This is an archived page from the 2014 conference

A pre-conference symposium – 27 August 2014

Co-chaired by Dr. Vaughan Turekian, Editor-in-Chief of the AAAS Journal Science and Diplomacy, and the CE of New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, this pre-conference symposium explored ‘the place of science in foreign ministries’.  The co-chairs thank everyone who helped to make it a success.

Overview of the symposium

The past decade has seen unprecedented interested in the interface between science and diplomacy from a number of perspectives including:

  • Diplomacy for Science – building international relationships to foster robust collaborative scientific networks and shared expertise and infrastructure;
  • Science for Diplomacy – the science enterprise as a doorway to relationship building between nations with shared goals and values;
  • Science in Diplomacy – the role of science in various diplomatic endeavours (e.g.: verification of agreements on climate change, nuclear treaties etc; in support of aid projects; in promoting economic and trade   relationships; and in various international agreements and instruments such as phyto-sanitary regulations, free trade agreements, biodiversity agreements etc.).

Yet, despite the growing interest in this intersection, there has been little discussion of the practical realities of fostering the rapprochement between two very distinct professional cultures and practices, particularly with specific reference to the classical pillars of foreign policy: diplomacy; trade/economic; and aid.  Thus, this pre-conference symposium will be focusing on the essential question:

How should scientists have input into the operation of foreign ministries and in particular into three pillars of foreign affairs (diplomacy, trade/economics and foreign aid)?

The discussion focused on questions such as: What are the mechanisms and methods that can bring scientists and policy makers in science and technology in closer alignment with ministries or departments of foreign affairs and vice versa? What is the role of public scientists in assisting countries’ foreign policy positions and how can this be optimised? What are the challenges and opportunities in enhancing the role of science in international affairs? How does the perception of science in diplomacy vary between large and small countries and between developed and developing countries?

 

Draft Agenda

10:00-10:30RegistrationCoffee and refreshments
10:30-10:50Chairs’ welcome
- Introduction
- Goals and process
John Allen, CE. Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT)

Vaughan Turekian, Editor Science and Diplomacy (AAAS)
10:50- 11:45Overview: Science and Diplomacy: Keynote speakers x 3
A small country perspectiveSir Peter Gluckman: Chief Science Advisor to the Prime Minister of New Zealand and NZ’s Special Science Envoy
A large country perpsectiveSir Mark Walport, CSA, UK
A LMIC perspectiveShaukat Abdulrazak, National Council for Science and Technology, Kenya
11:45-12:45Panel Session 1: Science and DiplomacyOpening remarks:
Jonathan Margolis, US Department of State

Panellists:
1. Robert Patman, Dept Political Science University of Otago
2. Mu Rongping, Institute of Policy and Management CAS
3. Carlos Nobre, Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, Brazil
4. Julie Maxton, Royal Society UK
12:45-
13: 30
Lunch
13:30-14:45Panel Session 2: Science and AidOpening remarks:
Romain Murenzi, The World Academy of Science
Panellists:
1. Teatulohi Matainaho, University of Papua New Guinea
2. Tateo Arimoto, National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies, Japan
3. John Boright, International Affairs, American Academy of Arts and Sciences
4. Shaukut Abdulrazak, National Council for Science and Technology, Kenya
14:45-15:00Case StudyHarry Clark, Director, Global Research Alliance on Agricultural Greenhouse Gases
15:00-15:15Break
15:15-16:30Panel Session 3: Science and TradeOpening remarks:
Hunter Nottage, MFAT and formerly WTO
Panellists:
1. Anne Glover, CSA EC
2. Hubert Deluyker, EFSA
3. Ian Chubb, CSA Australia
16:30- 17:00Wrap up discussion and looking aheadVaughan Turekian, Ed. Science and Diplomacy
17:15-18:30Reception with colleagues from Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research.Aleks Terauds, Senior Research Scientist, Australian Antarctic Division: SCAR and the Antarctic Treaty System