This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
Listen
First Minister addresses diplomats
09/06/2003
First Minister Jack McConnell has addressed more than 70
diplomats, including 30 Ambassadors and High Commissioners,
representing 56 countries at a conference in Edinburgh.
The 'World Comes to Scotland Conference' examined
devolved Scotland's development as a modern European nation
in an increasingly competitive and innovative world.
The First Minister said:
"Scotland has had a long history of internationalism and
achievement. There are Scots and people of Scots ancestry
in countries across the world. People from many lands have
studied, worked or settled here. That flow of people, ideas
and talents has benefited all of us in the past - and
continues to do so.
"In 1999 our elected parliament met for the first time
here in Edinburgh. And the creation of a devolved
legislative parliament has been enormously important for
the political renewal of our nation.
"We have the best of both worlds. We have the powers
over domestic affairs - education, health, the justice
system, economic development and more, whilst still taking
strength from the muscle of the United Kingdom.
"Scotland's political renewal has been profound in the
last four years. Democratic renewal is important in these
times when voters in many countries are disillusioned with
established politics but democratic renewal is not an end
in itself.
"Democratic renewal should be a springboard, the
catalyst to a much greater and deeper rejuvination of our
nation. I believe that now our country is renewing itself
economically and culturally.
"The 21
st century world is not about borders and
barriers. Success in this modern age will be about the ease
in which different people can weave their diverse cultural
identities together and governments can exploit the
potential of all talents for the greater good.
"Across the world we want to re-establish top level
recognition of Scotland as a place for creativity and
entrepreneurial ability. And here in Scotland, we will use
the success that will bring, to deliver justice and
prosperity. Our mission is to help create a Scotland that
all Scots can be proud to call home."
Other speakers included Robert Crawford, Chief Executive
of Scottish Enterprise and Philip Riddle, Chief Executive
of VisitScotland.