Parliamentary News Release
073/2004 3 December 2004
SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT LAUNCHES ‘FUTURES’ THINKING
 One hundred and thirty experts from Scotland’s blue chip companies, the arts, academia and civic Scotland will join MSPs on Monday (6 December) to look over the horizon at the issues which will affect Scotland in the next ten years and beyond.
Joining them in a day-long “conversation” about a possible Futures Forum in Parliament will be, amongst others, representatives from the Global Business Network in California, Stanford University, the Office of the Prime Minister of France and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.
After introductory presentations from international futures facilitator, Pat Hennigan, and Graham Leicester of the International Futures Forum, participants will split into syndicates covering the economy, society, governance, technology, the environment, culture, global issues and cross-disciplinary matters.
 The “conversations” will be held in the Garden Lobby at Holyrood, with a final plenary session in the Parliament’s Chamber.
Presiding Officer George Reid said:
“All party leaders have agreed that, with our move into our new home, we must be ambitious for Scotland. We have to address the issue of how we build a sustainable society, comfortable with itself at home and confident of competing in the global marketplace.
“The Forum is not about policy-making. That is for politicians within their four-year electoral cycle.
“But it is about engaging with thinkers in other disciplines about where Scotland is going. Participation is a key principle of the Parliament, and I am delighted that so many major players in industry, in particular, will be taking part.”
 Background Notes
The Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body (SPCB) has already agreed to a short term scoping study to examine the possibility of a futures forum being established. Following Monday’s event, a report will be made back to the SPCB outlining the day’s findings and recommendations.
Media Access
Broadcasters and press photographers may attend the opening remarks from the Presiding Officer to obtain establishing shots of the day’s events. All 150 delegates will be gathered in the Parliament’s Garden Lobby from 10.00am. Access will be possible for the first 15 minutes of business.
There will be an opportunity for interviews and comments between 12.30pm and 12.50pm when the delegates break for lunch. Contact the Parliament’s Media Relations Office to make arrangements.
For further information, the media contact is:
Eric MacLeod: 0131 348 5389
email: eric.macleod@scottish.parliament.uk
For public information enquiries, contact: 0131 348 5000
For general enquiries, contact 0845 278 1999 (local call rate)
Text phone: 0131 348 3415 RNID Typetalk calls welcome
email: sp.info@scottish.parliament.uk
Visit our website at: www.scottish.parliament.uk
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