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The 4th Meeting of the Advisory Board for Promoting Science and Technology Diplomacy

March 16, 2022
The 4th Meeting of the Advisory Board for Promoting Science and Technology Diplomacy
Mr. ODAWARA Kiyoshi, State Minister for Foreign Affairs
The 4th Meeting of the Advisory Board for Promoting Science and Technology Diplomacy

On March 16th, the 4th Meeting of the Advisory Board for Promoting Science and Technology Diplomacy was held online, with the participation of Mr. ODAWARA Kiyoshi, State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Prof. MATSUMOTO Yoichiro, Science and Technology Advisor to the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, and Prof. KANO Mitsunobu, Science and Technology Co-Advisor to the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan.

  1. At the beginning, Mr. ODAWARA mentioned that the Ministry will further strengthen the organization and functions for Science and Technology Diplomacy, referring to the Growth Strategy of the Government. Moreover, he expressed his gratitude for the contribution by Prof. KANO, who will conclude his activities as Science and Technology Co-Advisor at the end of this month. Also, Mr. ODAWARA pointed out the necessity to further utilize science, technology and innovation (STI) for our diplomacy, to help solve global issues and build and strengthen national and international relations as well as to promote STI in Japan, and he asked for the continued cooperation by the Board members.
  2. Along with the four themes: 1) Interlinkages between STI and security; 2) Science and Technology Diplomacy and ODA; 3) International collaboration in AI and the digital field; and 4) Strengthening the STI foundation in Japan to support Science and Technology Diplomacy; the Advisory Board members had an active discussion on the challenges and future directions to pursue. In particular, the Board started new discussions under the theme 2), focusing on the importance and challenges of Science and Technology Diplomacy in terms of utilizing STI in ODA projects. Mr. ODAWARA welcomed the new discussion, and expressed his appreciation for lively discussion among the Board members, as well as his expectations for further development of the discussion.
  3. Prof. MATSUMOTO and Prof. KANO reported their recent activities, such as the joint statement titled "Promoting Global Utilization of Science, Technology and Innovation for Food Systems Transformation to Ensure the Health of People and the Planet (STEPP)", which was issued on the occasion of the Tokyo Nutrition for Growth Summit 2021. Also, they shared with the Advisory Board the discussions at the INGSA (International Network for Government Science Advice) Annual Meeting and the recent activities among the members of the FMSTAN (Foreign Ministries Science and Technology Advisors Network). The Advisory Board is expected to advise and exchange opinions with STI experts and related agencies at the various international meetings and diplomatic occasions.

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