More collaboration between scientists and diplomats can ensure artificial intelligence, quantum computing and other disruptive technologies are used wisely for all of humanity, leaders told a UNESCO forum in Paris.
UNESCO's two-day global ministerial dialogue wrapped up on Wednesday, planning to adopt a joint statement entitled, "Science Diplomacy in a Rapidly Changing World: Building Peace in the Minds of Men and Women," and to announce concrete science diplomacy initiatives. Officials from Africa, the Americas, Asia-Pacific and European regions participated.
Another planned outcome was a "2025 Paris Declaration on Science Diplomacy," outlining a revised framework for global science diplomacy and recommendations for effectively using it to advance common goals.
"Science diplomacy has emerged as a potentially powerful tool for diminishing win-lose pathways, forging of new bonds, fostering peace, stability and sustainable development," said South Africa’s science minister, Blade Nzimande, adding that the world needs more equity and inclusion "despite those who have been suspicious of these terms."
South Africa, which holds the presidency of the Group of 20 major economies this year, prioritizes science diplomacy and scientific collaboration. It launched an initiative, Science Diplomacy Capital for Africa, at Pretoria in 2022 to promote multilateral collaboration based on new uses of science and technology for the benefit of humanity.
"We didn’t proclaim ourselves the capital—that would be arrogant,” said Daan du Toit, deputy director-general of South Africa's science and innovation department. “But we offer this platform as a resource for the continent, uniting African scientists, diplomats, and global partners.”
The initiative builds on South Africa’s legacy of multilateralism, from Nelson Mandela’s science policy reforms to hosting landmark summits like the 2001 World Conference Against Racism.
“We would like to think that in South Africa, science diplomacy is in our DNA,” du Toit said, citing its formal inclusion in South Africa’s national innovation strategy. Despite global skepticism toward science, du Toit cited World Economic Forum data showing Africa has the highest public trust in science worldwide. “This is our soft power,” he asserted, linking it to the Ubuntu philosophy of mutual solidarity. “Our commitment to multilateralism isn’t just policy – it’s cultural.”
A not-so-new idea that's gaining traction
Agenda 2063, the African Union's blueprint for transforming the continent into a global powerhouse, sets long-term goals for using science, technology, and innovation to drive Africa's development, particularly in areas like skills development, manufacturing, and industrialization.
Du Toit acknowledged Africa’s funding disparities compared to wealthy nations, but framed scarcity as a catalyst for innovation. “We’re more agile and solution-focused,” he argued, pointing to urgent challenges like climate change, vaccine nationalism, and AI governance. “When pandemics hit, Africa feels the brunt first. When tech divides widen, we’re excluded. Science diplomacy must respond now.”
The European Union published a new framework for science diplomacy "to project soft power and pursue its economic interests and fundamental values more effectively." And a groundbreaking U.S.-U.K. document defining science diplomacy 15 years ago was updated last month.
The idea has been gaining traction elsewhere, too, building on post-World War II international organizations and treaties, such as the International Atomic Energy Agency and the Antarctic Treaty, that laid some of the groundwork for modern international scientific cooperation.
"Science diplomacy has established itself as a means of promoting dialogue and international cooperation for peace and sustainable development," Mexico's science minister, Rosaura Ruiz Gutiérrez, said. But, she added, more anticipation is needed so that "policy decisions are scientifically informed and guided by the highest values and principles."
