News on ASM AAAS TWAS regional course on Science diplomacy March 16- 19, 2021
President Rana Dajani participated in the Careers in Science Diplomacy and Communication panel at the ASM AAAS TWAS regional course on Science diplomacy March 16- 19, 2021
Two trends became clear in the early part of this century; most challenges facing society have a transboundary, international, or global context; and science, technology and their applications underpin the cause or the cure to these challenges. As a result, science and technology are becoming ever more embedded into nations' foreign policies and international relations. At the same time, cooperation in science and technology is increasingly benefiting from both the technical and political interactions between states. For example, establishing large-scale infrastructure projects in physics or astronomy requires scientific exchange and diplomatic agreements. In addition to facilitating cooperative multilateral projects, science cooperation can play an important role in establishing trust and building bridges between nations, even in instances when political relations are strained. Given the growing role of science and technology in international relations, The Academy of Sciences Malaysia (ASM), The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) and The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) are working hand-in-hand to organise this Course in Asia and the Pacific Region.
Introduction
This will be the first science diplomacy workshop to be held in the region. AAAS and TWAS established a partnership in 2011 focused on science diplomacy training and engagement between the North and the South, including their annual summer course on science diplomacy. This course will expose participants to key contemporary international policy issues relating to science, technology, environment and health while providing an overview of how technical information has contributed to different policy developments and international structures. Another focus of the course will be a better understanding of, and appreciation for, the roles of governments, international organisations and the private sector in complex science-based issues, and how different governance structures are developed to address the needs and involvement of these different stakeholders. This course will also take stock of science diplomacy case studies and experiences in the various forms that they take in the region and build strong networks to foster the next generation of science diplomats in the region. This course will encourage active interaction among participants, speakers and facilitators as they develop ideas and strategies to enhance science diplomacy in the region.
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