The Turkish Academy of Sciences (TÜBA) and the Association of Academies and Societies of Sciences in Asia (AASSA) are hosting an international symposium titled “Science Diplomacy for Sustainable Development” on June 28th in Ankara. This two-day event, organized by Hacettepe University, aims to bring together academics, diplomats, regional organization representatives, scientists, and researchers from different countries worldwide. With five sessions planned and nearly 30 scientists contributing, the symposium will explore how science diplomacy can address global challenges and shape the future.
The opening speeches will be delivered by William Colglazier from the American Association for the Advancement of Science’s Center for Science Diplomacy and Professor Hüseyin Şeker from Birmingham City University. TÜBA President Professor Muzaffer Şeker emphasized the importance of international collaboration in addressing pressing global issues such as COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, migration, and environmental pollution. He highlighted the role of science diplomacy in promoting sustainable development through scientific dialogue and partnerships to ensure a better future for all.
Professor Şeker underscored the significance of this symposium in facilitating knowledge and resource exchange while emphasizing the importance of interdisciplinary and international networks in finding solutions to complex challenges of our time. TÜBA Principal Member and AASSA President Professor Ahmet Nuri Yurdusev acknowledged that sustainability has been a crucial topic for discussion for decades but there is an urgent need to address issues such as rapid population growth, unequal development between societies, pandemics, wars, mass displacements, and limited resources that go beyond legal or political boundaries. He stressed that global mobilization and collaboration are necessary to tackle these disruptions led by Academies of Sciences will play a pivotal role in contributing to sustainability efforts.
