India and UNESCO to Co-Organize 2024 Chief Science Advisers Roundtable in Paris

The 2024 Chief Science Advisers’ Roundtable (CSAR) is scheduled for September 6, 2024, at UNESCO’s headquarters in Paris. This event is a collaborative effort between the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India and UNESCO’s Natural Sciences Sector. Originally launched during India’s G20 Presidency in 2023, CSAR aims to enhance global science advisory mechanisms.

Global Participation and Theme

The roundtable will bring together delegations from 28 countries, led by their Chief Science Advisers (CSA) or equivalent representatives, and six international organizations. The central theme for this year is “Fostering open science, bridging knowledge asymmetry, and building science advice capacity globally.” The event will be co-chaired by Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood, India’s Principal Scientific Adviser, and Dr. Lidia Brito, UNESCO’s Assistant Director-General for Natural Sciences.

Pre-Roundtable Knowledge Session

The event will start with a free-flowing knowledge session exploring the impact of science advice mechanisms on building trust in science. This session will offer insights into enhancing science advice capacity at various levels and will encourage dialogue among Chief Science Advisers, UNESCO Permanent Delegations, and international scientific and advisory bodies.

Future Prospects

The 2024 CSAR will set the stage for continued global collaboration, with South Africa poised to advance this initiative. The roundtable aims to bolster global science advice capacity, promote open science, and bridge knowledge gaps worldwide.