International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development Forum opens in Beijing
Beijing, April 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Roundup from CRI Online:
in August 2023The United Nations General Assembly adopted the resolution “International Decade of Science for Sustainable Development 2024-2033” (Decade of Science). This decision provides a distinct opportunity for humanity to advance science and benefit from it in the pursuit of sustainable development and instilling a new scientific culture – to involve everyone in developing science further and benefiting from it on an equal footing. Entrusted by the UN General Assembly, UNESCO works hard to formulate and disseminate a clear and mission-specific vision for the Decade of Science through extensive consultation with Member States, partners from other UN agencies, international scientific unions, academies of sciences, private sectors and non-governmental organizations. .
UNESCO, in cooperation with the Ministry of Science and Technology People’s republic of China and the Beijing Municipal People’s Government, co-organized the “Forum of the International Decade of Science for Sustainable Development” in April 25, Beijing, China. This forum is one of the parallel forums to the ZGC 2024 Forum, which is a nationwide platform for global exchange and cooperation in the field of scientific and technological innovation. The primary goal of the International Decade of Science for Sustainable Development Forum is to promote a culture of science by broadening the scope of the Decade of Science, and engaging with the scientific community, government bodies, the private sector, and civil societies on the vision and mission. contract, and mobilize various stakeholders in order to implement it effectively. 13 scientists, experts and senior government officials from nine countries presented and shared their views, expectations, advice and approaches regarding the implementation of the Decade of Science. In addition, the Forum witnessed a high-level dialogue on community engagement in promoting a culture of science, and about 150 participants from more than 20 countries joined the Forum.
He said, “One of the goals of the decade is to advance scientific knowledge as a powerful force for humanity to achieve the goals of sustainable development.” Shahbaz KhanDirector of the UNESCO Regional Multisectoral Office East Asia“,”ChinaEspecially innovative cities like Beijing With exceptional scientific minds, we are uniquely positioned to contribute to this mission. I have personally witnessed how China Uses basic science to advance the environment and society. Moreover, this forum has provided a unique platform for international scientific cooperation, enabling us to use scientific capabilities from around the world to build a sustainable future together. We hope that this forum will serve as a starting point for pioneering collaboration and knowledge exchange, propelling us towards a brighter future.”
Hu Shaofeng, Director of the Department of Science Policy and Basic Science, Natural Science Sector; UNESCO stated that science for sustainable development faces many challenges, including limited recognition of the importance of basic science and insufficient investment, as well as the need to achieve balance and integration between the various sustainable development goals. Hu calls for strengthening knowledge exchange initiatives through supportive policies for technological innovation, promoting knowledge exchange through open science, and improving institutional and human resources in basic science, technology, research, innovation, and engineering, ultimately benefiting the people through science.
Quraisha Abdul Karim, President of the World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) and Associate Scientific Director of the Center for AIDS Research Programme South Africa (CAPRISA), highlighted that through sustained efforts and collaborative work, significant experience has been gained in the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS and COVID-19, including providing evidence-based guidance for decision-making and scientific prevention measures and methods. Treatment is more equitable and accessible to the public. Moreover, the focus will remain on providing scientific advice to decision-makers, improving relevant laws on testing, quarantine and vaccination, strengthening epidemic prevention and control, enhancing public communication and education, and strengthening international scientific cooperation to promote a sustainable future. For everyone.
According to Guo Huadong, academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and director-general and professor of the International Research Center for Big Data for Sustainable Development Goals (CBAS), open data is the key to open science. He stated that open data facilitates the development of open science by enhancing transparency, reproducibility and collaboration in scientific innovation activities, thus increasing the value of science for societal development. Guo stressed the need to accelerate the construction of big data infrastructure, promote high-level design, create comprehensive data ecosystems, develop innovation-driven and open science-based development models, and enable big data infrastructure to promote the sustainable development of open science services.
Ana Maria Cito Krames, Professor National Autonomous University of Mexico UNAM and the Chair of the UNESCO Global Commission for Open Science emphasized strengthening the capabilities of talent and institutions. She stressed the importance of creating a comprehensive infrastructure for open science and addressing societal issues through a more fair, diverse and inclusive scientific system. This approach aims to create a healthier future for future generations.
Gong Ke, executive director of the China Institute for New Generation Artificial Intelligence Development Strategies and director of the Haihe Information Technology Application Innovation Laboratory, stressed that one of the main goals of the “Decade of Science” is to promote scientific culture among the population. To achieve this goal, it is suggested to use strategies such as designing high-level systems, using technology and digital resources, monitoring progress in public scientific culture, and launching public awareness campaigns. These efforts aim to ensure that individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds understand scientific principles and are well-versed in relevant decision-making processes.
Carlos Alvarez PereiraGeneral Secretary of the club RomeHe stressed the need to develop ethically oriented knowledge and use it to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. He called for promoting interdisciplinary educational practices, maximizing the multifaceted role of science in societal progress, improving existing digital infrastructure, strengthening a global interdisciplinary network, enhancing investment in scientific innovation for sustainable development, and promoting harmonious coexistence between humans and planet.
2024 mark The tenth anniversary of the construction of the Beijing Science and Technology Innovation Center and the first year of the International Decade of Science for Sustainable Development, both of which are highly compatible in terms of promoting public scientific culture, enhancing international scientific cooperation, and enhancing support for basic science. The Decade of Science reflects the annual theme of the ZGC Forum 2024, “Innovation: Building a Better World”, and further demonstrates the internationalization of the ZGC Forum.
Source CRI Online
