CAST Unveils 'International Month' to Foster Global Scientific Collaboration

CAST Launches 'International Month'

The China Association for Science and Technology (CAST) has initiated its first ever 'International Month,' themed 'Openness, Cooperation, and Trust'. Launched in October, this initiative aims to bolster collaboration and strengthen bonds within the global scientific community.

A Month of Engagements

This month-long program boasts over 60 events, accommodating more than 20,000 participants from more than 110 countries and regions. The central theme, 'S.T.I. Bridges, Humanity Orients,' highlights science and technology as a vital force propelling humanity forward. Recognizing the significance of people-to-people exchanges, CAST describes these interactions as the essential 'oar steering its course.'

Fostering Global Scientific Dialogue

A core objective of the initiative is to create a platform for international collaboration to address pressing global challenges. By championing a shared future for humanity, CAST is leading the charge to bring together scientists from diverse backgrounds and expertise. The month featured flagship meetings, academic forums, and opportunities for cultural exchanges among civilizations.

Key events included pivotal gatherings in science diplomacy, such as the World Science and Technology Development Forum and the China-South Africa Young Scientists Roundtable aiming to enhance trust and collaboration. Moreover, notable forums were focused on pressing issues like future technological advancements and artificial intelligence, show-casing over 50 major dialogue sessions that fostered collaboration.

A Spotlight on Engineering and Innovation

Among the many highlights was the 2025 General Assembly of the World Federation of Engineering Organizations, which took place in Shanghai. This flagship event emphasized the importance of green development within the engineering sector, aiming to cultivate talent and encourage a culture aligned with sustainability.

CAST has prominently led initiatives like the World Science and Technology Development Forum and the World Young Scientist Summit, addressing cutting-edge fields such as artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, and advancements in automotive electrification. These forums have already yielded over 50 actionable outcomes, enhancing cooperation in revolutionary sectors like hydrogen energy and intelligent manufacturing.

Building Trust in Scientific Progress

The international scientific community showed impressive engagement with the initiative, welcoming over 3,000 guests from abroad. More than 20 organizations co-hosted numerous events, demonstrating strong, cooperative ties across borders. Noteworthy figures in science voiced enthusiastic support, underscoring the initiative’s potential to cultivate trust and collaboration among scientists globally.

Nicholas B. Dirks, president of the New York Academy of Sciences, remarked on the crucial link between scientific prosperity and openness, which the initiative embodies. Similarly, Nils Stenseth, president of the International Society of Zoological Sciences, called attention to the considerable role of trust and cooperation in nurturing scientific talent and advances.

Highlighting Achievements and Future Directions

The International Month has yielded significant achievements, revealing the immense opportunities for collaborative scientific endeavors between China and the rest of the world. The initiative accomplished over 50 events addressing critical subjects such as advanced manufacturing, digital technology, and ecological sustainability, reflecting its vast reach.

Furthermore, CAST announced the release of nine key consensus documents, alongside new standards and research outcomes that pave the way for future innovations. New agencies and cooperative initiatives were also established, signifying a commitment to extended partnerships that promote shared technological advancements.

Conclusion

Overall, CAST's 'International Month' stands as a testament to the transformative power of collaboration within the global scientific community. By uniting diverse voices under a common mission, this initiative sets the stage for significant progress in tackling shared global challenges, ultimately advancing humanity's collective scientific journey.