is returning for a brand-new series with BIG MONEY and a variety of amazing prizes to be won and they are currently looking for fun, confident, outgoing contestants.
Viewers from all around the world tuned in to Burns Cottage on Saturday as conservation charity The National Trust for Scotland hosted its first ever virtual Burns night.
Over £1.9 million has been distributed to help support the recovery of Scotland’s historic environment sector from the impacts of COVID-19.
Scottish Ballet launches an expanded programme of ballet classes, community engagement programmes and health resources to bring the benefits and joy of dance to everyone!
Runrig's sell-out farewell concerts, filmed live in front of 50,000 fans by BAFTA-winning Glasgow-based digital entertainment company, Blazing Griffin, receives its UK TV premiere on Sky Arts!
With schools closed to most pupils, some of Scotland's most popular visitor attractions are offering homeschooling help to parents across the country!
Work to improve drainage and resurface footpaths at Lanark Loch will begin on Monday 25th January and is expected to last for approximately three months.
The Stroke Association in Scotland is encouraging local residents to get involved in its 'Stride for Stroke' challenge, to walk 10,000 steps a day for 120 days.
Bonnie Bairn, Scotland's Premier Pregnancy & Family Fair is set to take place online for the first time ever, encouraging a nation of parents to #ShopLocal from the comfort of their own home.
Glasgow City Council is looking for a team of around 1000 volunteers to support the staging of this globally significant event.
Leading rail contractor QTS Group has announced its charities of the year, including Glasgow-based Samuel's Smile, a children's charity supporting those who suffer from rare diseases.
Active travel consultations are now underway in six major areas of South Lanarkshire.
The Data Lab is calling on organisations contributing towards Scotland’s reputation of being at the cutting edge of innovative technology to share their successes to mark Datafest21.
The UK’s leading garden centre retailer, Dobbies Garden Centres, teamed up with the Stroke Association to mark Stroke Prevention Day.
Still Game star Gavin Mitchell is showing his support for the Beatson Cancer Charity's upcoming Burns event with a fun call to action to find Rabbie Burns lookalikes!