An international symposium titled “Science Diplomacy for Sustainable Development” is set to take place on June 28 in Ankara, organized by the Turkish Academy of Sciences (TÜBA) and the Association of Academies and Societies of Sciences in Asia (AASSA). The two-day event, hosted by Hacettepe University, aims to bring together academics, diplomats, representatives of regional organizations, scientists, and researchers from around the world.
The symposium will explore the role of science diplomacy in addressing global challenges and creating a roadmap for sustainable development. It will feature five sessions with contributions from nearly 30 scientists from various countries worldwide. The opening speeches at the symposium will be delivered by William Colglazier from the American Association for the Advancement of Science’s Center for Science Diplomacy and professor Hüseyin Şeker from Birmingham City University.
TÜBA President Professor Muzaffer Şeker highlighted the importance of international collaboration in tackling global issues such as the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, migration, and environmental pollution. He emphasized the role of science diplomacy in promoting sustainable development, fostering innovative solutions and policies through scientific dialogue and partnerships, and ensuring a better future for all.
Professor Şeker underscored the significance of the symposium in facilitating knowledge and resource exchange and stressed the importance of interdisciplinary and international networks in addressing the complex challenges of our time. TÜBA Principal Member and AASSA President Professor Ahmet Nuri Yurdusev noted that sustainability and sustainable development have been key topics of discussion for the past four decades. He highlighted the urgency of addressing disruptions such as rapid population growth, unequal development between societies, pandemics, wars, mass displacements, and limited resources.
Yurdusev emphasized the need for global mobilization and collaboration to tackle these challenges that transcend legal and political boundaries. He concluded that science diplomacy conducted by the Academies of Sciences will play a significant role in promoting sustainability
