President Şeker Attended Science20 Closing Summit
TÜBA President Prof. Muzaffer Şeker attended the Science20 (S20) Closing Summit in Rio de Janeiro.
Organized by the Brazilian Academy of Sciences, the 8th Science20 (Science20) under Brazil's G20 presidency was held with the subtitle "Science for Global Transformation". Representatives from Türkiye, Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, Indonesia, India, Italy, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, United Kingdom, United States and European Academy came together to discuss the final draft of the S20 Brazil 2024 Final Declaration. TÜBA Full Member Prof. Ahmet Nuri Yurdusev also attended the summit representing TÜBA.
While the participation and contribution of Academies to the meeting was of great importance to develop recommendations that will increase the prosperity of societies and the world and help countries overcome the critical challenges they face, the representatives of the member countries at the S20 Summit discussed the final version of the S20 Declaration and were informed that it will be sent to the S20 members for approval. The declaration will be considered by governments in the discussions to be held in the second half of 2024; it will be signed by the G20 heads of state and government and will serve as a guide for the G20 final declaration.
Leaders of the scientific community must work to advocate for the protection of fundamental human rights
Stating that the S20's "Science for Global Transformation" motto captures the common mission of the countries from a very accurate point, President Şeker continued his speech as follows: "Coordinated working groups on artificial intelligence, bioeconomy, energy transformation, health issues and social justice reflect the comprehensive strategies needed to tackle problems and challenges. I commend all the experts and contributors who worked tirelessly to formulate these consensus-based recommendations and implementable measures."
He underlined the importance of addressing the ongoing genocide and human rights violations in the world, especially in Palestine, within the social justice working group in which TÜBA participates. He emphasized the need to confront and condemn inhumane and unjust acts wherever they occur. He said it is important to ensure that the final declaration reflects a commitment to address such serious violations, in line with the core values of promoting peace, equality and social justice for all. He added that including this issue in the framework of the final declaration would not only increase the scope of the document, but also reaffirm the collective commitment to universally uphold human dignity and rights. Noting that it is imperative that leaders of the scientific community advocate for the protection of fundamental human rights and that we work towards a world where such atrocities are met with united opposition.
Science is a global public good.
Prof. Ahmet Nuri Yurudusev, President of the Association of Asian Scientific Academies and Societies (AASSA), addressed the issue of social justice. Prof. Yurdusev stated that social justice should be achieved on a global scale and that G20 countries have a great responsibility for this. Pointing out the importance of principles such as social inclusion, ending poverty, eliminating inequalities, etc. to achieve social justice, Prof. Yurdusev said that concrete action plans should be created and that it can start with a General Basic Income policy for everyone on a global scale. Yurdusev also emphasized the importance of understanding science as a global public good.
