TÜBA Will Hold a Symposium on Science Diplomacy for Sustainable Development
The international symposium titled Science Diplomacy for Sustainable Development, organized by TÜBA and the Association of Asian Science Academies and Societies (AASSA), will be held at Hacettepe University Cultural Center on 28-29 June 2024.
The symposium, which is planned with the aim of creating a roadmap to discover and use the power of science diplomacy to overcome the challenges facing the world, will bring together experts, policy makers, diplomats, representatives of regional organizations, scientists, researchers, members of science academies and societies, and many names from the world of academia with a comprehensive approach to sustainable development. Dr. E. William Colglazier from the Center for Science Diplomacy of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and Prof. Hüseyin Şeker from Birmingham City University will deliver the opening speeches of the 2-day symposium, where nearly 30 scientists from different countries of the world will contribute in 5 sessions.
A better future for all
Speaking about the importance of the symposium, TÜBA President Prof. Muzaffer Şeker emphasized the urgent need for international cooperation at a time when global problems such as pandemic, climate change, migration, air and environmental pollution are not recognized by national borders and continued as follows "Science diplomacy, by its very nature, fulfills a pioneering role to transcend political divides and foster collaborative efforts. It is through scientific dialogue and partnerships that we can develop innovative solutions and policies to promote sustainable development and ensure a better future for all."
Highlighting the vital role of science in promoting peace, security and prosperity, President Şeker said that the symposium facilitates the exchange of knowledge and resources and is programmed to emphasize the importance of interdisciplinary and international networks in solving the complex and interconnected challenges of our time. He said that the knowledge and information to be presented at the symposium will contribute to strengthening national innovation systems and advancing global sustainability goals.
Sustainability should be prioritized on a global scale
This international symposium, co-organized by AASSA, focuses on science diplomacy for sustainable development. It also addresses the contribution of science academies as science diplomacy and diplomatic intermediaries for sustainable development.
Underlining that issues related to sustainability and sustainable development have been the subject of significant debates in the last four decades, TÜBA Full Member and AASSA President Prof. Ahmet Nuri Yurdusev said that the increase in human population, unequal development among societies, epidemics, pandemics, wars, displacement of large groups of people and major disruptions due to limited resources make sustainability even more urgent today. Stating that it is a necessity to combat these problems in a global mobilization and cooperation as they transcend legal-political boundaries, Yurdusev said that science diplomacy carried out by science academies will make significant contributions to sustainability by referring to the necessity of science to be universal.