Friday 21 August

Better Rights, Better Lives, Better Futures
11.00 (12.00) Committee Room 1 FREE*

Disabled children and young people are among the most marginalised in our society. How well do human rights frameworks protect their rights and interests? This event, led by Zoe Picton-Howell, a human rights and child disability lawyer, and with disabled children and parents sharing their experiences, will explore whether devolution has made a difference and what needs to happen next to ensure that Scotland’s disabled children enjoy better rights, better lives and better futures. Chaired by Michael McMahon MSP. Participants include Ellenor Anwyl, Contact a Family Scotland, Colin Young, Special Needs Information Point, Vicki Forrester, Scotland's Disabled Children Coalition.
In association with the Cross-Party Group on Disability.
Book Better Rights, Better Lives, Better Futures online

European Court of Human Rights: Friend or Foe?
11.00 (12.00) Committee Room 3 FREE*

The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) celebrates its 50th birthday in 2009. Can a court in Strasbourg really offer protection to ordinary people who believe their human rights have been breached in Scotland? Dr Stan Naismith, from the ECHR, provides an overview of cases that have changed domestic laws, practices and culture; Muriel Robison, from the Equality and Human Rights Commission, will speak on ‘Equality is a fundamental human right’; and Katy Macfarlane, from the University of Edinburgh, will focus on ‘Strasbourg to Scotland – Bringing Rights Home for Children’. Chaired by Jamie Hepburn MSP.
In association with the Cross-Party Group on Human Rights and Civil Liberties, The Equality and Human Rights Commission (Scotland), and Scotland’s Commissioner for Children and Young People.
Book European Court of Human Rights: Friend or Foe? online

The Future Scotland Debates – Sustainable Places
11.30 (13.00) Main Chamber – FREE* Book in advance

The six Future Scotland Debates offer a public platform for discussing the future of Scotland’s built environment. In this debate, writer and academic Germaine Greer, Director of The Design Museum, Deyan Sudjic, and eco-architect, Peter Clegg address the question: “What do we mean by ‘sustainable places’ and how can these best be delivered?”. Chaired by Lesley Riddoch.
In association with The Lighthouse and sponsored by Craigmillar URC.
The Future Scotland Debates series is produced by The Lighthouse and A+DS, sponsored by the Urban Regeneration Companies, and supported by Herald Newspapers and The AJ.
Book The Future Scotland Debates – Sustainable Places online

Young People’s Question Time
14.00 (16.00) Main Chamber FREE*

Are young people today interested in politics? The tens of thousands of young visitors to the Scottish Parliament, during its first 10 years, and the campaign undertaken by The Glasgow Girls against dawn raids on asylum seekers, suggests they are. In the first event of its kind at the Festival of Politics, join young people from across Scotland as they pose questions and comments on the issues that affect them to a panel of politicians and renowned social commentators – both young and not so young! Chaired by Channel 4 and Off the Ball’s Stuart Cosgrove.
In association with Carnegie UK and Dunfermline Trusts, the Cross-Party Group on Children and Young People, and The Modern Studies Association.
Book Young People’s Question Time online

A Patient, A Client, A Person? Where Next for Social Care in Scotland?
14.30 (15.30) Committee Room 1 FREE*

There are an estimated 120,000 people with learning disabilities in Scotland. Many are provided with no services at all, or services that do not meet their needs, never mind support them to achieve their ambitions. Here we hear from people with learning disabilities who are regaining control over their lives and who are no longer passive recipients of inadequate services. Find out how people with learning disabilities can lead the lives they want, and play a full and meaningful role in society. Chaired by Trish Godman MSP. Participants include Jimmy McIntosh, Partners in Advocacy, Judith Proctor, NHS, Asma Haq, The Action Group, Holly Millar and Sheryl Walker, C-Change.
In association with the Cross-Party Group on Learning Disabilities.
Book A Patient, A Client, A Person? Where Next for Social Care in Scotland? online

Architecture and Politics – Clash or Love-in?
14.30 (15.30) Committee Room 3 FREE*

Architecture needs champions to promote good buildings and well designed towns. Barcelona’s renaissance is credited to just one man – its former mayor! Are Scotland’s politicians up to the task? Two of Scotland’s best known architects, David Dunbar, RIS President and Malcolm Fraser, and three individuals with unique perspectives on Scottish Politics, Linda Fabiani MSP, The Scotsman journalist George Kerevan and the developer Ian Wall will be challenged on this issue by event Chair – Lesley Riddoch.
In association with the Cross-Party Group on Architecture and the Built Environment.
Book Architecture and Politics – Clash or Love-in? online

The Obama Presidency – Can We Believe in Change?
17.00 (18.00) Main Chamber – £6.00 (£3.50) Book in advance

The Obama Presidency appears radically different to the previous administration. Yet as global issues such the economy, climate change, and national security, dominate the US and global agenda, can the new President deliver the promised change in US politics? Expert in US international relations and granddaughter of a former President, Susan Eisenhower, Democratic and Republican representatives from the US Congress discuss President Obama’s achievements and potential challenges. Chaired by Trish Godman MSP, Deputy Presiding Officer.
In association with the US Embassy, London.
Book The Obama Presidency – Can We Believe in Change? online

A Gude Cause – Women, Peace and Scottish Politics
17.30 (18.30) Committee Room 1 FREE*

October 1909 witnessed a ‘grand pageant’ for women’s suffrage, in Edinburgh’s Princes Street. With reduced female representation in the Scottish Parliament, Gude Cause has been formed to re-enact the event and inspire renewed action for gender equality. Here an expert panel discusses how devolution can continue to improve the position of Scottish women, and bring less confrontational politics, as favoured by early suffragists such as Chrystal MacMillan.
Book A Gude Cause – Women, Peace and Scottish Politics online

Salsa, Song and Socialism: Cuba 50 Years On
17.30 (19.00) Committee Room 3 FREE*

Fifty years after the Cuban revolution its socialist regime continues to flourish, despite a 47 year US economic blockade, frequently condemned by the United Nations. If your vision of Cuba is limited to sun, sea and salsa this is an opportunity to hear about the politics of the revolution. Know about the politics? Then this is a chance to hear excellent speakers, including Luis Marron, Cuban Embassy London, Roz Foyer, from the union Unite, and Liz Elkind, Scottish Cuba Solidarity Campaign, and enjoy Cuban music and culture with renowned band Voces del Sur bringing a taste of Cuba to the Scottish Parliament! Chaired by Elaine Smith MSP, Convener of the Cross-Party Group on Cuba.
In association with the Cross-Party Group on Cuba and Scottish Cuba Solidarity Campaign.
Book Salsa, Song and Socialism: Cuba 50 Years On online