Engaging with 30 leaders at the 2023 Science Diplomacy Week

The second Science Diplomacy Week took place between 8 and 12 May 2023 and hosted 30 leaders from 24 countries for an Immersion Programme in Geneva. The participants represented governments, international organisations, the private sector and academia. The aim of the programme was to provide them with a learning and networking experience into the science and  diplomacy ecosystem of international Geneva.

Initiated by GESDA and organised by a coalition of 17 Geneva-based academic and diplomatic institutions, including the Geneva Science-Policy Interface, the week is also part of an initiative towards creating a global curriculum for science diplomacy.We opened the Immersion Programme with a session conceptualising and mapping the complex relations between science and diplomacy. Participants from both scientific and diplomatic communities engaged in an interactive exercise to share and reflect on their own experiences. It was a great opportunity to meet and hear from these enthusiastic leaders working or willing to navigate the science-policy boundaries in a wide range of contexts.

At the opening ceremony, Nicolas Seidler, Executive Director of the Geneva Science-Policy Interface, exemplified partnerships between University of Geneva research centres and UN organisations in Geneva on diverse topics – from health and climate to migration policies. “Professionalisation and recognition of the people and intermediary institutions helping to span the boundaries of science and diplomacy is key to address the global challenges we face”, said Nicolas Seidler.Stay tuned to sign up for the next edition of this yearly programme.