#China #Beijing #UNESCO #Science Literacy #China Association for Science and Technology

The 2024 World Conference on Science Literacy

The 2024 World Conference on Science Literacy (WCSL) is gearing up to take place in Beijing, China, from December 5 to 6. This pivotal event is being organized by the China Association for Science and Technology (CAST) with support from major global organizations including UNESCO, the International Science Council (ISC), the World Federation of Engineering Organizations (WFEO), and the World Academy of Sciences for developing countries (TWAS).

With the guiding theme, "Enhance Science Literacy, Empower Joint Development," the conference aims to address crucial issues in science education and public engagement. Attendees can look forward to an agenda packed with an opening ceremony, keynote presentations, five thematic forums, and even a cultural tour. As of now, participants from 23 different countries along with representatives from 10 international organizations are confirmed to attend, highlighting the event's global reach and significance.

Several prominent figures will deliver keynote speeches during the opening ceremony on December 5. Speakers include:

• - Ezra Clark, Special Representative of the UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Natural Sciences
• - Gong Ke, Former President of WFEO and current Executive Director at the Chinese Institute for the New Generation Artificial Intelligence Development Strategies
• - Sook-Kyoung CHO, President of the Network for the Public Communication of Science and Technology (PCST) and Professor at the Korea Institute of Energy Research
• - Julie Anne Luft, Former President of the American National Science Teaching Association, Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and Distinguished Research Professor at the University of Georgia
• - Rosalia Vargas, President of the Ciência Viva, the National Agency for Scientific and Technological Culture in Portugal.

Thematic Forums

The conference features five vital thematic forums designed to encourage in-depth discussions:

1. Popularizing Frontier Sciences to Support Scientific and Technological Innovation
2. Multi-stakeholder Collaborations to Enhance Public Science Literacy
3. Leveraging New Technologies to Empower Science Literacy Construction
4. Regional Practices and Visions for Building Science Popularization Capacity
5. The 2024 Forum of the Center for China Science Popularization and the 31st National Science Popularization Theory Seminar

Additionally, a special session titled "SciComm Dialogue" will spotlight the experiences of notable science communicators Karl Kruszelnicki and Li Xiangyi, both recognized with the UNESCO Kalinga Prize for their extensive work in science popularization.

Goals and Vision

The 2024 WCSL is set to serve as a high-level international platform for professional exchange, with its primary goals being to elevate public science literacy across the globe, support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, and aid in creating a community dedicated to a shared future for humanity.

By facilitating meaningful discussions and collaborations, the conference aspires to empower individuals and organizations to further science literacy initiatives, ensuring that science remains an accessible and relevant part of everyday life. Stakeholders from various sectors are encouraged to join this transformative event that promises to make a positive impact on science education worldwide.

As delegates gather in Beijing, they will not only share knowledge but will also celebrate the universal importance of science in our daily lives, highlighting how improved science literacy can lead to sustainable development and a better future for all.