Tackling today's challenges both imminent and emerging from the transformations in our socio-ecological and socio-technical systems is key yet remains reactive and responsive. The acceleration of scientific developments places additional needs on global governance, requiring better anticipatory tools, and ensuring the science community is embedded as a stakeholder in multilateralism. By anticipating the full potential of scientific breakthroughs and ensuring that their development, their impact, and their governance are addressed together before they are ready for deployment, diplomacy can frame its opportunities and risks in an equitable, inclusive, and just manner.
The session will address the following questions:
What is the need for anticipatory science diplomacy and policy advice to prepare for future transformations expected from science breakthroughs, and how can we use that window to devise multilateral responses together in pursuit of the SDGs?
Considering major geopolitical shifts, new geostrategic alliances, conflicts, and technological competition, how is science diplomacy being transformed, and how its concepts, structures, and practices must evolve?
How to ensure the inclusion and participation of underrepresented nations, communities, and young people in this work?
Panelists:
Marga Gual Soler: Head of Science Diplomacy Capacity Building, Geneva Science and Diplomacy Anticipator (GESDA) – Spain
Winnie Nakiyingi: Research and Academic Coordinator, AIMS Research and Innovation Centre – Uganda
Anne-Sophie Stevance: Head of Global Science Policy Unit, International Science Council – France
Mamokgheti Phakeng: GESDA Board Member, Host of the GESDA Youth & Anticipation Initiative – South Africa
Mubeen Goolam: Professor of Neuroscience, Univesity of Cape Town- South Africa
Romaric Odoulami: Researcher, African Climate & Development Initiative - South Africa
Charity Wayua: Director of IBM Research Africa labs- Kenya and South Africa
Nouf Alhameli, Science and Technology Advisor, Ministry of Foreign Affairs - UAE