MUSCAT: The International Science Council (ISC) concluded its third general assembly meeting here on Saturday. The ISC’s general assembly meeting brought together members of the council, a group of international experts and representatives of global scientific organisations and initiatives.
The meeting reviewed the ISC’s strategic plan for the 2025-2028 period and its budget as well as reviewing the developments in terms of freedom and responsibility in science, defining a renewed scientific agenda, future visions for the council’s membership and discussing a number of urgent issues related to the future of science systems. It also reviewed the regional presence of the council by establishing new regional offices, final amendments to statute, among other topics.
Prof Sir Peter Gluckman, President of the ISC, expressed his thanks to the Sultanate of Oman for hosting the meeting and its exceptional commitment that contributed to the success of the general assembly and other events, initiatives and forums accompanying this major global scientific gathering.
Dr Yousef bin Abdullah al Balushi, a member of the ISC Fellowship Council, said that the first in-person meeting of the International Science Council General Assembly was attended by some 400 scientists representing a large number of scientific organisations and science academies.
He noted that the most prominent feature of the GA meetings is the presentation of a comprehensive report by the previous Board of Directors and the voting and approval of several recommendations related to the activities of the ISC as a leader of the global science movement in addressing global challenges and issues related to sustainable development.
The GA meeting agenda presented an extensive review of a large number of policies that focused on enhancing the value of science in addressing challenges related to diplomatic cohesion and international cooperation, benefiting from the in-person momentum witnessed by the discussions and sessions of the Global Knowledge Dialogue and the forums accompanying the third General Assembly meeting.
The General Assembly meeting affirmed the ISC’s commitment to ensuring that science remains the cornerstone of political and social decision-making by directing these discussions and their strategic directions to establish more initiatives and partnerships in the coming years to enhance scientific presence on the global stage, Al Balushi concluded.
Anik Bhaduri, Director, Asia Science Mission for Sustainability, Co-Chair-Future Earth Asia, said that this important scientific event brought together a group of scientists, decision-makers, and representatives of various science organisations to discuss ways to maximise the benefits of science urgently before many irreversible consequences and challenges come into effect in our planetary system.
He added that through regional science missions, we can make a significant positive change in science policies and practices in the region looking forward to strengthening cooperation with the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation in the fields of science and scientific research. — ONA
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