Kofi Annan hails Scotland's 'potential'

Mr Annan is due to visit the country in November, where he will address guests at Scotland's International Awards ceremony in Edinburgh.

The Ghanaian diplomat, who finished his nine-year term at the head of the UN in 2006, said he was pleased to accept an invitation by the Scottish Council for Development and Industry (SCDI), an economic development organisation.

He said: "I will urge the audience to understand that in this interconnected world, nations must work together to tackle common challenges.

"Scotland is a country with a great history in science, technology, research, economics and in business. It is a country with great potential for the future. You can play a leading role in ending poverty and hunger, tackling climate change, and ensuring sustainable development and peace."

The Nobel Peace Prize winner's appearance at the awards gala follows on from last year's sell-out event in Glasgow, where the speaker was former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani.

Scotland's leading role on poverty and the environment has been noted before. The Scottish Government has set the most ambitious climate change targets in the world. It has also been a leading supporter of the mission against global poverty, particularly through historic links to Malawi.

Announcing Mr Annan's visit yesterday, SCDI chief executive Dr Lesley Sawers said it should be seen in the context of helping achieve a strong vision for Scotland.

She added: "In creating foundations for future economic growth of our nation, we must set clear goals for our key sectors and for our cities and regions, ensuring all our communities are connected and can contribute to the nation's economic success.

"Scotland's greatest asset is our people, and a Scottish workforce that is highly-skilled, highly- motivated and productive will be fundamental to our future competitiveness. We must commit to ensuring our young people work, train and learn.

"That is especially relevant to Kofi Annan's visit. He is particularly known and respected for his unfailing commitment to young people and their future."

Mr Annan's comments are in contrast to those of US officials in advance of last year's international climate talks in Mexico.

Todd Stern, US special envoy for climate change and President Barack Obama's chief advisor on environmental issues, said Scotland's policies had "not been on my radar".

SCDI describes itself as an independent, not-for-profit organisation funded by a membership drawn from around 1,200 organisations, including the manufacturing sector, universities and colleges, councils, trade associations, arts bodies, churches and trade unions.