In celebration of the Arab Science Week, the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) held a panel discussion on the role of science diplomacy and civilizational dialogue in achieving sustainable development, with the participation of a number of distinguished scientific figures in the Arab world.

The organization and management of the seminar, which was held on Thursday, October 21, 2022, via videoconference, was supervised by Dr. Adel Smeda, expert at ICESCO Science and Technology Sector, and Dr. Huda Megeirhi, expert at ICESCO Center for Civilized Dialogue.In his speech, Dr. Smeda touched on the importance of science diplomacy in supporting scientific cooperation between universities and scientific research centers in the Islamic world, and its role in facing the challenges of climate change, epidemics, illegal immigration, and enhancing energy and cyber security, reviewing the ICESCO’s projects geared to support achieving sustainable development, and youth projects in modern technology and space sciences.For his part, Dr. Omar Halli, Advisor to ICESCO Director-General (DG) for the Federation of the Universities of the Islamic World (FUIW), gave a presentation on the impact of science on networking and introducing cultures to serve society and development.

He pointed out that scientific diplomacy is one of the types of parallel diplomacy that is given importance in conferences and symposiums stating that it brings closer different viewpoints and join efforts, calling upon the participants to make of science a catalyst for cooperation, development and knowledge.

Dr. Huda Megeirhi explained the role of civilized dialogue in promoting scientific diplomacy, as a means of negotiation, avoiding conflicts, promoting the values of coexistence, and building fruitful international partnerships.

The discussion panel ended up with a number of recommendations to support cooperation and partnership between research and scientific institutions in ICESCO Member States, build bridges of communication and dialogue between scientists, design programs to build the capacities of young scientists with the aim of facing common regional and global challenges.

It also recommended launching an award in scientific and civil diplomacy for projects serving science and development.