Agenda
We live in a technology-driven world, characterized by an overarching trend for digitalization that crosses all sectors of society and in the face of the growing impact of media. Knowledge, skills, and attitudes on media and information increasingly become an essential instrument for all citizens. The competencies for interaction and engagement of citizens with media and other information providers, including those on the Internet, are needed for all citizens and this is a lifelong learning process to which different stakeholders can contribute, in formal, informal, and non-formal initiatives.
Media and Information Literacy (MIL) has been growing steadily in all regions of the world, with many international and national organizations and initiatives being held. MIL is an antecedent of science literacy. When MIL is combined with science literacy, they can empower ordinary citizens to contribute to the fight against climate change.
The set of competencies to understand how climate change happens, its impacts, and relevant mitigation approaches are part of science literacy, often referred to as “climate literacy”. They are acquired and frequently applied by means of information, media, and digital technology, and are thus intertwined with MIL competencies. Citizens who lack MIL competencies are prone to climate-related disinformation and unverified claims disseminated through various forms of online and offline media. This leads to a low level of acceptance of climate change science, and ignorance of the actions that we can all take individually and collectively. The uninformed rejection of climate change science, nowadays quite common in public discourse, is a major obstacle and can be tackled with MIL.
Media and technology companies play a central role in educating and informing citizens on climate change. Media outlets and information flow on digital communications platforms amplify the urgency of the crisis, communicate key facts about climate, and debunk climate change denial and other conspiracy theories. It is hence crucial for citizens to know how this news and online content are produced, for what purposes, and based on what sources. MIL is also vital for journalists to ensure factual and evidence-based reporting on climate.
The work from UNESCO in this regard is groundbreaking and there are countless efforts to promote and implement MIL internationally while accounting for its contribution to SDGs. Media and information literate citizens and decision-makers are able to access reliable information to make informed decisions as regards consumption and carbon footprint. They are able to adapt or change their attitudes and behaviors accordingly to avoid actions or policies that can exacerbate the crisis, based on accurate information and evidence. They are equipped to proactively counter climate change and contribute to strengthening the public trust in climate change science.
The 1st Annual Meeting on Scientific Literacy 2021: A prerequisite for stimulating climate change engagement, calls for:
- Raising awareness of the importance of checking facts related to environmental sustainability and paying attention to information sources;
- Providing people with the tools and resources needed to learn how to check sources of information, spot disinformation and spread information on the climate emergency in a responsible way;
- Encouraging people to get informed on the latest news, facts and research about the climate emergency and what can be done at different levels.
This is an annual meeting that aims to bring together experts in the field from different areas of expertise and knowledge about the different levels of MIL maturity or development that can be found around the globe to sharing of ideas and experiences. Additionally, it is expected to focus on challenges in each context with the objective of informing future policy recommendations on the best strategies to cope with the identified challenges.
The first part of the workshop is to: 1) welcome participants and briefly present the annual meeting; 2) give an overview of UNESCO’s perspective on MIL policies and strategies, and 3) emphasize on challenges of the combination of MIL combined with science literacy, and how it can empower ordinary citizens to contribute MIL at the different levels. The second part is for a moderated discussion with invited participants drawing on the context-specific challenges, opportunities, and limitations of national MIL policies and strategies that promote climate change.
Welcome to the International Congress in Science and Technology and the 1st Annual Meeting on Scientific Literacy (AMSL) 2021: A prerequisite for stimulating climate change engagement
The compliance of the Sustainable Development Goals and Climate change engagement are tasks that could benefit life on earth. However, these topics are sometimes overlooked because they are not properly understood or because they are too difficult to understand provoking a gap in scientific literacy. That is why we have gathered several experts at the First Intercontinental Congress of Science and Technology Oriented to the Sustainable Development Goals Compliance (FICST-OSDGC) and the Annual Meeting on Scientific Literacy (AMSL) 2021 to stimulate climate change engagement in a clear and direct way through the Climate Literacy. We all can see that Science and Technology are bringing fundamental changes into all aspects of human production and life at an unprecedented rate, breadth, and depth. We believe that is important to work together to close the gap in scientific literacy between different countries, and build a coordinated working mechanism to improve global scientific literacy and fulfill the United Nation’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The AMSL is possible thanks to the support of the Andean Road Countries for Science and Technology, Universidad Privada del Valle, and Elektro High Tech. Co Ltd., with the special collaboration of Chaoxuan Intelligent Research Institute, YPGLOBALSDN UNESCO Media and Information Literacy, and Cervantes Institute. We have invited a series of interdisciplinary experts from different parts of the world to share their experience and knowledge with the international community interested in the environment, climate change, and all its implications and repercussions.
Prof. Dr. Marco A. Cabero Z.
President Andean Road Countries for Science and Technology
Jorge Ruiz de La Quintana
Director of the Research Department at Universidad Privada del Valle (UNIVALLE)
Gonzalo Ruiz Ostria
President Universidad Privada del Valle (UNIVALLE)
Panellists
Chuanhong Zhang
Associate professor at the Department of Development Management, College of Humanities and Development Studies/and Director of Center for International International Development Research Network (CIDRN). She was an academic visitor of the China Science at the University of California, Davis(2017-2018). Her research interests cover both (CIDGA), China Agricultural University. Dr. Zhang also serves as the Secretary of China Development Cooperation Studies at College of International Development and Global Agriculture China’s domestic rural transformation and international development cooperation, specifically on Centre at University of Oxford (2011-2012) and a visiting scholar of the Department of Political China’s poverty reduction, China-Africa Agricultural Cooperation, Gender, and Development.
Maria J. Gonzales R.
A biologist from the Universidad Mayor de San Andres, La Paz, Bolivia with a doctorate in Natural Sciences, botanical mention, zoology, and geography from the Georg August University of Goettingen, Germany (2003). Her research and work areas are Neotropical ferns and biodiversity in Andean montane forests at the National Museum of Natural History (1996-1999), the taxonomy of the genus Sticherus (Gleicheniaceae) in the Neotropics at the Department of Systematic Botany of the Georg August University of Goettingen, Germany (study for her doctoral thesis) (2000-2003). Coordinator of the Amazon Conservation Association in Bolivia with research projects on the characterization of biodiversity, territorial strengthening of indigenous communities, and improvement processes in the management of Brazil nuts (Bertholletia exelsa) in the north of the department of La Paz and south of Pando (2004-2013), specialist biologist and coordinator of the project “Strengthening the Management Comprehensive of forests with the social actors of the north of La Paz- GEF Forestal (implementation project of the Ministry of the Environment, administered by UNDP and financed by the Global Environment Fund) (2014-2016). Professional in project monitoring foresters in the National Forest Development Fund-FONABOSQUE (2017-2018). Consultant for the closure of projects under the approach of the joint mechanism (alternative to REDD) of the Plurinational Authority of Mother Earth-APMT (2018-2019). Director Interim of the National Museum of Natural History (Jun 2019-January 2020), currently National Head of Promotion of the Comprehensive Development of Forests and Land of the Authority for the Supervision and Social Control of Forests and Land (Jun 2021-present). Teacher of modules of ecology, forest management, the environment in diploma courses, master’s degrees from various Bolivian universities, as well as training programs. She currently writes for the newspaper La Epoca in the section “Mother Earth” of national distribution. I consider myself a professional with experience in forest management, strengthening processes in territorial management and currently I work in integral development with a strong focus on social awareness in harmony with nature.
Sylvain Eimer
Engineer and researcher for over 20 years in CNRS (France) and now in Beihang. I am delighted to participate in the adventure of this new scientific journal. I m sure that it does promote links between Latinamerican countries and China, for cultural and very high-quality scientific exchanges. I also hope that it will provide a lot of beautiful and constructive collaborations. In the future, it will be an example for people and give them the desire to make emules with other foreign languages countries and cultures, to encourage the interactions between China and different cultures.
Li Li
Associate Professor, College of International Development and Global Agriculture (CIDGA), China Agricultural University (CAU). She got Ph.D. and M.A. degrees in International Relations (IR) and Second B.A. degree in Diplomacy at China Foreign Affairs University (CFAU) in Beijing. From 2011 to 2012, she was a China-US Fulbright Ph.D. Scholar at Political Science Department of the University of Connecticut (UConn, Storrs) in the U.S.A. She is a non-resident Research Fellow of the Center for China & Globalization (CCG), and Old Summer Palace Scholar awarded by Beijing Youth League Committee since 2015. Being a member of the International Studies Association (ISA) and Community of China Political Science and International Studies (CCPSIS) of Tsinghua University, her research areas include South-South Cooperation, global public goods, climate governance, and public-private partnerships (PPPs). She authored two books, titled Public-Private Partnerships in Global Climate Governance (2013), and Innovation of Social Sciences: More Precious than Gold (2017). She provided external evaluation for South-South and Triangular Cooperation projects by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM), the International Poverty Alleviation Center in China (IPRCC) and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of China (MOA). She peer-reviews for Third World Quarterly (SSCI), Journal of Contemporary Eastern Asia (SCOPUS), etc.
Yang Liu
Chief Engineer & Associate Research Fellow of Ningxia Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) Service Center, China. He has focused on the China-U.K. Collaborative Research on “Utilization of Key Technologies for Carbon Emission Reduction in Representative High Energy Consuming Exporting Enterprises in Western China”, China-Switzerland Research on “Advanced Technology for Building Materials of High Mixing Ratio of Industrial Solid Waste”, and China-Norway Collaborative R&D and Demonstration on “Passive Building Technologies”. He managed 2 National Key Technology R&D Programs funded by the Ministry of Science and Technology, China (MOST) on “Carbon Inventory and Carbon Emission Rights Service Platform”, and “Climate Adaptability and Surrounding Environment Construction of Green Farm Houses”. He undertook a National CDM Fund Grant Project on “Agricultural Adaptation to Climate Changes in Arid Areas of Central and Southern Ningxia”. He managed the Green Manufacturing System Integration Project funded by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of China (MIIT) on “Green Design Platform Construction for Cashmere Products”, and hosted 7 Ningxia Key Technology R&D Programs on “Carbon Footprint Identification of Chinese Wolfberry (gǒu qĭ)”, and “Carbon Emission Accounting & Management System for Key Energy-Consuming Enterprises”. His research has won the Prize for S&T Progress of the Ningxia Autonomous Region and the Huaxia Construction S&T Award. Two standards and methodologies designed by him got intellectual property rights nationally. He published 6 academic papers, obtained 3 patents, and 2 software copyrights. He has been awarded 8 certificates for S&T achievements for Ningxia. He spent 6 years compiling Ningxia greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory reports. He verified and certified 5 CDM projects, approved by the UN. He provided low-carbon-related technical services for over 50 government departments, industrial parks, and enterprises, creating 50 million RMB yuan of economic, social, and ecological value.
Longliang Jiang
Senior engineer, founder and chairman of Chaoxuan Group, the president of Chaoxuan Intelligent Science and Technology Research Institute（CISTRI）, and vice president of Beijing Shangshan Social Development Center (NGO). He is also the Executive Vice president of the Economic Talent Committee of China Society of Talents, director of the expert committee of China Circulation Management Political Research Committee, member of the Expert Committee of China Construction Industry Association, member of Waste Disposal Expert Committee of China Forestry and Environment Promotion Association, etc.
Clara Zhang
Ph. D. Candidate at the University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. Expert in international communication for the establishment of multilateral collaboration. Author of the research article Effective communication in science and technology for the space workforce development in Latin America that served as a fundamental cornerstone to developing the communication and collaboration strategies between China and Latin America.
Rafaela M. Molina Vargas
Biologist graduated from the Universidad Mayor de San Andrés (UMSA) in Bolivia. She holds a Master’s degree in Ecology, Biodiversity and Evolution from the Sorbonne University, France. She is the Bolivian Coordinator of the Southern Cone Conservation Chapter of the Society for Conservation Biology (SCB) and an affiliate member of the Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD) of UNESCO. She studies the influence of climate variability on cacao agroecological systems. Her interests include biogeography, forest ecology, particularly at the climate/tropical forests interface with a socio-ecological systems approach. She promotes a decolonial/ decolonizing understanding of the ecological crisis from a World-Ecology perspective.
Yuxi Yi
Yuxi Yi is a researcher at Sciences Po de Paris in political science and government and international relations. She is now taking a short internship for a semester in Centre national de la recherche Scientifique (CNRS) France. Her research interest also covers the areas of culture, environment and even history. She was invited as a guest speaker for the launching of the first meeting on scientific literacy organized by the Green Science Project.
Shao Xiaoting
Practitioner and Researcher of Healthy Lifestyle. Deputy Director of Expert committee of Chaoxuan Intelligent Research Institute. Initiator of Guangzhou Earthship experiment crowdfunding project.
Yanyan Zhao
Vice president of Beijing Chaoxuan Intelligent Technology Research Institute, Vice president of Chaoxuan Group, assistant president of Economic Talent Committee of China Talent Research Society and Executive Deputy Secretary-General, founder of Rural Talent Organization “Rural Yinghui”, and distinguished lecturer of “Rural Revitalization Leader Plan” of China Charity Federation and Tsinghua University
Chao Wu
Officer of CBC-GDF Eco-Community Development Fund. Founder of Youth Promoting Global Sustainable development Network (YPGlobalSDN).
Liu Zhao
Founder Beijing Yuelv Architectural Design Co., Ltd.
Tan Yiyong
Deputy Secretary-General of Garbage Treatment Working Committee of China Forestry and Environment Promotion Association. Zero Pollution Project Initiative organizer. Director of Documentary Garbage Revolution
Wu Qiuling
Founder of Upbeing, an online platform.
Topics
Date
- 27 November 2021, from 19:00 to 23:00 (GMT+8).
Specific sections topics on Scientific Literacy and Popularization of Science
- Informing about what is and what is not climate change.
- Why recycling and garbage separation does not solve the problem of polluted rivers and soil.
- Promoting the Ecological Security System and the application of science and technology for the protection of environment for the protection and prevention of natural phenomena management.
- Vulnerability and risk management in particularly Indigenous communities, exposed to poverty and environmental problems other than climate change.
- Actions to recover the balance with Mother Nature and. economic progress in a sustainable way. The Chinese experience of the “Global Village”.
- Education in “green skills” to re-establish the well-living and well-being of people.
- Good Health and Well being (food, diseases, environment, zero hunger, clean water, waste management).
- Science and Technology to serve the environment.Education in “green skills” to re-establish the well-living and well-being of people.
- Sustainable cities, responsible production and consumption.
- Big data and AI oriented to protect the environment.
Round table format
- Each round table will count with four foreign experts (speakers) and one moderator. The speakers will have 10 mins for presentation and 5 mins for Q&A.
- Each one of the specific section topics will be drafted on a white paper that will form part of the special volume for publication in the Journal of Latin American Sciences and Culture.
Note
If you want to contribute or know more about our “Green Science Project”, send us a message to editorial@journalasc.org. We will be more than glad to solve your inquiries.
Organizers:
Collaborators:
Declaración de Bolivia sobre la literatura científica y del clima
27 de noviembre de 2021
Preámbulo
La ciencia ha sido, durante mucho tiempo, una herramienta para desarrollar relaciones bilaterales y multilaterales. Sin embargo, la definición y las aplicaciones de la literatura científica se han ampliado considerablemente en los últimos años. Esta ampliación conceptual coincide con la creciente comprensión de que la ciencia y la tecnología sustentan muchos de los desafíos y oportunidades que enfrentan las sociedades actuales, ya sea como motor o como solución potencial. Integrar la ciencia en la política exterior no solo para promover los intereses nacionales sino también para abordar los desafíos globales compartidos es una respuesta adecuada.
En este contexto Andean Road Countries for Science and Technology y Univalle organizaron el 1er Encuentro Annual de Literatura Científica, 2021: Un requisito previo para estimular la participación en el cambio climático el 27 de noviembre. En este evento, expertos de todo el mundo discutieron el presente y el futuro de la literatura climática, su papel fundamental para abordar los desafíos globales y los requisitos para aprovechar todo su potencial en la región de América Latina y más allá.
Como resultado de estas frutíferas discusiones, esta DECLARACIÓN DE BOLIVIA SOBRE LITERATURA CIENTÍFICA fue firmada por un grupo de expertos de alto nivel que contribuyeron a la conferencia. Proclama una visión común de la diplomacia científica en el futuro, enfatiza los beneficios que la literatura científica puede aportar para abordar los desafíos globales de nuestro tiempo y describe los principios necesarios para fomentar la diplomacia científica en todo el mundo.
Visión
La DECLARACIÓN DE BOLICIA SOBRE LITERATURA CIENTÍFICA tiene como objetivo fomentar el acuerdo y crear conciencia sobre la necesidad de fortalecer las estrategias y prácticas de literatura científica en todo el mundo para el apoyo de los valores científicos y democráticos universales. Estas estrategias deben incluir adecuadamente la ciencia y la tecnología como dimensiones clave de la política exterior y las relaciones internacionales a diferentes niveles. Esta confluencia de intereses debe redundar en beneficio tanto del esfuerzo científico como de los objetivos políticos y sociales legítimos más amplios.
La Literatura Científica, en contexto de esta Declaración, se entiende como una serie de prácticas en la intersección de la ciencia, la tecnología y la política exterior. El renovado interés en la literatura científica surge en respuesta a los desafíos identificados en la interfaz de la ciencia y la política exterior, donde una mayor voz científica podría agregar valor a las discusiones y decisiones bilaterales y multilaterales sobre nuestras preocupaciones globales compartidas. Los objetivos conjuntos de literatura científica son posibles cuando los actores convergen entorno a estos desafíos comunes. Por lo tanto, la literatura científica va más allá de la colaboración internacional, ya que aborda intereses que van más allá de los científicos y puede servir directa o indirectamente para avanzar en los Objetivos de Desarrollo Sostenible. El primer encuentro anual destacó la creciente importancia de la literatura científica, en este sentido, es tender puentes entre las prácticas de ciencia, tecnología e innovación, los intereses nacionales y regionales, así como los desafíos globales.
Creemos firmemente que:
- La litearatura científica a menudo no se explota plenamente en todos los niveles.
- Estrategias de literatura científica más explícitas a nivel nacional y supranacional permitirían una alineación de intereses más efectiva y una coordinación de recursos más eficiente.
Beneficios de la diplomacia en ciencias
Creemos firmemente que el potencial de la literatura científica aún no se ha ejecutado plenamente.
Esto incluye:
- El esfuerzo por abordar los desafíos globales (cambio climático). La ciencia y la tecnología son empresas globales. Junto con otras herramientas, la literatura científica puede facilitar la identificación de retos globales comunes. Los esfuerzos científicos coordinados pueden ayudar a abordar estos. La relación entre los retos globales y las prácticas científicas van en ambos sentidos. Los esfuerzos para lograr los Objetivos de Desarrollo Sostenible son un ejemplo de cómo la investigación científica y la formulación de políticas relacionadas con los desafíos mundiales deben estar en constante diálogo.
- Relaciones internacionales más productivas y sostenibles a nivel multilateral y bilateral debido a su interacción con la ciencia y la tecnología. La condición previa para esto es que las actividades científicas sean consideradas, pero no apropiadas por razones políticas más amplias.
- Políticas exteriores basadas en evidencias respaldadas por la ciencia y la tecnología, con el objetivo de lograr acuerdos, tratados y políticas internacionales reales y resilientes.
- Mejores condiciones para las actividades científicas debido al aporte de las agendas de política exterior. La literatura, con el apoyo de la comunidad científica, tiene un papel particular que desempeñar en la implementación de iniciativas y proyectos científicos más amplios (por ejemplo, infraestructuras de investigación, programas conjuntos, etc.).
- Interfaces mejoradas entre ciencia y políticas públicas. La literatura científica puede contribuir a eliminar las barreras culturales, sectoriales y de conocimiento entre diferentes actores, como los formuladores de políticas, los investigadores y la sociedad civil.
Principios para fomentar la literatura científica en todo el mundo
- Valor para los ciudadanos: se anima a los gobiernos, diplomáticos e investigadores a reconocer y demostrar que la literatura científica es una herramienta fundamental y universal para mejorar las relaciones internacionales en general.
- Diversidad metodológica: considerar tipos explícitos e implícitos de objetivos de literatura científica. Esto implica reconocer que no todas las prácticas relevantes de literatura científica en un proyecto, programa o política determinados son una elección estratégica.
- Impacto demostrable: es necesario medir y reconocer los posibles efectos positivos de la literatura científica. Al mismo tiempo, puede haber efectos secundarios no deseados que deben reconocerse y evaluarse. Las políticas públicas que no se relacionan con la literatura científica también pueden tener efectos no deseados en el ámbito de la literatura científica.
- Basado en evidencias: en políticas relacionadas con asuntos exteriores en áreas relevantes. Este conocimiento puede estar relacionado con el contenido (por ejemplo, evidencia científica sobre el cambio climático, desigualdad global, seguridad cibernética); con el contexto (por ejemplo, conocimiento sobre un sistema de innovación específico) o relacionado con el proceso (por ejemplo, conocimiento evaluativo sobre los efectos y el resultado de la ciencia), e intervenciones de literatura.
- Colaboración e inclusión: la literatura científica es un esfuerzo de múltiples actores en el que diplomáticos científicos y administradores de la ciencia, así como otros actores no estatales, pueden tener un papel y contribuir a su implementación. Esto se aplica a nivel local, regional e internacional. Este modelo innovador aporta nuevos mecanismos de gobernanza y coordinación de deben gestionarse en diálogo con todas las partes interesadas.
- Creación de capacidad: todas las partes interesadas involucradas en la diplomacia científica se beneficiarán del intercambio y las actividades adecuadas de creación de capacidad. Por lo tanto, se necesitan módulos de capacitación interactivos, interdisciplinarios, intergeneracionales y de vanguardia. Estos permitirán que los funcionarios públicos y los científicos cooperen de manera eficiente, fortaleciendo la literatura científica en el futuro. Este desarrollo de capacidades va en paralelo a la necesidad de establecer nuevos puestos de literatura científica como asesores científicos en ministerios de relaciones exteriores, personal científico en embajadas, etc., que también fomentarán nuevas trayectorias para los profesionales de la diplomacia científica.
- Independencia de la ciencia: la ciencia es una herramienta extremadamente útil para abordar los desafíos globales y para mejorar las relaciones internacionales, siempre que no esté distorsionada por objetivos ideológicos.
La declaración tiene un alcance verdaderamente global, si también desea incluir su firma, envíe su nombre y motivación a editorial@journalasc.org
BOLIVIA’S DECLARATION ON SCIENCE AND CLIMATE LITERACY
BOLIVIA’S DECLARATION ON SCIENCE AND CLIMATE LITERACY
27th November 2021
PREAMBLE
Science d has long been a tool to develop bilateral and multilateral relationships. However, the definition and applications of science literacy have broadened considerably in recent years. This conceptual broadening coincides with the growing understanding that science and technology underpin so many of the challenges and opportunities that current societies face, whether as a driver or a potential solution. Integrating science into foreign policy to not only advance national interests but also to tackle shared global challenges is an appropriate response.
In this context, the Andean Road Countries for Science and Technology and UNIVALLE organized the 1st Annual Meeting on Scientific Literacy 2021: A prerequisite for stimulating climate change engagement on the 27th of November. At this event, experts from around the world discussed the present and future of climate literacy, its fundamental role in addressing global challenges, and the requirements to harness its full potential in the Latin American region and beyond.
As a result of these fruitful discussions, this “Bolivia Declaration on Science and Climate Literacy” was signed by a group of high-level experts who contributed to the conference. It proclaims a common vision of science literacy in the future, emphasizes the benefits science literacy can bring to tackling the global challenges of our time, and outlines the principles needed to foster science diplomacy worldwide.
VISION
The “Bolivian Declaration on Science Literacy” aims to foster agreement and raise awareness about the need to strengthen science literacy strategies and practices worldwide for the support of universal scientific and democratic values. These strategies are required to suitably include science and technology as key dimensions of foreign policy and international relationships at different levels. This confluence of interests must be in the benefit of both the scientific endeavor as well as legitimate broader political and societal objectives.
Science Literacy, in the context of this Declaration, is understood as a series of practices at the intersection of science, technology, and foreign policy. The renewed interest in scientific literacy comes in response to identified challenges at the interface of science and foreign policy, where a greater scientific voice could both add value to bi- and multilateral discussions and decisions about our shared global concerns. Joint science literacy objectives are possible where actors converge around such common challenges. Therefore, science literacy goes beyond international science collaboration, as it tackles interests that go beyond the scientific ones and may directly or indirectly serve to advance sustainable development goals. The first annual meeting highlighted the growing importance of science literacy on a global level. One important role for science diplomacy, in this regard, is to build bridges between science, technology, and innovation practices, national and regional interests, as well as global challenges.
We firmly believe that:
- Science literacy is often not fully exploited at all levels
- More explicit science literacy strategies at national and supranational levels would allow for a more effective alignment of interests and more efficient coordination of resources.
BENEFITS OF SCIENCE DIPLOMACY
We firmly believe that the potential of science literacy is yet to be fully realized. It includes:
- Endeavors to address global challenges (climate change). Science and technology are global enterprises. Together with other tools, science literacy can facilitate the identification of common global challenges. Coordinated scientific efforts can help to address these global challenges. The relationship between global challenges and scientific practices goes both ways. Efforts to achieve the “Sustainable Development Goals” are an example of how global challenge-related policy-making and scientific research must be in constant dialogue.
- More productive and sustainable international relations at multilateral and bilateral levels owing to their interaction with science and technology. The precondition for this is that scientific activities are considered but not appropriated by broader political rationales.
- Evidence-informed foreign policy supported by science and technology, aiming at substantive and resilient international agreements, treaties, and policies.
- Better conditions for scientific activities due to the contribution of foreign policy agendas. Literacy, with the support of the scientific community, has a particular role to play in the implementation of larger scientific initiatives and projects (e.g. research infrastructures, joint programs, etc.).
- Improved interfaces between science and public policies. Science literacy can contribute to eliminating cultural, sectoral, and knowledge barriers between different actors such as policy-makers, researchers, and civil society.
PRINCIPLES TO FOSTER SCIENCE LITERACY WORLDWIDE
- Value for citizens: governments, diplomats, and researchers are encouraged to acknowledge and demonstrate science literacy as a fundamental and universal tool to improve international relations in general.
- Methodological diversity: consider explicit and implicit types of science literacy This involves acknowledging that not all relevant science literacy practices are labeled as such. Putting the science literacy label on a given project, program or policy is a strategic choice.
- Demonstrable impact: the potential positive effects of science literacy need to be measured and recognized. At the same time, there may be unintended side effects that need to be acknowledged and assessed. Public policies not relating to science literacy may also have unintended effects in the realm of science literacy.
- Evidence-informed: in foreign affairs-related policies in relevant areas. This knowledge can be content-related (e.g. scientific evidence on climate change, global inequality, cyber security), context-related (e.g. knowledge about a specific innovation system), or process-related (e.g. evaluative knowledge on the effects and the outcome of science literacy interventions).
- Collaboration and inclusion: science literacy is a multi-actor effort in which diplomats, scientists, and science managers as well as other non-state actors can have a role and can contribute to its deployment. This applies at the local, regional, national, and international levels. This innovative model brings new governance and coordination mechanisms that need to be managed in dialogue with all stakeholders.
- Capacity building: All stakeholders involved in science diplomacy will benefit from exchange and suitable capacity-building activities. Therefore, cutting-edge, interdisciplinary, intergenerational, interactive training modules are needed. These will enable public officials and scientists to cooperate in an efficient way, strengthening future science literacy. This capacity-building runs in parallel to the need to establish new science literacy positions such as science advisors in foreign ministries, scientific staff at Embassies, etc., which will also foster new career paths for science diplomacy professionals.
- Independence of science: science is an extremely useful tool for addressing global challenges and for improving international relationships as long as it is not distorted by ideological goals
The declaration is intending a truly global reach. If you would like to sign it as well, just send your name, affiliation, and motivation to sign to editorial@journalasc.org
The Bolivian Declaration as pdf: Download
Full list of signatories (updated continuously)
SIGNATORIES OF THE DECLARATION BY ALPHABETICAL ORDER
Cabero Z. Marco A., President Anden Road Countries for Science and Technology.
Gonzales R. Maria J., National Head of Promotion of the Comprehensive Development of Forests and Land of the Authority for the Supervision and Social Control of Forests and Land for Bolivia.
Moreno G. Daniel H., Universidad Central del Valle del Cauca – Tuluá.
Ojeda S. Mary L., Universidad Central del Valle del Cauca – Tuluá.
Otero Valle Maria Nadiezda, Didactic Comprehensive Management in Sustainable Hydrosanitary Engineering, Univalle University.
Perez C. Jose G., Universidad Central del Valle del Cauca – Tuluá .
Ruiz de La Quintana Jorge C., Research Director, Univalle University.
Shao Xiaoting, Secretary-General of GTC, China Forestry & Environment Promotion Association.
Tan Yiyong, Deputy Secretary-General of Garbage Treatment Working Committee of China Forestry and Environment Promotion Association.
Wu Chao, Founder of Youth Promoting Global Sustainable development Network (YPGlobalSDN).
Wu Qiuling, Founder of Upbeing, an online platform.
Zhao Liu, Founder Beijing Yuelv Architectural Design Co., Ltd.
Zhao Yanyan, Vice president of Beijing Chaoxuan Intelligent Science and Technology Research Institute