Global Ministerial Dialogue on Science Diplomacy
We live in a world where geopolitical complexities are deeply intertwined with rapid technological advancements. Tackling global challenges, ranging from pandemics and climate change to the peaceful management of transboundary resources, requires not only sciencebased solutions but also the steadfast commitment to upholding the human right to share in scientific advancements and their benefits. As stated in the United Nations Pact for the Future, science, technology and innovation have the potential to accelerate the realization of the United Nations’ aspirations across all three pillars of its work - sustainable development, peace and security and human rights. Science and technology issues are becoming integral to public policies, foreign policies and multilateral relations.
As countries increasingly explore the connections between scientific advancements and diplomatic efforts, the concept and practice of science diplomacy is gaining new momentum, with scientific information becoming intrinsic to diplomatic relations and political choices.
There is raising recognition of the need to strengthen science diplomacy as a more collaborative multilateral approach to tackle grand societal challenges and promote evidencebased decision making at the global scale. The focus of science diplomacy is expanding to embrace its competitive and collaborative advantages, and to serve both national and international interests.
As the United Nations agency established to “build peace in the minds of men and women around the world through science, education, culture and communication”, science diplomacy has been a part of UNESCO’s DNA since its inception. Using scientific and technological collaborations as tools to improve relations between its Member States, UNESCO has been at the forefront of flagship initiatives that have profoundly marked the international science diplomacy scene.
However, the current interplay between geopolitical, socioeconomic and technological realities, not least as artificial intelligence evolves in our digitalized world and distrust between nations grows, requires us to rethink the existing science diplomacy mechanisms and to develop innovative approaches that bring together international scientific collaborations and diplomatic efforts. These frameworks and approaches should be characterized by their flexibility to adapt to rapidly changing circumstances, inclusivity to ensure that all voices are heard, a commitment to addressing existing knowledge and capacity asymmetries, and a focus on building trust and mutual understanding.
Within the framework of the International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development, UNESCO, is enhancing its action on science diplomacy as an important tool for building dialogue among nations including in times of crises and conflicts.
As the first step, UNESCO is organizing the Global Ministerial Dialogue on Science Diplomacy to advance an international reflection on a new global framework for science diplomacy in response to the needs of our contemporary societies.
