Science advice in the multi-lateral system-emerging challenges and innovative solutions:
Science is increasingly recognized as a cornerstone of multilateral decision-making. The UN Secretary-General in his report Our Common Agenda identifies science as one key global public good calls for “all policy and budget decisions […] to be backed by science and expertise” and science is identified as part of the “quintet of change” for a renewed multilateral system, especially as it can support foresight and a better understanding of the socio-economic drivers of sustainable transformations. Yet in the multilateral system, the engagement with science remains very uneven, is often conflated with technology, and interface mechanisms are lacking to build a more robust and ongoing dialogue between scientists, policy-makers, and other stakeholders across the breadth of global issues on the multilateral agenda.
Recent developments, including in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic, the re-establishment of the UN Secretary-General Scientific Advisory Board, the launch of the Group of Friends on Science for Action by Belgium, India, and South Africa, and other initiatives to drive a more systematic, coordinated and inclusive approach to science in global policy provides an opportunity to look ahead and identify opportunities for transformation.
The session will seek to identify opportunities for strengthening scientific advice in the multilateral system and address the following questions:
How is scientific advice sought and taken up in the context of the multilateral system? What are the specificities of science advice in the multilateral context (in contrast to science advice to government at a national level)?
What are the limitations and opportunities for strengthening integrated inputs from science across the various global challenges?
How can science be a bridge builder and support a renewal of multilateralism towards more ambitious collaboration and action in the face of growing risks?
What can be done to strengthen national-level science advice to support a stronger science-policy interface internationally?
Panelists:
Andrea Hinwood: Chief Scientist, UN Environment Programme – Kenya
Peter Gluckman: President, International Science Council – New Zealand
Terrence Forrester, Chief Scientist, University of the West Indies Solutions for Developing Countries (UWI SODECO)
Tanja Kuchenmüller: Unit Head, Evidence to Policy and Impact, Research for Health, Science Division, WHO - Switzerland
Moderated by:
Motoko Kotani: Science and Technology Co-Advisor to the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan – Japan