Complex magnet system readied in experimental global fusion project
Multinational ITER fusion energy project completed and delivered massive toroidal field coils from Japan and Europe.
Science & Technology
The 21st century acceleration in scientific and technological advances could enhance global well-being and inclusive development. But the pandemic showed that science and technology policy needs more diplomacy to reach inclusive and global solutions. Quantum computing, advanced AI, human augmentation, eco-regeneration, geoengineering and science diplomacy are all fast-moving fronts where international cooperation will be crucial to navigate geopolitical tensions and competition.
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U.N. targets online hate and lies with new information integrity principles
Some 80% of U.N. staff survey respondents believe harmful information endangers them and communities they serve.
U.N. debates growing threat from 'cyber mercenaries' and hacktivists
South Korea pushed to fight malicious cyber operations like those run by North Korea to fund its weapons program.
New global head of internet governance organization chosen
Kurtis Lindqvist, now CEO of the London Internet Exchange, will be based in Geneva once he becomes CEO of ICANN.
'Everything has changed' since last year's AI for Good Global Summit
Equitable models of AI governance rooted in comprehensive and inclusive approaches are needed more than ever.
When the 'technological is political.' The future of AI, for better or worse.
Equating the pursuit of 'good' with the U.N.'s 17 Sustainable Development Goals for 2030 isn't as simple as it may seem.
Geneva hosts U.S.-China talks on security and risks of AI systems
Both sides called the talks 'constructive' despite tensions and different approaches to calls for global AI governance.
Geological organization rules the Anthropocene is not a formal epoch
IUGS rejected declaring that we live in a new epoch defined by far-reaching human impacts on the planet since the 1950s.
U.N. General Assembly adopts first resolution on artificial intelligence
Proposed by the U.S. and co-sponsored by China and more than 120 other nations, its passage represented a moment of international cooperation through science diplomacy.
Nations pushing for AI governance around issues of access and privacy
A top U.N. official cites strong concerns about mental privacy, which is 'a line that we should not cross at all' as AI develops.
New institute launches to ensure quantum computing benefits all
The Open Quantum Institute began a three-year pilot phase hosted by the European Organization for Nuclear Research.
Drought data shows “unprecedented emergency" for 1.84 billion people
Almost a quarter of the world faces human-induced drought, and 85% of those live in low- or middle-income countries.
Majority of nations pass measure setting up U.N. vote on 'killer robots'
The first-of-its-kind provision cites an “urgent need for the international community to address the challenges and concerns raised by autonomous weapons systems."
Geneva gains new quantum institute and science diplomacy curriculum
Each of the Geneva-based global initiatives developed by the GESDA Foundation won pledges of millions of Swiss francs.
UPU closes fourth 'Extraordinary Congress' in Riyadh on digital future
The talks centered on climate, financial services and more cooperation among governments and private partners.
Switzerland, Sweden and U.S. top WIPO's global innovation rankings
But the world's five biggest science and technology clusters are now in East Asia; Japan's is the largest and China has the most.