COP26 volunteers hit the ground running as they take up roles across Glasgow

A 1,000-strong team of volunteers supporting Glasgow's staging of the UN Climate Change Conference - COP26 - have started their first shifts today, popping up at locations across the city.

With the international climate summit just days away, the enthusiastic and friendly COP26 volunteers are out and about providing delegates and visitors with a warm Glasgow welcome at key transport hubs and active travel routes including Buchanan Street Bus Station and along Lancefield Quay.

Later in the week volunteers, kitted out in their vibrant, sustainable uniforms and warm bobble hats, will also take up posts at accommodation hubs and at the conference's Green Zone in and around Glasgow Science Centre.

More than 10,000 people applied to volunteer at the event, inspired by the chance to play their part in a successful COP, gain valuable life and career experience and new skills, meet new people, have fun and feel part of a diverse yet like-minded community.

A lucky 10% made it through selection to be part of this milestone moment for the planet, making up a passionate, proud volunteer force hailing from a broad range of backgrounds.

The 1,000 volunteers span from 16 to 78 years old, with a third under the age of 26 and a fifth using the conference as an opportunity to volunteer for the first time. Locals were keen to get involved with more than 40% of the volunteers living in Glasgow and 95% living in Scotland. They will have a presence across the city until 13 November.

Leader of Glasgow City Council, Councillor Susan Aitken said: "Our COP26 volunteers have been waiting for their event volunteering experience to officially begin for many months so this is no doubt a proud and memorable moment for them. Glasgow is prepared and ready to host what is one of the most important events in our lifetime and our volunteers will bring added warmth and vibrancy to the city over the coming weeks, while gaining an unforgettable experience and having the opportunity to be part of a collective united by their enthusiasm for COP26, the environment and our vibrant city."

Shuttle hub volunteer Cynthia Tjipuka said: "I can't believe we're finally here and undertaking our first shifts as official COP26 volunteers - it feels fantastic. This conference is a landmark moment for the future of planet earth and to play one small part in its success is incredibly special. I'm so excited to be out and about talking to and helping delegates, visitors and fellow Glaswegians alike and to see it all come together. It's going to be a fantastic couple of weeks."

COP26 will be hosted by the UK at the Scottish Event Campus (SEC) in Glasgow between 31 October - 12 November 2021, bringing together heads of state, climate experts and campaigners, to agree on coordinated action to tackle the climate emergency.