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

Organised by:  UNESCO, S4D4C (Horizon 2020 project)
Venue: Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Large Lecture Hall
Abstract: 

Session description

There is no doubt that science technology and innovation (STI) act as the most critical driver and enabler of the wellbeing of people and the planet. They also play a pivotal role in achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda and all of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Normative instruments play a key role in framing the spectrum of actions, principles and norms to use science responsibly for the achievement of the 2030 Agenda and the SDGs, and to give everyone the right “to share scientific advancement and its benefits” as stated in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. There are several examples of normative instruments adopted by UNESCO that aim at guiding and framing different science diplomacy and ethics issues such as The Universal Declaration on the Human Genome and Human Rights (1997), the International Declaration on Human Genetic Data (2003); the Universal Declaration on Bioethics and Human Rights (2005); the Declaration of Ethical Principles in relation to Climate Change (2017), the updated Recommendation on Science and Scientific Researchers (2017). In addition to these, as discussions advance in the field of artificial intelligence and open science, UNESCO is considering two new Recommendations, on the ethics of Artificial Intelligence and on Open Science. The European Union has also placed an emphasis on the SDGs in its foreign policy aims and has stated the importance of addressing values, not just interests, in its most recent global strategy. The S4D4C project (Science for/in Diplomacy for Addressing Global Challenges) funded through its Horizon 2020 programme examines nine cases of European science diplomacy efforts and uses them to inform future possibilities for engaging these global challenges through new instruments, interfaces, governance frameworks and training. To guarantee that STI truly benefits society, ethical considerations of science as a global public good is critical. In a world that is more and more interconnected, scientific concerns increasingly fall into complex foreign policy issues related to climate change, water management, bioethics, food security. In this context, the role of science diplomacy is critical, especially as a means to connect scientific with ethical considerations worldwide. The thematic session will provide a platform to discuss the role of normative instruments in promoting science as a global public good to address global challenges and ethical issues deriving from its advancement.
Moderator (confirmed):

    Ghaith Fariz, Director, UNESCO Regional Office for Science in the Arab States

Speakers (confirmed):

    Eliska Tomalova, Head of Department, Department of European Studies, Charles University Prague
    Pauline Ravinet, Assistant Professor, Vice-Rector for European Affairs, Université Lille
    Tim Flink, Assistant Professor, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin
    Grace Sirju-Charran, Vice Chairperson, COMEST, UNESCO
    Susana Vidal, Social Sciences Programme Specialist, UNESCO Regional Office, Montevideo

Photo: 

https://flic.kr/s/aHsmJM7HfF