Programme / Thematic Sessions IV. e. Science Diplomacy for Global Challenges: International Frames, Norms and Ethical Principles

Thanks to the session’s excellent speakers, the audience was able to get first-hand information about the functions, topics, importance and most relevant institutions in science diplomacy.

One of the main issues was global water security and management. Firstly, the related EU policies and organisations were presented, for example, the S4D4C and its activities. Afterwards, another insight was provided about the constant problems in the Arab region and the main role of UNESCO in this field. The speakers emphasised that a better cooperation between scientists and decision makers is highly needed in order to support capacity-building in international water management. According to the speakers, this target can be achieved with the internalisation of scientific expertise in policymaking and cross-cutting understanding across diplomatic agendas for more efficient transboundary solutions. The use of international connections and projects as well as collaborations amongst scientists could build strong social capital and trust, which could enhance global development. Raising the public’s awareness of environmental questions is also a key step in reaching this goal. Other fields of science diplomacy, such as food security diplomacy, were introduced with the organisations concerned, as were likely solutions.

Finally, UNESCO’s normative instruments and normative bodies were dealt with, with a major focus on the Universal Declaration on Bioethics and Human Rights. The subjects of UNESCO’s General Conference in 2019 were also presented briefly, where the ethical principles related to artificial intelligence were concentrated on. The new agenda offers a new horizon for the protection of the rights of people and the wellbeing of different types of life in the face of scientific and technological advances.

Rapporteur: Emese Pásztélyi, PhD candidate, Eötvös Loránd University