{"id":99795,"date":"2025-03-21T15:00:51","date_gmt":"2025-03-21T15:00:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/council.science\/?post_type=project&p=99795"},"modified":"2025-08-06T08:36:09","modified_gmt":"2025-08-06T08:36:09","slug":"science-diplomacy","status":"publish","type":"project","link":"https:\/\/council.science\/our-work\/science-diplomacy\/","title":{"rendered":"Science diplomacy"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Background<\/h2>\n\n\n
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Download the brochure<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Science has long shaped international relations, enabling cooperation and exploration, while also serving political and economic interests. Today, it is increasingly intertwined with diplomacy amid rapid technological change, global power shifts, and the securitization of science in an increasingly multipolar world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As disparities in access to science grow, so do tensions driven by populism, misinformation, and conflict. Diplomacy is evolving, with more diverse actors – including cities, corporations, and scientific diasporas – and a growing role for scientists and science advisers in addressing global challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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ISC's unique role in science diplomacy <\/h2>\n

Science diplomacy is multifaceted and the ISC\u2019s multi-pronged approach to science diplomacy covers five key dimensions:\u00a0<\/p>\n

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1. Fostering equitable dialogue on issues of global concern <\/h3>\n <\/span>\n <\/div>\n
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The ISC plays <\/span>a major role<\/span> in <\/span>facilitating<\/span> inclusive and <\/span>equitable<\/span> conversations on global issues, promoting knowledge sharing, fostering a shared understanding of the issues requiring global collective action, and helping to reduce knowledge asymmetries that can hamper the ability of countries to <\/span>participate<\/span> in and influence global governance. This is particularly acute around new and emerging issues \u2013 for example, in disruptive technologies, which introduce rapid changes and new risks and opportunities.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Example: Science inputs into the Biological Weapons Convention\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n

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2. Advancing international scientific collaboration and equity <\/h3>\n <\/span>\n <\/div>\n
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The ISC champions openness, inclusivity and equity in science, especially in light of the unequal scientific capacities and opportunities between countries.<\/p>\n

It also addresses the challenges posed by competing geostrategic interests and tensions, which often lead to heightened concerns over research security. This context undermines international scientific collaboration and the potential to leverage science to inform global responses and science as a global public good.<\/p>\n

The ISC advocates for equitable access to scientific collaboration, knowledge and data sharing, while working to minimize misuse or politicization of research in a way that prioritizes equity, transparency, and fairness.<\/p>\n

Example: Supporting science in times of crisis<\/a><\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n

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3. Encouraging responsible governance of disruptive technologies <\/h3>\n <\/span>\n <\/div>\n
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The ISC promotes the ethical governance of emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, synthetic biology, and geoengineering. By <\/span>leveraging<\/span> its global reach and <\/span>expertise<\/span>, the ISC can <\/span>facilitate<\/span> multilateral dialogues to address gaps in governance and support the development of regulatory frameworks to ensure that developments in science and technology support <\/span>equitable<\/span> sustainable development and minimize risks of misuse or unintended negative consequences.\u00a0<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Example: Assessing countries\u2019 readiness to leverage AI in science<\/a><\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n

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4. Supporting the protection of the global commons <\/h3>\n <\/span>\n <\/div>\n
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The ISC plays a crucial role in safeguarding the global commons, such as the atmosphere, <\/span>oceans<\/span> and polar regions, by stimulating research and scientific cooperation and promoting peace, security, <\/span>equitable<\/span> access<\/span> and responsible use.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Example: 5th International Polar Year 2032-2033<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n

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5. Strengthening science-policy interfaces and providing science advice to inform decision-making <\/h3>\n <\/span>\n <\/div>\n
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The ISC serves as a trusted scientific advisor to multilateral organizations and coalitions of actors by convening and providing multidisciplinary scientific inputs into intergovernmental deliberations and negotiations. It ensures that diverse perspectives contribute to the development of shared understanding and the shaping of solutions to critical global issues.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The ISC also draws on its experience in organizing scientific advice at the international level to support the design, creation and implementation of mechanisms of scientific advice.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Example: UN Group of Friends on Science for Action<\/a><\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Activities and impact<\/h2>\n\n\n\n