New York Programme
21 – 25 September 2026
Monday, 21 September 2026 (EDT)
9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
OPENING
The Science Summit will open with a high-level dialogue bringing together leaders from government, international organisations, industry, finance and academia to explore how science, technology and innovation can drive solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges.
10:00 AM – 13:00 PM
Food Systems and Sustainable Agriculture
This session will examine how science, innovation, and sustainable agriculture can support resilient food systems, food security, and climate adaptation while strengthening livelihoods and ecosystems in LMIC and globally.
• Climate-resilient agriculture
• Food security and nutrition
• Sustainable food systems
• Regenerative agriculture
• Agricultural innovation and technology
• Biodiversity and farming systems
Participating organisations
Global Flagship Initiative for Food Security, African Development Bank, Islamic Development Bank, BADEA, OPEC Fund for International Development, Saudi Fund for Development, CGIAR, UNCCD, Crop Trust, national governments, research institutions and private-sector partners.
10:00 AM – 13:00 PM
AI for Science, Innovation and Sustainable Development
Artificial Intelligence is transforming scientific discovery and accelerating innovation across every discipline. Technology leaders and policymakers discuss how AI can support research, strengthen public services and contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
Building Trusted AI Ecosystems
Artificial Intelligence is transforming scientific discovery and accelerating innovation across every discipline. Technology leaders and policymakers discuss how AI can support research, strengthen public services and contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
AI Fluency: A Core Competence for the 21st Century
Artificial Intelligence is rapidly becoming an essential capability across science, education, business and public administration. This opening session explores how AI literacy can empower individuals and institutions while ensuring that innovation remains responsible, inclusive and accessible to all.
Participating organisations
European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), European Commission, IRCAI (UNESCO), International Federation of Business and Professional Women (BPW), universities and education partners.
10:00 AM – 13:00 PM
Environment and Biodiversity
Protecting the environment is essential to achieving sustainable development, strengthening climate resilience and safeguarding biodiversity. This plenary will bring together leaders from science, policy, finance and industry to explore how science-based solutions and international collaboration can accelerate the transition to a more sustainable future.
Science for the Amazon: Building a Sustainable Future
Scientific knowledge is essential to protecting one of the world’s most important ecosystems. This session explores how research, indigenous knowledge and international cooperation can support biodiversity conservation, climate resilience and sustainable development across the Amazon Basin.
Youth Leadership for Sustainable Development
Young scientists, innovators and entrepreneurs present new ideas for addressing global challenges and demonstrate how the next generation is contributing to scientific leadership and sustainable development.
Participating organisations
Science Panel for the Amazon, Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN), World Bank, Inter-American Development Bank, Amazonian governments, research institutes and indigenous organisations.
13:00 PM – 14:00 PM
Lunch Break
14:00 PM – 17:00 PM
Open Science and Research Excellence
Fronteirs Science House
The Science House Roadshow extends the dialogue initiated at Frontiers Science House in Davos to major international forums throughout the year, fostering continuity in scientific and policy discussions ahead of the next Science House in 2027. Following its launch at the World Economic Forum’s 17th Annual Meeting of the New Champions in Dalian, China, the Roadshow continues in New York alongside the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) and Climate Week NYC.
The New York edition will convene leaders from science, policy, philanthropy, industry and international organisations to explore how scientific evidence can inform decision-making and strengthen cross-sector collaboration. The programme will focus on three strategic themes: financing the future of science, emerging technologies for the energy transition, and the science, policy and governance of geoengineering.
14:00 PM – 17:00 PM
Partnership for Global Food security
This strategic dialogue brings together international organisations, financial institutions and policymakers to explore long-term partnerships and innovative financing mechanisms that can accelerate the transformation of global food systems.
14:00 PM – 17:00 PM
Accelerating Agricultural Innovation for Africa
This strategic dialogue brings together international organisations, financial institutions and policymakers to explore long-term partnerships and innovative financing mechanisms that can accelerate the transformation of global food systems.
This session highlights research partnerships, technology transfer and practical solutions supporting sustainable agriculture across Africa.
Key topics
• Agricultural research
• Climate-smart agricuture
• Technology transfer
• Food security
• Capacity building
• Technology transfer
Participating organisations
ILRI, CGIAR Centres, African universities, development agencies, research institutes and agricultural innovation partners.
Tuesday, 28 April 2026
9:00 AM – 13:00 PM
Science and Innovation Across the Islamic World
This opening session explores how scientific cooperation across the Islamic world can accelerate sustainable development through innovation, education and international partnerships. It highlights opportunities for collaboration between research institutions, governments and multilateral organisations.
Key topics
- International scientific cooperation
- Innovation ecosystems
- Science diplomacy
- Food security
- Higher education partnerships
- Capacity development
Participating organisations
ICESCO, Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), universities, ministries of science and higher education, research councils and international partners.
9:00 AM – 13:00 PM
Global Health and One Health
Building Resilient Health Systems Through Partnership
Health challenges increasingly require coordinated action across human, animal and environmental health. This session explores innovative partnerships, research collaboration and financing mechanisms that strengthen resilient and equitable health systems worldwide.
Key topics
- One Health
- Pandemic preparedness
- Vaccine innovation
- Health system resilience
- Public-private partnerships
Participating organisations
Nuvance Health, South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC), EDCTP, IQVIA, Transform Health, International Vaccine Institute (IVI), La Caixa Foundation, Gavi and research institutions.
Accelerating Clinical Research and Global Health Innovation
International research partnerships are essential for accelerating the development of new diagnostics, vaccines and treatments. This session explores how collaborative clinical research can improve health outcomes and strengthen preparedness for future health emergencies.
Key topics
- Clinical research
- Vaccine development
- Equitable access to innovation
- Research capacity
- Global health partnerships
Participating organisations
EDCTP, World Health Organization (WHO), Africa CDC, Gates Foundation, European Commission, African research institutions, ministries of health and international funding organisations.
9:00 AM – 13:00 PM
Science Policy and evidence
From Data to Decisions: Science Statistics for Resilient Policy and Financing
Reliable scientific data underpin effective policymaking and investment decisions. This session explores how science statistics and research indicators help governments and funding organisations develop evidence-based policies that strengthen national innovation systems.
Key topics
- Science statistics
- Research indicators
- Evidence-based policymaking
- Innovation financing
- International benchmarking
Participating organisations
UNESCO Institute for Statistics, UNESCO, OECD, RICYT, national statistical offices, ministries of science and research councils.
13:00 PM – 14:00 PM
LUNCH BREAK
14:00 PM – 17:00 PM
Science for Global Resilience
Building Resilient Societies Through Science
Scientific research plays a critical role in helping societies anticipate, withstand and recover from global challenges. This session explores how science supports resilience across food systems, health, infrastructure and climate adaptation.
Key topics
- Disaster resilience
- Climate adaptation
- Risk management
- Science-informed policy
- Sustainable development
Participating organisations
UNDRR, OECD, World Bank, European Commission, research institutions, development agencies and resilience networks.
Science at the COPs: Preparing for UNCCD COP17 and Beyond
As countries prepare for future climate and biodiversity negotiations, this session highlights the role of science in informing international environmental agreements and supporting evidence-based policymaking for land restoration, biodiversity conservation and climate resilience.
Key topics
- Climate science
- Land restoration
- Biodiversity
- Desertification
- International environmental governance
Participating organisations
UNCCD, COP17 Presidency (Mongolia), UNEP, FAO, CGIAR, research institutes and environmental organisations.
14:00 PM – 17:00 PM
One Health in action
One Health: From policy to Innovation
The One Health approach requires collaboration across disciplines and sectors. This session presents practical examples of integrated health initiatives that address emerging infectious diseases, antimicrobial resistance and environmental health challenges.
Innovation for Disease Prevention and Global Health Security
The concluding health session explores innovative approaches to disease prevention, diagnostics, vaccines and international cooperation to strengthen global health security.
14:00 PM – 17:00 PM
Global Flagship Initiative Advisory Committee Meeting
By invitation only
Wednesday, 23 September
9:00 AM – 13:00 AM
Capital, Finance and Investment for Development
Mobilising Capital for Science and Sustainable Development
Scientific innovation requires long-term and appropriately structured investment. This session will explore how governments, development finance institutions, investors, industry and philanthropic organisations can mobilise capital for research, infrastructure, innovation and sustainable development.
From Scientific Research to Investable Solutions
Many promising scientific ideas struggle to progress from research to implementation. This discussion will examine how research organisations, industry and investors can work together to translate scientific knowledge into scalable technologies, services and enterprises.
13:00 PM – 14:00 PM
Lunch break
14:00 PM – 17:00 PM
Women, Finance and Investment
Women leaders from finance, investment, science and entrepreneurship will examine how more inclusive leadership can influence capital allocation and expand investment in science-based solutions. The session will also address barriers affecting women entrepreneurs, researchers and investors.
Science Diplomacy
Science diplomacy provides a platform for international cooperation at a time of growing geopolitical, environmental and economic uncertainty. This session will explore how scientific collaboration can strengthen trust, support multilateralism and connect research communities with foreign policy and development priorities.
Thursday, 24 September
9:00 AM – 13:00 PM
From SDGs to HDGs: Hybrid Development Goals for a ProSocial AI Future
As artificial intelligence becomes embedded across society, new approaches are needed to ensure technology strengthens human wellbeing and sustainable development. This session introduces the concept of Hybrid Development Goals (HDGs) and explores how human and artificial intelligence can work together to support a more inclusive and resilient future.
Key topics
- Artificial intelligence for sustainable development
- Human-centred AI
- Hybrid Development Goals (HDGs)
- AI governance and ethics
- Post-2030 development agenda
Participating organisations
Cognativ • Sunway University • The Wharton School • Harvard University • United Nations University • International Institute for Global Health • Bond University
Living Labs for Circular Regenerative Fashion
The fashion industry is undergoing a transition towards more circular and regenerative production models. This session explores how Living Labs are helping researchers, businesses, policymakers and communities co-create innovative solutions that reduce environmental impacts while supporting sustainable economic opportunities.
Key topics
- Circular economy
- Sustainable fashion
- Living Labs
- Resource efficiency
- Circular innovation
Participating organisations
Tampere University of Applied Sciences (TAMK) • NET-INFO • DigiArt Living Lab • Knowle West Media Centre • Centre for Social Innovation (ZSI) • Laurea University of Applied Sciences
13:00 PM – 14:00 PM
Lunch break
14:00 PM – 17:00 PM
LAC-SMART Platform: Connecting Knowledge and Generating Real Impact
This session presents an integrated regional platform designed to strengthen scientific cooperation, innovation and evidence-based policymaking across Latin America and the Caribbean through collaborative research, intelligent data systems and regional partnerships.
Key topics
- Regional scientific cooperation
- Smart data systems
- Biodiversity and bioeconomy
- Public policy
- Innovation networks
Participating organisations
Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (Embrapa) • São Paulo State University (UNESP) • Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz) • Giramundo Mutuando Institute
Ethiopia’s Science, Technology and Innovation Publications (2015–2025): A Bibliometric Review
Scientific publication data provide valuable insights into the evolution of national research systems. This session examines Ethiopia’s research performance over the past decade and discusses opportunities to strengthen scientific capacity, collaboration and innovation.
Key topics
- Research performance
- Bibliometrics
- Science policy
- Research capacity
- International collaboration
Participating organisations
Ministry of Innovation and Technology of Ethiopia • UNESCO Addis Ababa • Delegation of the European Union to the African Union
Friday, 25 September
9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Taking SDG Interactions Seriously: African Perspectives on Policy Coherence
Achieving sustainable development requires understanding the complex interactions between the Sustainable Development Goals. This session examines African perspectives on integrated policymaking, trade-offs and evidence-based development strategies.
Key topics
- SDG interactions
- Policy coherence
- Integrated development
- Climate resilience
- Food security
Participating organisations
International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) • University of Groningen • Utrecht University
Open Infrastructures for Global Health, Education and Open Science
Open scientific infrastructures are transforming research, education and healthcare worldwide. This session explores how open technologies, standards and collaborative scientific practices can strengthen accessibility, innovation and international cooperation.
Key topics
- Open science
- Research infrastructure
- Digital health
- Education
- International collaboration
Participating organisations
CNRS (France) • Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg • Humanitarian Technology Trust • CERN • openEHR International • Fundació TIC Salut i Social • Barcelona Supercomputing Center • Ottawa Bio Science • Nigerian Space Agency • ETH Zürich • Fraunhofer Institute
13:00 PM – 14:00 PM
Lunch break
14:00 PM – 17:00 PM
The Human Advantage: Leading the Brain-Positive AI Economy
As artificial intelligence transforms societies and economies, protecting and developing human cognitive, emotional and creative capacities becomes increasingly important. This session explores the emerging Brain Economy and how investment in brain health and human potential can complement technological innovation.
Key topics
- Brain health
- Artificial intelligence
- Human capital
- Innovation
- Future economies
Participating organisations
Brain Capital Alliance • NeuroCentury • US Chamber of Commerce • Google • Harvard Kennedy School • Euro-Mediterranean Economists’ Association
The Amazon, Climate and Inclusive Innovation
The Amazon is central to global climate stability, biodiversity and sustainable development. This session explores how science, technology, innovation and international cooperation can strengthen sustainable development while supporting evidence-based public policies and climate resilience.
Key topics
- Climate resilience
- Biodiversity
- Sustainable development
- Bioeconomy
- Science diplomacy
Participating organisations
Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation of Brazil • Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (Embrapa)