Time
11:00am - 15:00pm EDT (GMT-4)

Agenda
View the full agenda here.

Overview

The Science Summit during the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) is a premier global event that unites thought leaders, scientists, policymakers, and innovators to address the most pressing scientific and technological challenges of our time.

The Science Summit aims to bridge the gap between science and policy, ensuring that scientific insights and advancements inform the creation and implementation of effective, sustainable, and inclusive global policies. Through dynamic discussions and networking opportunities, the Summit facilitates the exchange of ideas and the development of actionable strategies to address global challenges, thereby driving progress toward achieving the SDGs. It also positions science at the heart of the Summit of the Future process, framing discussions on how science will drive the  post-SDG agenda.

By bringing together diverse perspectives and expertise, the Science Summit at UNGA79 not only underscores the critical role of science in sustainable development but also helps shape the future global agenda. It aspires to drive progress towards a more sustainable, inclusive, and equitable future for all, in alignment with the   ongoing efforts of the UN Summit of the Future and the evolving post-SDG framework.

Session I: Women in Science diplomacy and policy making: perspective from science diplomacy practitioners

WiSDA was founded with the mission to foster global collaboration through science diplomacy, promoting dialogue and partnerships across borders to address shared scientific challenges. Science diplomacy practitioners, particularly science counsellors, play a pivotal role in advancing science by facilitating international research collaborations, advising governments on science and technology policy, and representing their countries' scientific interests abroad. Countries should invest in science diplomacy as it strengthens their global influence, fosters innovation, and builds collaborative networks that drive scientific progress. WiSDA provides a platform to support emerging and low-to middle-income countries (LMICs) in establishing international collaborations, ensuring inclusivity in global scientific endeavours.

Panel discussion: Women in Science diplomacy and policy making: perspective from science diplomacy practitioners

Moderator: Claire Chen, Senior Executive NCURA

Panellists:

• Peggy Oti-Boateng, Executive Director of the African Academy of Sciences (virtual)
• Evelina Santa Kahle, Science Counselor Embassy of Germany in Washington and co-founder of WiSDA
• Ona Ambrozaite, Johns Hopkins Science Diplomacy Hub Co-Director
• Sarah Scharf, NIH’s International Fogarty Center
• Petri Koikkalainen, Science Counselor Embassy of Finland in Washington