Global Knowledge Dialogues

Background  

As the world faces complex, interconnected challenges, there has never been a greater need for science to provide actionable knowledge that can inform policy and shape societal responses.  

This is a decisive decade, and it calls for courage and commitment. Science must be empowered to work towards a dignified future. Achieving these goals will require collaboration between scientists, governments, research funders, the private sector and civil society.  

The Global Knowledge Dialogues drew on ISC Members around the world to inform this critical work, and to future proof and strengthen the global voice of and for science. 

Activities and impact 

Starting in 2022, the ISC has organized Global Knowledge Dialogues around the world.  

Africa

• December 2022: More than 100 participants contributed to the first Global Knowledge Dialogue on the margins of the World Science Forum in Cape Town, South Africa. Participants outline eight priority areas for the region: Governance and Representative Bodies, Capacity Strengthening, Funding African knowledge systems, African identity, Education, Social Systems, and Gender equality in science systems. The ISC and Future Africa partner to co-design the ISC’s work in Africa. 

Asia and the Pacific

• October 2023: Global Knowledge Dialogue for Asia and the Pacific held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, hosted by ISC Member, the Academy of Sciences, Malaysia in collaboration with the ISC Regional focal point for Asia and the Pacific, based at the Australian Academy of Science.  

Latin America and the Caribbean

• April 2024: The first Global Knowledge Dialogue in the region was hosted on 9 – 11 April 2024 in Santiago de Chile by the ISC Regional Focal Point for Latin America and the Caribbean, along with its Liaison Committee. 

Global

• May 2023: Over 150 Member organizations and nearly 300 delegates participated in the 2023 Mid-term Meeting of ISC Members in Paris, France. Read highlights from the meeting, browse the presentations and view the photos. 
• January 2025: The Muscat Global Knowledge Dialogue was hosted by ISC Member, the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation of Oman and jointly held with the Third ISC General Assembly. View the programme and presentations as well as the photos of the event.