UNGA Science Summit

 

The Science Summit

The Science Summit during the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) is a global event that unites thought leaders, scientists, policymakers, and innovators to address the most pressing scientific and technological challenges of our time.

The UNGA Science Summit has is origins in the Global Science Summit which was hosted by the European Parliament in 2013. The Summit keynote speech was delivered by Buzz Aldrin, the second person to land and walk on the Moon. The Summit was also addressed by Mae Jemison, the First Black Woman to travel into Space and the first Black female Commander of the Space Shuttle. The Summit was the largest event ever to take place in the European Parliament. The Summit transferred during the UN General Assembly in NYC and then moved online with the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Science Summit serves as a dynamic platform for showcasing cutting-edge research, sharing knowledge, and fostering inclusive international collaboration. Participants engage in sessions, plenaries, and workshops that cover a broad spectrum of topics aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the UN Summit of the Future. Key focus areas include climate action, One Health, biodiversity, food systems, artificial intelligence, science philanthropy, quality education, affordable and clean energy, indigenous knowledge, and more.

The Science Summit aims to bridge the gap between science and policy, ensuring that scientific insights and advancements inform the creation and implementation of effective, sustainable, and inclusive global policies. Through dynamic discussions and networking opportunities, the Summit facilitates the exchange of ideas and the development of actionable strategies to address global challenges, thereby driving progress toward achieving the SDGs. It also positions science at the heart of the Summit of the Future process, framing discussions on how science will drive the post-SDG agenda.