Never before in global history have Science and Technology (S&T) had such a significant impact on humanity. In our globalised world, S&T play an indispensable role in creating, analysing and managing the complexities and dynamics of international affairs. Above all, solutions to the many grand challenges facing humanity today such as health and environmental risks are rooted in the applications of S&T. These issues are not ideological and they require active and collaborative solutions. Moreover, due to the complexity and technical nature of these problems, the conventional tools and strategies of foreign policies need to adjust to a world of growing scientific and technical impact.
The West Asia North Africa (WANA) region is no exception. The region is plagued by multifaceted challenges to its long-term security and prosperity, posed by environmental and energy issues. As such, dealing with these challenges require regional collaboration as no single country is capable of effectively managing these issues on its own. At the same time, regional collaboration in areas of science and technology, offers unique opportunities across the region that could yield tangible benefits to many of the parties involved. This, in turn, would enhance growth, build trust, and pave the way to achieve transformative and inclusive partnerships, sustainable development and regional integration.
The overall objective of this forum is to bring together representatives from the scientific, diplomatic, and relevant policymaking communities to Science, Technology and Innovation (STI), including Political National Focal Points of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the Arab region to discuss the potential contributions of science & technology in the domestic and international decision-making cycles towards addressing common challenges. The discussions will be enriched with experiences provided by experts from the region and the world. It will also provide an opportunity to exchange knowledge and ideas on addressing future challenges facing the Arab countries and candidate projects for Science Diplomacy.
The Forum will be held under the Patronage of HRH Princess Sumaya bint El Hassan, President of the Royal Scientific Society, and is organized jointly by the ESCWA Technology Center, CRDF Global and the Royal Scientific Society.
The information note for the event includes additional and contact information.
