Science as a Driver of Global Development: Financing Innovation and Health for a Resilient Future

The Spring Meetings of the World Bank Group and the International Monetary Fund, from 13–19 April 2026, provide an opportunity to place science at the centre of global discussions on debt, growth, and development finance. In a context of constrained fiscal space and overlapping global crises, science and innovation are essential drivers of productivity, resilience, and long-term economic stability. Yet they are often treated as sectoral issues rather than as core elements of macroeconomic strategy.

As part of the Science Summit series organised by the Science For All Foundation, and co-organised by the Global Health Connector, this side event will examine how development finance and capital markets can be better aligned with policy priorities to strengthen scientific capacity, while underscoring the macro-critical role of science, technology, and AI across health, food security, nutrition, biodiversity, and climate in driving sustainable and inclusive development.

Programme

(all times in EDT)

10h30-12h30

From Ideas to Investable Assets: Capital Markets for Science, Technology and Innovation

This session will examine how financial markets can support the scientific and technological capabilities that underpin long-term development, particularly in emerging and developing economies. Bringing together development banks, investors, and scientific institutions, the session will explore how blended finance, guarantees, and innovative financial instruments can de-risk investments in research infrastructure, data systems, and innovation ecosystems. It will also consider the policy conditions needed to develop credible pipelines of science-related investments.

• Declan Kirrane, President and CEO, Science for All Foundation and ISC Intelligence
• Mary Ellen Iskenderian, President and CEO, Women’s World Banking (a)
• Gary Kobinger, former Director, Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas
• Virginia Acha AVP, Science and Regulatory Policy, MSD; Chair, IFPMA R&D Innovation Committee
• Florent Bernard, Science Counsellor, European Union Delegation, Washington, DC
• Symerre Grey-Johnson AUDA NEPAD
• Michael MacFarland, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
• Holy Ranaivozanany, Africa Europe Foundation
• Timothy Spuck, Director, Education and Public Engagement, Associated Universities Inc

12h30-13h30          Networking Lunch

13h30-15h30

One Health and Development Policy: Aligning Finance, Evidence, and Systems Transformation

Artificial intelligence is emerging as a transformative force in health systems, comparable in impact to the advent of electricity. From smartphone-based cancer detection and personalised treatment planning to AI-powered diagnostics, telehealth, and disease surveillance, these innovations are reshaping how healthcare is delivered, particularly in resource-constrained settings. AI is enabling earlier detection, more precise interventions, and expanded access to care, while strengthening data systems and public health responses. This session will explore the policy and investment implications of scaling AI-driven health solutions, with a focus on how they can enhance system performance, improve equity, and contribute to more resilient and responsive health systems globally.

• Brian O’Connor Chairman, Global Health Connector
• Kyu Rhee, CEO, National Association of Community Health Centers
• Maria Ghazal, President & CEO, Healthcare Leadership Council
• Olufunmilayo I. Olopade, University of Chicago
• Alexis Joiner National Laboratories
• Julie Makani, East Central and Southern Africa Health Community
• Himaja Nagireddy, Kennedy Krieger Institute, an affiliate of the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine.
• Larry Kerr Vice President, Global Health and Multilateral Affairs, PhRMA
• Dr. Roopa Dhatt Assistant Professor, Georgetown University Medical Center
• Hon. Amira Saber, Global Board Member and Chapter Chair for the Middle East and North Africa, UNITE

15h30-16h            Coffee Break

16h-17h

Youth at the Forefront of One Health: Influencing Policy, Innovation, and Investment

The youth-led discussion will address the growing challenge of access to healthcare. Rising healthcare costs and widening inequalities in access disproportionately affect young people, particularly in low-income communities. By bringing youth perspectives into the discussion, the event will highlight the connections between health, economic opportunity, and inclusive development.

• Shivi Kumar Youth Parliamentarian, Science Summit UNGA81
• Radhika Unnikrishnan Undergraduate, Stanford University; Youth Parliamentarian, Science Summit UNGA81
• Parvathy Unnikrishnan 12^th Grade Student, Weddington , High School, North Carolina; Youth Parliamentarian, Science Summit UNGA81

Previous meetings in our Capital Markets Series include:
Capital Markets for Innovation: Unlocking Science and Technology Investment in Developing Countries – Official Side Event at FfD4, 1 July 2025, Seville, Spain

Exploring how Capital Markets can Leverage African Science Leadership in the EU’s MFF, FP10, and Africa-Europe Science Collaboration, Science Forum South Africa, 24 November 2025

Partnership Opportunities

If you would like to participate as a speaker, or propose a panel discussion, please contact us at: info@sciencesummitnyc.org

Registration form

Registration is now closed.

If you are interested in the 2027 edition, to be held alongside the World Bank Spring Meetings in Washington, please do not hesitate to contact us.

info@sciencesummitnyc.org