Connecting Science Diplomacy Agendas in a Fragmented World

Many countries or groups of countries are currently reflecting on the development of national or regional science diplomacy agendas, frameworks, and strategies. However, these processes largely occur in isolation, mostly driven by the respective foreign policy imperatives. As a consequence, the potential of science diplomacy as a soft power is not fully harnessed, which is more needed than ever in the current geopolitical context. Therefore, this session aims to arrange a dialogue between several such initiatives globally, to explore the potential of synergies that may help ease the current fragmentation in international relations – not only by using science diplomacy but also through cooperation on science diplomacy itself.

Panelists:

• Patricia Gruber: Science & Technology Advisor to the Secretary of State, US State Department – USA

• Jan Marco Müller: Coordinator for Science Diplomacy and Multilateral Relations, DG Research and Innovation, European Commission – Belgium

• Chagun Basha: Chief Policy Advisor, Office of the Principal Scientific Advisor - India

• Daan du Toit: Deputy Director General, South African Department of Science and Innovation – South Africa

• Motoko Kotani: Science and Technology Co-Advisor to the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan – Japan

• Alexandros Makarigakis: Director and Representative a.i., UNESCO Regional Office for Eastern Africa - Kenya

• Carlos Matsumoto, Head of Office for International Affairs, Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation of Brazil - Brazil

• Rongping Mu, Director-General and Professor, Institute of Policy and Management - China