The opening ceremony of the WSTDF 2024 in Beijing, Oct. 22, 2024. [Photo courtesy of WSTDF 2024]

The 2024 World Science and Technology Development Forum (WSTDF), hosted by the China Association for Science and Technology (CAST), was held in Beijing from Oct. 22-24, featuring sessions centered on the theme "Science and Technology for the Future." Initiated in 2019, the WSTDF has played a key role in enhancing people-to-people exchanges in science and technology.

Currently, the world is undergoing rapid changes and the global sci-tech landscape is becoming increasingly complex. Science and technology are now key drivers of global growth and a cornerstone of open cooperation. Advancing sustainable development through innovation has become essential to addressing the critical global challenges facing all nations and regions.

The forum seeks to advance the Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative and Global Civilization Initiative, harness international expertise to empower high-quality development, and foster global consensus to build a community with a shared future for mankind.

Solidarity for global sci-tech collaboration

As an international platform for scientific dialogue, the forum has grown significantly since its inception, with the aim of building an open network for technological exchange and cooperation.

Wan Gang, chairman of WSTDF 2024 and president of CAST, said in his speech during the opening ceremony: "For the past five years, the WSTDF has successfully created a platform that facilitates civil scientific and technological dialogue and has steadily broadened the scope of international scientific and technological cooperation. This platform is a testament to our unified aspiration for scientific and technological progress, reflecting our collective dream of upholding the diversity of world civilizations and promoting the sustainable development of humanity."

This year's forum brought together more than 350 guests from 33 countries and regions, including 14 Nobel laureates, Turing Award winners and Lasker Award recipients, as well as 27 leaders of international scientific organizations and 41 academicians from China and abroad. Over 200 scholars and experts from prestigious universities, research institutions and companies also participated in the discussions.

Alberto Conejo Nava, professor at the University of Science and Technology Beijing and recipient of the 2021 Chinese Government Friendship Award, said the forum has invited many excellent experts and provided invaluable opportunities for exchanges. "I received a lot when I came here to this event. I talked to many people from different countries, and I learned about many things. For me, the event is exceptional," he said.

Forging sci-tech bonds with China

For many attendees, the forum highlighted China's growing role as a hub for scientific and technological innovation. Manzoor Hussain Soomro, founder of the Economic Cooperation Organization Science Foundation and recipient of the 2020 Chinese Government Friendship Award, who has been working with Chinese colleagues since the 1990s, praised China's efforts in sci-tech. He said, "The Chinese government is putting a lot of priority and money into development of science and technology and science education. I think that is very important and I personally cherish that very much."

Potential cooperation space, a world-class innovation environment, and rare development opportunities have led international sci-tech experts to forge a bond with China.

Francesco Faiola, professor in the Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences (RCEES) at the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) and recipient of the 2023 Chinese Government Friendship Award, shared his experience working in China. "With various funding initiatives and policies designed to promote fundamental research and the translation of research results into practical application, I have access to advanced resources and infrastructure that enhance my work," he said. "This supportive environment aligns perfectly with my research goals and aspirations." Faiola added that China's supportive research environment has allowed him to contribute to meaningful environmental science projects, and the country's policies promote interdisciplinary cooperation.

Alberto Conejo Nava was also moved by China's scientific research environment. "My university has provided (me) with all the resources to do my work. They gave me funding and I was able to get my own equipment. Also, there are many students and I have a very good atmosphere. I think I have all the conditions I need to do my work," he said. Speaking of future work in China, he noted that he will continue conducting research into ways of reducing energy consumption.

Sustainable development for a shared future

The forum also underscored the role of science and technology in addressing global sustainability challenges. Henry H. Radamson, chief scientist of the Guangdong Great Bay Area Integrated Circuit and System Application Research Institute, member of the European Academy of Sciences, and recipient of the 2021 Chinese Government Friendship Award, stated that China's progress in economy, development and reform is closely related to sustainable development.

Shahbaz Khan, director and representative to the UNESCO Regional Office for East Asia and recipient of the 2019 Chinese Government Friendship Award, lauded China's contributions to global governance, particularly in supporting developing nations. "The concept of a community with a shared future for mankind is a very important part of the link with China, especially its focus on the Global South and helping developing countries," he said. He also highlighted the ongoing collaboration with several Chinese institutions to promote sustainable development, citing the partnership with the International Centre on Space Technologies for Natural and Cultural Heritage (HIST), a category-II international center jointly managed by UNESCO and CAS, as a prime example. Through the use of space technologies, HIST supports UNESCO and its member states in the conservation and management of world heritage, biosphere reserves and geoparks, thereby fostering their sustainable development.

Francesco Faiola also emphasized the forum's global outlook, noting its focus on environmental science as an example of how technology can address pressing global challenges. "The forum not only reinforced the pivotal role of science and technology in advancing humanity but also made me realize more clearly that the field of environmental science must continue to drive technological innovation and cooperation with a global perspective to tackle future challenges," he underscored. 

The WSTDF 2024 illuminated current trends in scientific and technological advancement, and also reinforced China's active role in shaping global governance and fostering international cooperation. As Wan Gang said, "As we venture forward, our exploration of scientific and technological innovation knows no bounds, and our efforts to build a better world never cease."