MICROSOFT chairman Bill Gates is to bring a prestigious conference for European leaders to Edinburgh next year.
The Scottish Parliament has been chosen to host the 2007 Microsoft Government Leaders Forum for Europe, it was announced today.
Prime ministers and politicians from across Europe will descend on Holyrood for the conference, scheduled for January
30-31.
The annual event is a forum for political leaders to meet to discuss how cutting edge technology can make a difference to education, government and economic development.
Microsoft founder Bill Gates addressed this year's conference held in Lisbon.
This will be the first time the conference has been held in the UK or in a parliamentary institution. Up to 350 invited delegates are expected to attend.
First Minister Jack McConnell hailed the decision to bring the conference to Edinburgh as a "tribute both to Scotland and devolution".
The line up of keynote speakers and presenters will be announced closer to the event along with details of the conference agenda.
The event is likely to include a devolution theme as well as discussions on how to bring the EU and its institutions closer to the people of Europe.
Mr McConnell said: "I am delighted that Microsoft has invited the Scottish Executive to act as host government to the Forum. The decision to hold this prestigious event at Holyrood is a tribute both to Scotland and to devolution.
"For three days leading figures from Microsoft, along with some of Europe's most influential political leaders will see all that is good about modern Scotland. I hope they will all be impressed by the real difference devolution is making to the lives of ordinary Scots."
He said Scotland had already proved it was more than capable of staging events of global significance, including the G8 Summit and the Carnegie Medal of Philanthropy.
"In January, the conference will see the eyes of Europe focus on Scotland. It will be a tremendous opportunity to forge new links and build relationships that will benefit Scotland for generations to come."
Keeping pace with developments in information and communications technology was essential to Scotland's future prosperity, continued Mr McConnell.
"We must ensure that Scottish firms remain at the forefront of the IT industry, and that we maximise the opportunities to use new technologies to help people engage with government, in all its forms. I hope this event will provide inspiration and momentum to all those involved in taking this agenda forward in Scotland."
Holyrood's presiding officer George Reid - who addressed this year's conference - also welcomed today's announcement. He said: "Our parliament is committed to the widest possible engagement with the people, one important element in this being the use of technology.
"From my attendance at this year's forum in Lisbon, it is clear that the Scottish experience has much to share with the political institutions of Europe.
"This conference provides an opportunity to debate key issues of engagement and economic development which affect citizens and states across Europe.
"Once again, Holyrood will provide the stage that puts Scotland at the heart of international debate."
Jean-Philippe Courtois, president of Microsoft International, said: "The Scottish Parliament offers a unique setting to hold a very interactive and participative Government Leaders' Forum. This event offers an excellent opportunity to bring together top policy makers and industry leaders from across the continent to facilitate a discussion around the impact of ICT on parliaments and their citizens."
