Usama Abdul Karim
Science diplomacy is the use of scientific relationships and communications to improve international relations, build trust, and foster cooperation between countries. It’s about scientists and diplomats working together, sharing knowledge and ideas across borders, and collaborating on scientific projects to build trust and understanding.
Science diplomacy becomes increasingly important in times of global crises around the world. Science diplomacy can open doors to other nations and according to the British Royal Society it includes three dimensions. While ‘science in diplomacy’ targets the furtherance of foreign-policy strategies by means of scientific advice, Scientists may serve as advisors to policymakers, ensuring that decisions are informed by the latest scientific research and data. Second form is ‘diplomacy for science’ it is foreign policy that facilitates international scientific collaborations. The third form, ‘science for diplomacy’, relies on scientific collaborations can help build trust between nations that may not have strong political ties.
Science diplomacy wields significant power and implications across various domains, addressing global challenges such as climate change, public health, and sustainable development by fostering international scientific collaboration. It enhances international relations by building trust, cooperation, and utilizing soft power through scientific excellence. Additionally, it drives innovation and economic growth via technological advancements and knowledge exchange. In policy and governance, science diplomacy ensures informed decision-making and the establishment of global standards. Furthermore, it aids conflict resolution and peacebuilding by providing a neutral platform for dialogue and addressing root causes of conflict, thereby contributing to long-term stability. The International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP) was founded in 1964 in Trieste, Italy, as a symbol of science diplomacy. The founder of this organization was Pakistani Nobel Prize-winning physicist Abdus Salam, who wanted to create space where scientists from different countries could work together and share ideas. Despite the Cold War tensions, ICTP brought together researchers from East and West, promoting cooperation and understanding. Today, ICTP remains a hub for international scientific collaboration, showing how science can bridge political divides and foster global connections. In 2015, India and Pakistan were disputing over the Siachen Glacier. But despite this, scientists from both countries worked together to study the glacier’s melting due to climate change. They shared knowledge and data to understand the glacier better. This cooperation showed that even when countries disagree, science can bring them together. By working together on the glacier, India and Pakistan showed that science can help build understanding and peace. In the past 10 years, the idea of science diplomacy has become more widely accepted and important in foreign and security policy. Many European countries have started creating plans for science diplomacy or have appointed special roles in their foreign ministries, such as science advisors. At the same time, new organizations have been formed to support science diplomacy. The Science Diplomacy Center (SDC) was established in 2018 at Tufts University in Massachusetts, USA. The SDC aims to promote science diplomacy by bridging the gap between science and international relations. Its functions include providing training and education on science diplomacy, conducting research on science diplomacy practices, and advance collaboration between scientists, policymakers, and diplomats.
The International Science Council (ISC) was established in 2018 through the merger of the International Council for Science (ICSU) and the International Social Science Council (ISSC). The ISC promotes science diplomacy by facilitating international collaboration on scientific issues, providing evidence-based advice to policymakers, and supporting science-based decision-making. Its functions also include promoting open access to scientific data and promoting the role of science in achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals