Shaping the Future through Science Diplomacy: From Global Dialogue to Regional Action, Ljubljana 2025

Harnessing Science Diplomacy to address Climate Change, New Technologies, and the Governance of Shared Natural Resources in South-East Europe.

For more information visit From Global to Regional: Advancing Science Diplomacy in South-East Europe

Background

In March 2025, UNESCO convened its first Global Ministerial Dialogue on Science Diplomacy to foster a common understanding of its role in advancing dialogue in an increasingly complex and polarised world. It explored how science diplomacy can help balance open science with research security, enable responsible and equitable progress in new technologies, foster sustainable management of shared resources, and protect science in times of crisis. The high-level Dialogue concluded with a Co-Chairs’ Statement1 that emphasised the critical importance of science diplomacy in a world increasingly shaped by geopolitical tensions, rapid technological changes, and pressures on shared natural resources. Science diplomacy was highlighted as essential for promoting dialogue, nurturing trust in science, strengthening international collaboration and mutual understanding, and bridging gaps in science, technology and innovation (STI). Building on the universal language of science, science diplomacy was recognised as a pivotal mechanism for accelerating sustainable development, advancing human rights, and cultivating peace. The Ministerial Dialogue took place at a critical juncture for science diplomacy. Moving beyond the traditional typologies of ‘science in diplomacy, diplomacy for science’, and ‘science for diplomacy’, scholars and practitioners are increasingly advocating for context-specific approaches that better reflect regional realities2. A notable example is the recently published ‘A European Framework for Science Diplomacy’ (2025)3, which outlines a vision and recommendations for strengthening science diplomacy on the EU level and beyond.