Symposium on Science Diplomacy: Leveraging Knowledge for Sustainable Solutions
- By : resourceshimalaya.org
- September 18, 2024
On September 17th, we celebrated National Science Day with a thought-provoking symposium on “Science Diplomacy: Leveraging Knowledge for Sustainable Solutions.”
The event successfully brought together a diverse group of participants, including research scientists from various fields, university professors, graduate students, former ministers of science and technology, and numerous other guests. Dr. Gauri Shankar Bhandari, Executive Director at RHF, served as the program moderator and opened the proceedings. This was followed by a welcome address and an overview of the program delivered by Dr. Surendra Shrestha, Dean of Nepal Open University. The main presentation centered on the theme of Science Diplomacy.
Mr. Hari Prakash Chand, a PhD scholar in International Relations and Diplomacy, presented on “Science Diplomacy in the Era of Sustainable Development.” He explained science diplomacy bridges the fields of science, technology, and foreign policy, enabling countries to collaborate on pressing issues like climate change, public health, energy, and environmental sustainability.
Mr. Chand identified three key dimensions of science diplomacy: Science in Diplomacy, Diplomacy for Science, and Science for Diplomacy. He provided examples of its operation across different levels. A notable instance of global cooperation is the Paris Agreement, which illustrates how scientific data shapes international climate negotiations. Additional areas of science diplomacy include space diplomacy, cybersecurity, and health diplomacy.
At the regional level, organizations such as the European Union and the African Union showcase emerging trends in science diplomacy. The African Union, in particular, focuses on regional challenges, enhancing capacity through initiatives like the African Space Agency and the African Centres for Disease Control. Locally, universities and research institutions are increasingly pivotal in promoting science diplomacy efforts.
Dr. Reshma Tuladhar, Associate Professor of Microbiology, presented on “Bridging Borders through Science: Global Collaboration for Nepal’s Scientific Progress.” She highlighted the role of science diplomacy during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in the development of vaccines. Another key example was the surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 in Kathmandu, part of a global environmental initiative aimed at tracking the virus’s spread, especially in areas where clinical testing might be insufficient. Dr. Tuladhar emphasized the significance of wastewater-based epidemiology, which gained prominence during the pandemic for its effectiveness in monitoring the virus’s transmission.
Following the presentations, a discussion session was held where participants shared various insights. Notably, the successful development of intraocular lenses in Nepal through science diplomacy was highlighted. The need for science across all sectors was emphasized, alongside a critique of Nepal’s lack of a dedicated ministry for science and technology, which currently falls under the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (MoEST). This oversight often results in a greater focus on education than on scientific advancement. Consequently, the discussion called for the establishment of a separate ministry to better promote science diplomacy and advance Nepal’s scientific progress.
The session concluded with remarks from the chief guest, Prof. Dr. Dhruba Kumar Gautam, Vice-Chancellor of Mid-West University, followed by closing statements from the session Chair, Prof. Dr. Dinesh Raj Bhuju, Executive Director of MICD.
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