Where science meets decision-making
The Science Summit during UNGA81 brings together leaders from governments, United Nations agencies, academia, industry, development banks, philanthropy and civil society to explore how science and innovation can accelerate sustainable development.
The New York programme combines plenary discussions, parallel thematic sessions and high-level networking opportunities covering food security, artificial intelligence, global health, climate action, science diplomacy and sustainable finance.
- Online from 14 –30 September 2026
- New York in-person from 21 to 25 Septermber
- Nairobi in-person from 28 to 20 September
A Summit Designed for Collaboration
Unlike many conferences that focus on a single discipline, the Science Summit deliberately brings together communities that do not often meet in the same room.
- Scientists engage with policymakers.
- Researchers meet investors.
- Universities collaborate with industry.
- International organisations work with entrepreneurs, philanthropies and development banks.
These conversations create new partnerships, new ideas and new opportunities to move scientific knowledge from research into policy, investment and real-world impact.
- Science-based evidence to inform policy
- Turning science into solutions
- Driving sustainable innovation
- Strengthening global cooperation
A platform built for youth leadership, action, and influence
Anchored in the World Health Summit Regional Meeting 2026 theme, this event convenes young professionals, researchers, students, advocates and innovators to engage in structured discussions that are practical, forward-looking, and policy-relevant.
- Move beyond symbolic participation to meaningful youth power
- Shape health systems conversations at local, national, and regional levels
- Contribute recommendations that inform the wider Summit
- Connect with peers, institutions, and partners across Africa
2
Days of Engagement
6
30+
200+
A space built for dialogue, action, and connection
Structured Breakout Dialogue
Sessions are designed to generate practical insights and recommendations that can influence decision-making, investment priorities, and accountability mechanisms across health systems.
Interactive Conversations
Cross-Continental Connection
Session tracks
Track 1: Youth as Architects of Health System Resilience
Explore how youth leadership can help build resilient, future-ready health systems in the face of demographic change, urbanisation, digital transformation, and shifting disease burdens.
- Digital Health, AI and Youth-Driven Innovation
- Climate Change, Planetary Health, and Youth Action
- Health Workforce of the Future: Youth at the Centre
Track 2: The Role of Youth in Reimagining Health Systems
- Health Equity, Gender, and Social Justice
- Financing Health & Investing in Youth
- Conflict, Migration, and Urbanization
Life Conversation
Scroll Smart: What to believe in the Age of AI and Online Influence. Digital platforms now shape how health information is created, shared, and trusted. This session explores how young advocates, creators, and health professionals can navigate online influence, rebuild public trust, and advance youth-driven digital health leadership.
A diverse community of young changemakers
- University Students
- Young Health Professionals
- Early-Career Researchers
- Youth-Led & Youth-Focused Organisations
- Civil Society & Development Partners
- Health Innovators & Entrepreneurs
What this event will produce
Actionable Policy Insights
New Partnerships
Youth Declaration / Roadmap
Greater Visibility for Youth Leadership
New York Programme
The Science Summit NYC programme, taking place in New York from 21–25 September alongside the United Nations General Assembly, will bring together policymakers, scientists, international organisations, industry leaders, civil society, youth representatives, Indigenous communities, and development partners to explore the role of science, innovation, and international cooperation in addressing global challenges and advancing sustainable development.
The programme will focus on key strategic areas including climate resilience, food systems, health, biodiversity, AI, digital infrastructures, science diplomacy, sustainable finance, gender equality, youth leadership, and global partnerships.
Particular attention will be given to strengthening South–South and triangular scientific cooperation, promoting more equitable global research ecosystems, and supporting the growing leadership of countries from the Global South in shaping international scientific agendas, innovation systems, and sustainable development pathways.
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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
Parallel 1 | 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
Parallel 2 | Science Data and Artificial Intelligence
⇒ 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
Developing trustworthy AI requires strong governance, international cooperation and sustained investment. This session examines how governments, industry and academia can work together to build secure, ethical and inclusive AI ecosystems that benefit society.
⇒ 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
Parallel 3 | 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
Parallel 1 | Open Science and Research Excellence
Fronteirs Science House
With the support of our partners, the Science House Roadshow carries the spirit of Frontiers Science House to major global forums throughout the year, extending key scientific and policy conversations beyond its key event during the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos. Together, we’re building momentum and continuity toward Science House’s next edition in 2027. The roadshow started at the WEF’s 17th Annual Meeting of the New Champions in Dalian, China, and it is continuing in New York, alongside the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) and NY Climate Week.
Our high-level Science House Roadshow event will translate scientific evidence into action and strengthen cross-sector collaboration across science, policy, philanthropy, industry, and international organizations. The program explores three core themes: funding the future of science, emerging technologies for the energy transition, and geoengineering – with a focus on science, policy, and governance.
14:00 PM – 17:00 PM
Open Science and Research Excellence
Fronteirs Science House
With the support of our partners, the Science House Roadshow carries the spirit of Frontiers Science House to major global forums throughout the year, extending key scientific and policy conversations beyond its key event during the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos. Together, we’re building momentum and continuity toward Science House’s next edition in 2027. The roadshow started at the WEF’s 17th Annual Meeting of the New Champions in Dalian, China, and it is continuing in New York, alongside the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) and NY Climate Week.
Our high-level Science House Roadshow event will translate scientific evidence into action and strengthen cross-sector collaboration across science, policy, philanthropy, industry, and international organizations. The program explores three core themes: funding the future of science, emerging technologies for the energy transition, and geoengineering – with a focus on science, policy, and governance.
Tuesday, 28 April 2026
9:00 AM – 13:00 PM
Parallel 1 | Global Partnerships for Food Security
Science and Innovation Across the Islamic World
09:00 – 10:00
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
- 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.
Parallel 1 | Global Partnerships for Food Security
Science and Innovation Across the Islamic World
09:00 – 10:00
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
- 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.
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Life Conversations: Scroll Smart — What to believe in the Age of AI and Online Influence
Moderators, panelists and expert audience with youth leaders, researchers and health professionals.
Wednesday, 23 September
9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Opening
The opening session will introduce the main objectives and priorities of the Science Summit NYC, highlighting the importance of science diplomacy, multilateral cooperation, and the role of science and innovation in supporting the Sustainable Development Goals and global resilience.
- Welcome remarks from Science Summit and partner organisations
- The role of science in addressing global challenges
- Introduction to the Summit objectives and thematic priorities
13:00 PM – 14:00 PM
Lunch break
Thursday, 24 September
9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Opening
The opening session will introduce the main objectives and priorities of the Science Summit NYC, highlighting the importance of science diplomacy, multilateral cooperation, and the role of science and innovation in supporting the Sustainable Development Goals and global resilience.
- Welcome remarks from Science Summit and partner organisations
- The role of science in addressing global challenges
- Introduction to the Summit objectives and thematic priorities
13:00 PM – 14:00 PM
Lunch break
Friday, 25 September
9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Opening
The opening session will introduce the main objectives and priorities of the Science Summit NYC, highlighting the importance of science diplomacy, multilateral cooperation, and the role of science and innovation in supporting the Sustainable Development Goals and global resilience.
- Welcome remarks from Science Summit and partner organisations
- The role of science in addressing global challenges
- Introduction to the Summit objectives and thematic priorities
13:00 PM – 14:00 PM
Lunch break
Monday, 28 September
9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Opening
The opening session will introduce the main objectives and priorities of the Science Summit NYC, highlighting the importance of science diplomacy, multilateral cooperation, and the role of science and innovation in supporting the Sustainable Development Goals and global resilience.
- Welcome remarks from Science Summit and partner organisations
- The role of science in addressing global challenges
- Introduction to the Summit objectives and thematic priorities
13:00 PM – 14:00 PM
Lunch break
Tuesday, 29 September
9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Opening
The opening session will introduce the main objectives and priorities of the Science Summit NYC, highlighting the importance of science diplomacy, multilateral cooperation, and the role of science and innovation in supporting the Sustainable Development Goals and global resilience.
- Welcome remarks from Science Summit and partner organisations
- The role of science in addressing global challenges
- Introduction to the Summit objectives and thematic priorities
13:00 PM – 14:00 PM
Lunch break
Wednesday, 30 September
9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Opening
The opening session will introduce the main objectives and priorities of the Science Summit NYC, highlighting the importance of science diplomacy, multilateral cooperation, and the role of science and innovation in supporting the Sustainable Development Goals and global resilience.
- Welcome remarks from Science Summit and partner organisations
- The role of science in addressing global challenges
- Introduction to the Summit objectives and thematic priorities
13:00 PM – 14:00 PM
Lunch break