SCIENCE DIPLOMACY

Science diplomacy is not new, but it has never been more important. Many of the defining challenges of the 21st century - from climate change and food security, to poverty reduction and fighting pandemics - have scientific dimensions. No one country will be able to solve these problems on its own. The tools, techniques and tactics of foreign policy need to adapt to a world of increasing scientific and technical complexity.

The transnational nature of complex problems requires intense international dialogues that involve actors from different countries and regions. In this context, the international role of science is more evident than ever, particularly in respect to the United Nations 2030 sustainable development agenda. In times of critical global challenges, such as climate change and pandemics, science diplomacy plays a crucial role. This is because the creation of synergies goes beyond the institutions that sign treaties and agreements, involving other actors such as the scientific community, the private and public sectors, multi-stakeholders, and multilateral organizations.