New York Programme
21 – 25 September 2026 All session times are in EDT
Monday, 21 September 2026 (EDT)
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM
REGISTRATION
9:00 AM – 12:40 PM
Global Flagship Initiative for Food Security – First Annual Members’ Meeting
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 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.
High-Level Dialogue on Science Diplomacy and Global Cooperation
The High-Level Dialogue will explore how science diplomacy can strengthen international cooperation amid geopolitical fragmentation and complex global challenges, with particular focus on the growing contributions of the Global South and the Islamic World. Discussions will address AI and emerging technologies, responsible innovation, governance, equitable access, research capacity, and investment.
Key topics
- International scientific cooperation
- Innovation ecosystems
- Science diplomacy
- Food security
- Higher education partnerships
- Capacity development
Participating organisations
ICESCO, Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Ministry of Science and Higher Education Kazakhstan and the United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation.
9:00 AM – 13:00 PM
9h – 10h30
The University of Scranton
11h – 13h
From Preparedness to Resilience: Setting the Agenda for Societies in an Age of Global Risk
This focused roundtable will preview the Science Summit session “Beyond Preparedness: Building Resilient Societies for an Age of Interconnected Global Risks.” It will examine how science, technology, governance, finance and community knowledge can strengthen societies facing pandemics, climate change, conflict, economic instability, misinformation and technological disruption
13:00 PM – 14:00 PM
Lunch Break
14:00 PM – 18:00 PM
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.
18h – 19h30 Cocktail Reception (by invitation only)
14:10 PM – 17:15 PM
Location: Science Summit 2nd Floor
Global Flagship Initiative for Food Security – First Annual Members’ Meeting cont.
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.
13:00 PM – 17:00 PM
Financing Low-Emission Livestock and Grazing Systems to Sustainably Meet Growing Demand
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
Global Health and One Health
9h – 10h30
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), Gavi and research institutions.
11h – 13h30
Advancing science: Shaping clinical research across Africa and beyond
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
Beyond Preparedness: Building Resilient Societies for an Age of Interconnected Global Risks
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.
16:00 PM – 17:30 PM
Wednesday, 23 September
9:30 AM – 13:00 AM
Building the Research We Need: Toward Integrated Research Environment in the Amazon
The Science Panel for the Amazon (SPA), convened under the Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN), brings together more than 360 scientists, Indigenous knowledge holders and partners from across the Amazon region and beyond.
This session will present and discuss SPA’s new White Paper, “Beyond Funding: What would it take to build a thriving and resilient socio-biodiversity research environment across the Amazon?”. The paper examines the structural barriers affecting research across the Amazon, including communication, coordination, trust, infrastructure and funding inequalities, and proposes practical recommendations to strengthen collaboration and research capacity.
Participating organisations
Arapyau Institute, Conservación Amazónica (ACCA), Science Panel for the Amazon (SPA), Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN), COICA
11h30 – 13h 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.
13:00 PM – 14:00 PM
Lunch break
14:00 PM – 18:00 PM
COP to COP Science
From Evidence to Investment: Aligning the UN Sustainable Development Agenda with the EU Multiannual Financial Framework 2028–2034
16h – 18h
From Science to Environmental Action: Strengthening Evidence-Based Global Investment. Convened by the Scientific and Technical Advisory Panel (STAP) of the Global Environment Facility (GEF)
This session will examine how scientific evidence can be translated into better environmental policy, investment, and implementation amid interconnected climate, biodiversity, land, pollution, and resource challenges. Convened by the Scientific and Technical Advisory Panel (STAP) of the Global Environment Facility (GEF), it will bring together science, policy, finance, implementation and Indigenous and local knowledge perspectives.
Thursday, 24 September
9:00 AM – 13:00 PM
This interactive session will explore a new multidirectional model for global health collaboration being developed by the Global Health Academy for implementation from 2027.
Moving beyond traditional one-way or bilateral partnerships, the proposed approach aims to create a network in which institutions across regions share knowledge directly, identify common priorities, contribute complementary expertise and take leadership according to local experience and need.
Artificial intelligence will be used as a practical test case. Participants will examine how a global partnership network could jointly set AI priorities, develop shared educational approaches, evaluate tools across diverse settings and establish equitable principles for data use and governance, while addressing risks related to access, infrastructure, representation and institutional capacity.
Through panel discussion and partner input, the session will generate practical recommendations for building global health partnerships based on shared leadership, accountability and co-design.
Participating organisations
AFREHealth · Makerere University · National Institute of Health · Universidad Iberoamericana · University of Zimbabwe · Bicol University · Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research · University of Medicine and Pharmacy · Walailak University · Global Health Academy · Northwell Health
- Artificial intelligence for sustainable development
- Human-centred AI
- Hybrid Development Goals (HDGs)
- AI governance and ethics
- Post-2030 development agenda
13:00 PM – 14:00 PM
Lunch break
14:00 PM – 17:00 PM
- Regional scientific cooperation
- Smart data systems
- Biodiversity and bioeconomy
- Public policy
- Innovation networks
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 – 13:00 AM
Space for Society: Earth Observation, AI, and Science Diplomacy
Earth observation is entering a transformative period as advances in satellite observations, environmental sensing, artificial intelligence (AI), citizen science, and open data create new opportunities to understand our changing planet. Space for Society will explore how these capabilities can be integrated to create actionable environmental intelligence connecting science with communities, education, policy and decision-making, and international cooperation.
he session will examine pathways from observations and measurements to data, knowledge, decisions, and action, while addressing workforce development, youth engagement, and scientific capacity across regions.
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