LONDON, (Reuters) – The attention of the world will focus on Scotland next month’s Climate Summit, Queen Elizabeth said to Scottish legislators on Saturday. She added that their important role would be in making a world better and healthier.

Four months after an election in which a majority of the population voted for independence, the queen welcomed the Scottish parliament with warm remarks. She also promised to hold another referendum about whether or not to leave the United Kingdom.

Next month in Scotland, Britain hosts the COP26 climate summit. British officials claim it will be the last chance for world leaders and their commitment to reducing global warming by setting targets.

Elizabeth stated in a speech that “The eyes will be on the United Kingdom and Scotland as leaders work together to tackle the climate change challenges.”

The Scottish Parliament has, like all other parliaments, a critical role in helping to create a better, more healthy future for everyone. It also needs to be able to communicate with their constituents, including our young people.

Elizabeth will be attending COP26. The family of Elizabeth, Prince Charles’ son and grandson William, has long supported environmental causes.

The monarch of 95 years, who spends part of the year on her Scottish estate, spoke lovingly about her time there with Prince Philip. He died in April.

She said, “I’ve spoken of my profound and abiding love for this beautiful country and the happy memories Prince Philip held about our time together.”

Although Scottish independence should be a matter of political importance, the queen shouldn’t take public positions on it. However her affection for Scotland is sometimes used in media to persuade Scots not to leave.

For more than 300 year, Scotland was part of the United Kingdom. It has its own parliament, with devolved administration that is responsible for all domestic policy.