Global Inauguration of Science Culture Construction Day Unites Path to Sustainability

Fig. 1.- Attendees gather for a group photo at the International Science Culture Construction Day 2025 celebration in Beijing’s Jintai Museum

BEIJING, CHINA – August 25, 2025 – In a landmark event that brought together diplomats, Nobel laureates, scientists, and artists from across the globe, the first-ever International Science Culture Construction Day was officially launched on Monday, August 25, 2025. The celebration, held at the Jintai Art Museum, marked a significant step in a global movement to integrate scientific culture into the fabric of society, addressing pressing global challenges.

Fig. 2.- At the opening ceremony of the International Science Culture Construction Day in Beijing, 2025.

Since 2018, the Andean Road Countries for Science and Technology (ARCST) have led this effort, collaborating with universities, public and private sectors, and diverse social groups to advance Science Culture Construction (SCC) [1-3]. These initiative aims to promote engagement in Green Science, science popularization, biodiversity conservation (World Green Science Day [4-6]), and technological innovation, efforts that began in Latin America and have now expanded to partnerships in Africa, Asia, and Europe. The event was the result of a partnership between ARCST, the International Green Science Center for Latin America and the Caribbean (IGSCLAC), and the Jintai Art Museum.

The day was inaugurated by a welcome speech from Prof. Marco A. Cabero, chairman of ARCST. “We are on a magnificent mission: to weave the vibrant fabric of scientific culture across Latin America and far, far beyond,” stated Prof. Cabero. “Science is a story waiting to be told… a bridge that connects what we know to what we do, so we can create the future we all dream of.”

Fig. 3.- UNESCO logo for the International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development.

The timing of this new annual day is deeply symbolic. It aligns with the United Nations’ designation of the decade from 2024 to 2033 as focused on the “International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development.” This initiative, led by UNESCO, shows the critical role of science in solving global issues like sustainable development [7].

A Gathering of Minds for a Unified Mission

The event featured a prestigious roster of speakers who showed the importance of international collaboration. Their speeches highlighted the core mission of the day: to make science accessible and to demonstrate its intersection with art, literature, diplomacy, and daily life.

Keynote addresses included:

• H.E. Fernando Huanacuni Mamani, H.E. Hugo Siles, H.E. Euclides A. Vergara, H.E. Milton R. Soto S., H.E. Mauricio Belmonte P., H.E. Eileen Luo focused on the essential role of international unity and cross-cultural dialogue in building a global science culture. They emphasized that collaboration across continents, from Latin America and the Caribbean to China and beyon, is vital for advancing sustainable development, sharing knowledge, and promoting human well-being. By integrating diverse fields such as diplomacy, green technology, art, and literature, they highlighted how a multidisciplinary approach is key to constructing a more connected, innovative, and sustainable future for all.

  Fig. 4.- The distinguished group of ambassadors, diplomats, and cultural leaders showed the vital importance of international diplomacy and cross-cultural collaboration in building a global science culture. 

  The keynote speakers highlighted how strategic partnerships between Latin American nations, China, as well as with other regions, are fundamental to advancing shared goals in sustainable development, green technology, and scientific innovation. Their presence and messages reinforced that science and culture are essential pillars for fostering mutual understanding, peace, and well-being on a global scale.

• Dr. Ernesto Kahan, Prof. Krzysztof Sliwa, Dr. Ganigar Chen, Dr. Hugo Aranibar Rojas, Prof. Pedro A. Valdes S., Prof. Mary Luz Ojeda, Prof. Imran Hashmi, Prof. Douglas de Castro, Prof. Eynar Calle, Prof. Geng Jie, Prof. Jorge E. Guevara, Ms. Candice Zhou, Prof. Santiago Relos, Dr. Liu Zhenying. Together, they emphasized that building a global science culture requires uniting diverse fields and perspectives. Their talks highlighted that international collaboration between the Global South which is essential for tackling shared challenges like climate change through green technology, legal frameworks, and sustainable education. They showcased innovative tools, from video games and literature to museums and skills training, as vital for engaging youth, communicating science, and preserving knowledge. Ultimately, their collective message was that integrating science with culture, ethics, and education is key to achieving a peaceful, prosperous, and sustainable future for all.

Fig. 5.- The diverse group of global leaders, including a Nobel Laureate, scientists, professors, museum directors, and innovation specialists, collectively emphasized that building a strong science culture requires interdisciplinary and international collaboration.

The experts highlighted the integration of science with peace, literature, art, education, sustainability, and youth engagement as essential for addressing global challenges and promoting equitable and sustainable development worldwide.

• Prof. José Pérez Canencio, Prof. Wang Xinsheng, Dr. Jose M. Peñarrieta L., Dr. Yan Xie, Dr. Zhao Yanyan, Prof. Jorge Ivar Tobar Cardozo, Dr. Atchike Desire Wade, Dr. Pirah Altaf, Ms. Gu Yinying, Mr. Rodrigo Ventura, Mr. Alex Yu, Ms. Alejandra Kuguimaya Ramos, Mr. Gustavo Cadiz. They emphasized that building science culture requires connecting practical innovation to global collaboration. Speakers highlighted biodiversity databases, space exploration, and agroecological farming as key areas for sustainable development. They demonstrated how scientific advancement, from food chemistry and climate policy to national security and corporate research, directly impacts livelihoods and safety. The crucial roles of science diplomacy, language translation, and international student exchanges were presented as essential bridges for global cooperation. Finally, young researchers showcased how youth engagement in synthetic biology and planetary science is vital for building an inclusive and forward-looking global scientific community. Representatives from youth iGEM teams and student associations emphasized the critical role of the next generation in building a scientific future.
  

  Fig. 6. The diverse group of professors, researchers, industry experts, students, and language specialists demonstrated how building science culture requires collaboration across every level of society.

  The experts showcased practical applications of science, from biodiversity databases and space exploration to sustainable coffee production and language translation, that directly address global challenges. Their presentations highlighted how international partnerships between China, Latin America, Africa, and beyond are creating new bridges for knowledge exchange. Importantly, they emphasized that youth engagement, corporate innovation, and scientific diplomacy are essential drivers for creating a more connected and sustainable future through science.

A Commitment to Continued Collaboration

The event was closed by Prof. Dr. Marco A. Cabero, Chairman of ARCST, who extended sincere gratitude to all participants for their commitment. He emphasized that the day was not an end, but a beginning, a “continuation of our shared journey.” The resounding success of the first International Science Culture Construction Day sets a strong precedent for future gatherings, with the second edition already announced for 2026. The global community left with a renewed promise to work together, spark new ideas, and continue building a world where science culture is the key to a resilient and sustainable future for all.