Science Diplomacy Course opens in Italy
THE World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) and the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) have launched the 13th AAAS–TWAS Course on Science Diplomacy. The three-day programme brings together 24 scientists and policymakers from 13 countries to strengthen science diplomacy and promote evidence-based solutions to global challenges. Participants represent countries including Malawi, Paraguay, Tajikistan […]
Science & TechTHE World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) and the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) have launched the 13th AAAS–TWAS Course on Science Diplomacy. The three-day programme brings together 24 scientists and policymakers from 13 countries to strengthen science diplomacy and promote evidence-based solutions to global challenges. Participants represent countries including Malawi, Paraguay, Tajikistan and Nigeria, with each delegation comprising an early-career scientist and a policymaker. The course seeks to deepen collaboration between science and diplomacy in tackling climate change, food insecurity, biodiversity loss and other global challenges. The opening featured the TWAS Budinich Science Diplomacy Lecture delivered by World Meteorological Organization Deputy Secretary-General, Ko Barrett. Barrett highlighted the growing importance of science diplomacy in addressing complex global challenges through international cooperation and evidence-based policymaking. Lamberto Moruzzi, Director for Scientific, Space and Sports Diplomacy at Italy’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, reaffirmed Italy’s commitment to science diplomacy. Moruzzi said science should remain a shared driver of progress rather than a geopolitical tool. He said Italy promoted equitable access to knowledge, scientific infrastructure and emerging technologies through trusted international partnerships. He noted that Italy remained a longstanding supporter of TWAS and international scientific cooperation. TWAS Executive Director, Marcelo Knobel, described science diplomacy as indispensable amid conflicts, climate emergencies and the spread of disinformation. Knobel said the training would help build a new generation of science diplomats capable of strengthening developing countries’ participation in global decision-making. AAAS Director of International Affairs and Science Diplomacy, Kim Montgomery, said science diplomacy was vital in navigating rapidly changing geopolitical and technological landscapes. Montgomery said the course provided scientists and policymakers opportunities to build lasting professional relationships and strengthen the global science diplomacy community. Participants will examine science diplomacy in today’s geopolitical environment, policymaking processes, multilateral cooperation and international scientific partnerships. The course honours Italian physicist Paolo Budinich, whose vision with Nobel Laureate Abdus Salam led to the establishment of TWAS and other international scientific institutions. Organisers said the programme had trained more than 400 alumni over the past decade, many of whom now influence science policy across the developing world. TWAS, founded in 1983 and operating under UNESCO, has supported scientific capacity building through fellowships, research grants, science diplomacy training and international exchanges. Nigeria was represented among reviewers for this year’s participants by Ovie Augustine Edegbene of the Federal University of Health Sciences and Gift O. Omovoh of the Federal Ministry of Environment. F. OTags:Science DiplomacyWorld Academy of SciencePost navigation