Empowering the Next Generation of Scientists for a Sustainable Future

As global leaders confront the ever-looming threat of climate change, international organizations are stepping into action to seek strategic solutions. An important initiative, the 'Pact for the Future,' was adopted at the recent 'Summit of the Future' convened at the UN Headquarters in September 2024, focusing on sustainability and future generations.

In light of this, the Global Young Academy (GYA), in collaboration with the International Research Center of Big Data for Sustainable Development Goals (CBAS), the China Association for International Science and Technology Cooperation, the WYSS Global π Community, and the Qingke Museum of Natural History, hosted 'The Global Young Academy Asian Event-Global π Roundtable 2024.' This event set the stage for young scientists and leaders worldwide to engage in dialogue about sustainability challenges and innovations needed to tackle them.

The conference kicked off with inspiring speeches from notable figures in the global scientific community. Among those who spoke was Mr. Siddharth Chatterjee, the UN Resident Coordinator, who praised China for its contributions to multilateral cooperation in sustainable development. He stated, “China has demonstrated the power of multilateral cooperation in promoting sustainability and bridging the development gaps.” Mr. Erik Solheim, President of the European Center for Asia and former UN Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of the UN Environment Program, echoed the call for stronger global partnerships to achieve sustainable development goals.

Keynote addresses were given by esteemed scientists such as Nobel Prize winner Professor Ada E. Yonath in Chemistry (2009) and Professor Peter Sachsenmeier from the University of Oxford, who shared insights into how innovation and research can contribute effectively to sustainability efforts.

Highlighting the focus on collaboration, the event also marked the launch of the Qingkepai Science and Technology Innovation Alliance. This global platform aims to connect young scientists and innovators, fostering a spirit of collaboration to accelerate scientific research application.

The discussions at the event were further enriched through four parallel session meetings held at the historically significant Alum Mine Industrial Heritage Site in Cangnan. Attendees included representatives from diverse international organizations, young scientific minds, entrepreneurs, and engineers, all coming together to tackle pressing environmental issues. They engaged in meaningful conversations, including visits to the Fossil Museum and interactive sessions that emphasized the merging of scientific research with sustainable practices.

One of the noteworthy sessions, the 'Bio2Bio' meeting, focused on the intersection of heritage conservation and sustainability, emphasizing how initiatives like this can help preserve biodiversity affected by climate change. Additionally, the concept of 'Resilient Cities' was dissected, discussing how urban planning and geology can create communities capable of withstanding natural disasters and extreme environmental shifts.

The 'Sustainable Development Resources' session served as a platform for experts from China and Europe to deliberate on the role of geological sciences in promoting global sustainability. Experts impressed upon attendees the critical need for international collaboration in resource management and protecting the environment.

Moreover, the 'Basic Science and Public Communication' session aimed at bridging the gap between scientific research and public understanding by showcasing methods that incorporate art and culture into science communication. This highlighted the importance of engaging society in scientific endeavors to ensure broader understanding and support for sustainability initiatives.

This dynamic event was a testament to the commitment of young researchers across the globe, who are ready to collaborate, innovate, and carve paths toward a sustainable future. For more information on the outcomes of this event and future initiatives, please visit Global PI and view the event recap here.