Building Bridges through Science Diplomacy: Accelerating progress toward sustainable development

There is growing awareness of the vital role of science as an essential tool to enhance evidence-informed decision-making and action across the multilateral agenda, including to advance peace and human rights, strengthen international relations, and achieve the SDGs. During this time of rapid change and polycrisis, widespread support for science diplomacy is urgently needed to catalyze effective, accelerated, and sustained action on global challenges.

This side event showcases productive, action-oriented exchange on science diplomacy to:

• Share best practices through case studies where science has strengthened multilateralism to respond to global challenges, including as related to human rights and sustainable development;
• Identify and promote concrete opportunities for science to advance diplomatic relations and decision-making;
• Spotlight emerging leadership, new investments, and groundbreaking support for science diplomacy to address global challenges; and
• Galvanize support for deeper science-policy engagement to ensure a sustainable future.

The event will include a keynote address by a renowned global expert on science diplomacy; a series of case studies of science diplomacy in action from diverse geographical perspectives, including thematic focuses on youth/future generations and gender equity; and high-level panels on implementing effective science diplomacy.

Human rights and gender equality are integral components of science diplomacy to address global challenges, where positive impact rests on a human rights framework ensuring science is accessible and beneficial to all humanity as a global public good. This event’s case studies and panel discussions will address cross-cutting questions such as:

• How can science diplomacy support international peace and sustainable development in support of human rights?
• How can science diplomacy support multilateral efforts around risks to human rights associated with scientific and technological developments, and benefits of these developments that can be harnessed to advance human rights?
• How can science diplomacy engage, center, and support underrepresented communities, including women and Indigenous peoples, to maximize impact on the SDGs?

This event will be live streamed.