Science within Planetary Boundaries The Science Summit 2025, scheduled for September 9–26, 2025, will focus on the pivotal role of science in addressing societal challenges within planetary boundaries to enhance global well-being. Submmit your session proposal Science Summit 2025

Science Summit 2025

The Science Summit 2025, scheduled for September
9–26, 2025, will focus on the pivotal role of science in addressing societal challenges within planetary
boundaries to enhance global well-being.

This theme underscores the necessity of scientific innovation in maintaining Earth’s stability and resilience. This year’s theme underscores the importance of conducting science responsibly, respecting Earth’s natural limits, and prioritising science for society and the people.

The previous Science Summit in 2024 hosted influential global leaders who play pivotal roles in shaping sustainable development and environmental stewardship:

Mohamed Ould Ghazouani
Chair African Union
Dr. Ibrahim Thiaw
Executive Secretary of UNCCD
Amandeep Singh Gill
UN Secretary General’s Envoy on Technology
Dr. Ibrahim Thiaw
Executive Secretary of UNCCD

Main Objectives and Highlights

Science for Development

Science is indispensable for achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and any Development Agenda. It provides the evidence-based knowledge necessary to address complex global challenges such as poverty, health, and environmental degradation. Scientific research informs policy decisions, ensuring they are effective and sustainable. Moreover, science fosters innovation and technological advancements that drive progress across all SDGs. By integrating scientific insights, we can develop holistic solutions that promote economic growth, social inclusion, and environmental sustainability.

Integrating Science into the International Financing Agendas

Explore innovative financing mechanisms to support
science-driven solutions for global challenges.

Discuss the role of governments, industry, and international organizations in funding sustainable scientific initiatives.

Identifying opportunities for Science from the Financing for Development Conference conclusions that will be held in Sevilla in July 2025.

Industry as a Catalyst for Implementation

Highlight how industries can translate scientific objectives
into actionable projects.

Showcase case studies of successful collaborations between science and industry to create tangible societal impacts.

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Science in Action: From Ideas to Impact:

Focus on implementation strategies that yield measurable changes in people’s lives.

Share best practices for scaling up scientific breakthroughs to improve health, education, climate resilience, and economic opportunities.

Empowering Change through Collaboration:

Interactive sessions dedicated to fostering partnerships among scientists, policymakers, and business leaders.

Promote solutions-oriented dialogue on aligning scientific research with community needs.

Get Involved at the Science Summit 2025

Key Features of the Science Summit 2025

Hybrid Format for Enhanced Engagement

In-Person Event in New York: A portion of the program will be hosted in New York City from 17th to 26th September 2025, bringing stakeholders together for collaborative discussions and strategic networking.

Participants can engage online and offline, ensuring flexibility for those with varied preferences or constraints.

Affordable and Open Participation

By leveraging technology, the
summit minimises participation costs and provides free or subsidised access
to critical sessions for underrepresented individuals and organisations .

Hybrid Format for Enhanced Engagement

The Science Summit 2025 is committed to fostering inclusivity by
breaking barriers to global scientific participation. It will bring together representatives from industry, academia, governments, communities, NGOs, civil society, and international organisations across all five continents, ensuring a truly diverse and global dialogue.

The summit actively seeks to include voices from underrepresented groups, including women, youth, and scientists from developing countries.
Key sections of the programme such as the Youth Parliament and PhD Sponsorships for Developing Nations foster equitable representation
in the global scientific community.

Global Access Through Virtual Programming

The summit’s virtual platform eliminates geographic, financial, and physical barriers, allowing participants from even the most remote regions to engage.

All sessions are designed to accommodate diverse time zones and languages, maximising reach and participation.

Localized and Regional Focus

Initiatives like Country Days spotlight regional scientific efforts, showcasing diverse cultures, innovations, and approaches to shared challenges.

The summit provides a platform for collaboration between nations, aligning local solutions with global goals.

Major Themes

The Science Summit 2025 will address critical global challenges through a multidisciplinary lens,
offering discussions and solutions across the following key themes:

Finance for Development

The Science Summit 2025 will address critical global challenges through a multidisciplinary lens,
offering discussions and solutions across the following key themes:

Capacity Building

Enhancing global scientific capabilities through robust infrastructure such as:
Data management and sharing
EU Research Infrastructures
Cutting-edge facilities like US Laboratories

AI and Digital Transformation

Examining the transformative power of Artificial Intelligence and digital technologies in science, healthcare, education, and sustainable development.

Health

Tackling pressing health challenges with a focus on innovative solutions to improve healthcare access, disease prevention, and global health equity.

Biodiversity

Highlighting the urgent need to protect and restore biodiversity as a foundation for environmental sustainability and human well-being.

Country Days

Showcasing scientific advancements and initiatives from diverse regions, including:
Africa – Qatar – UAE- Latin America – India
Japan – China

G20 South Africa – Follow-Up

Building on the outcomes of the G20 South Africa Summit, with a focus on sustainable economic growth and science-driven policy implementation.

COP 16 – Nature, Desertification, Climate

Delving into topics central to the upcoming COP 16, such as combating climate change, preventing desertification, and preserving natural ecosystems.

International Year of Quantum Science

Celebrating advancements in quantum technologies and their revolutionary potential in computing, cryptography, and beyond.

Enhancing collaboration
in the Scientific Community

The Science Summit 2025 will offer unique opportunities for engagement, collaboration, and
inspiration through the following special social features:

AI and Digital Transformation

A dedicated space for connecting with global leaders, experts, and innovators.

Gala Dinner

A formal event celebrating scientific achievements and fostering high-level discussions.

Changemakers Lunch

An interactive lunch session with main industry, NGOs, academia, international organisation and policy makers representatives.

US Congress Meetings

Engaging with policymakers to advocate for science-based solutions.

UN Meetings

Integrating science into international governance and policy frameworks.

Youth Parliament

Empowering young leaders to voice their perspectives on science and sustainability.

Sponsor PhD from Developing Countries

Providing opportunities for students from developing nations to pursue advanced research.

EU Funded Projects:

Showcasing the impact of EU-funded research and innovation initiatives.

The summit’s diverse themes and features are designed to foster collaboration, inspire innovation, and catalyze action for a sustainable and equitable future.

Mohamed Ould Ghazouani
Chair African Union
Dr. Ibrahim Thiaw
Executive Secretary of UNCCD
Amandeep Singh Gill
UN Secretary General’s Envoy on Technology
Tshilidzi Marwala
Rector of the United Nations University, UN Under-Secretary General
Carme Artigas
Co-Chair, UN Advisory Board on AI and former Secretary of State for Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence, Spain
Doreen Bogdan-Martin
Secretary-General, International Telecommunications Union (ITU)
Professor Michael Kremer,
Nobel Laureate, Innovation Commission, University of Chicago
Andrew Muir
Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, Northern Ireland
H.E. Monique Barbut
Special Envoy to President Macron of France
Ambassador Philip Thigo
Special Envoy on Technology,Republic of Kenya
H.E. Julius Maada Bio
President of Sierra Leone
Estela Aranha
Special Adviser to the Minister of Justice and Public Security, Federal Government of Brazil
Prof. Kevin Urama
African Development Bank
Daisy McGregor
Deputy Director, International AI Strategy at the UK Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
Dr. Issa Faye
Director General, Global Practices and Partnerships, Islamic Development Bank
Ms. Ulrike Haarsager
OPEC Fund for International Development
Mr. Guillaume Grosso
Deputy Executive Managing Director,CGIAR
Dame Wendy Hall,
Regius Professor of Computer Science at the University of Southampton
Haksoo Ko
Chairman of the Republic of Korea’s Personal Information Protection Commission (PIPC)