A new phase of international STI cooperation in times of high uncertainty and complexity
A G-STIC side event in the context of the 2025 STI Forum
May 8, 13:15 – 14:45 (EST, New York time) // UNHQ // Conference Room 9
Registration required via
As the world grapples with ongoing global challenges, deep-rooted inequalities, systemic vulnerabilities, and unsustainable practices continue to hinder progress on the 2030 Agenda. Millions of people continue to face poverty, violence, and exclusion, lacking access to essential services such as clean water, food, housing, healthcare, vaccination, safety, and education. At the same time, the crisis underscored societal vulnerabilities to misinformation and distrust in science—urgent challenges that must be addressed.
Adding to these challenges, the world faces a triple planetary crisis: climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. Destabilized ecosystems heighten the risk of infectious disease outbreaks, threaten food security, and increase vulnerability to natural disasters. Meanwhile, ongoing geopolitical tensions further disrupt global stability, undermining international law, human rights, and economic resilience. Despite these challenges, the current moment presents a crucial opportunity for systemic reforms toward a more just, sustainable, and resilient future. Now more than ever, Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) are vital tools to accelerate progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and drive the transition to a more sustainable world.
In this context, international STI cooperation is essential to navigate uncertainty and complexity. This G-STIC side event at the UN STI Forum will explore how collaborative STI efforts can foster innovative solutions to global challenges. Bringing together policymakers, researchers, and innovators, the session will examine new models of cooperation that prioritize resilience, equity, and impact. Discussions will focus on leveraging STI for climate action, enhancing digital and technological inclusivity, and strengthening global innovation ecosystems.
By facilitating dialogue among diverse stakeholders, this event aims to shape a new paradigm of international STI collaboration—one that is adaptive, inclusive, and aligned with global sustainability goals.
Organising partners
Please note: The program below is preliminary and subject to change. Speaker confirmations and agenda updates will be added as they become available.
Moderator
Dr. Paulo Gadelha, former President & coordinator Strategy for 2030 Agenda, Fiocruz
Opening remarks (15')
- H.E. Ambassador Sophie De Smedt, Permanent Representative of Belgium to the UN (TBC)
- H.E. Ambassador Sérgio França Danese, Permanent Representative of Brazil to the UN (TBC)
- H.E. Ambassador Hwang Joonkook, Permanent Representative of Korea to the UN (TBC)
Opening statements (30')
- Dr. Inkyoung SUN, Research Fellow, Science and Technology Policy Institute (STEPI)
- Dr. Michael Keenan, Senior Analyst, OECD
- Dr. Paulo Gadelha, former President & coordinator Strategy for 2030 Agenda, Fiocruz
- Prof. Carlos Henrique Brito Cruz OBE (Brazil), Senior Vice-President, Research Networks, Elsevier, Co-chair of the 10-Member-Group.
- Mr. CHEN Ning, Vice President, JITRI
- Dr. Dietrich Van der Weken, General Manager G-STIC, VITO
Q&A & interactive discussion (30')
- All attendees
Guiding questions
- How do you see the role of STI in reducing global inequalities and enhancing access to essential services like healthcare, food security, and education?
- What successful international STI partnerships or models can serve as blueprints for future collaboration?
- How can we better integrate scientific research, policy-making, and real-world implementation? How can G-STIC contribute to this process?
- How can we create more effective STI funding mechanisms that encourage innovation while ensuring equitable benefits, particularly in lower-income regions?
- What role should multilateral organisations (e.g., UN entities, development banks, regional STI bodies) play in facilitating global STI collaboration?
Closing remarks and next steps (10')
- Dr. Paulo Gadelha, former President & coordinator Strategy for 2030 Agenda, Fiocruz
- Dr. Dietrich Van der Weken, General Manager G-STIC, VITO
We invite all stakeholders committed to sustainable progress to join us in shaping the next phase of international STI cooperation. We hope to see you there!