Press Releases
The 6th Meeting of the Advisory Board for Promoting Science and Technology Diplomacy
August 30, 2023
On August 30th, the 6th Meeting of the Advisory Board for Promoting Science and Technology Diplomacy was held in a hybrid format (online and in person), with the participation of Mr. HAYASHI Yoshimasa, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Prof. MATSUMOTO Yoichiro, Science and Technology Advisor to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, and Dr. KOTANI Motoko, Science and Technology Co-Advisor to the Minister for Foreign Affairs.
- At the beginning, Minister HAYASHI emphasized that promoting science and technology diplomacy is an important theme in diplomacy and also an urgent issue. He also stated that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs would further strengthen the functions of its overseas establishments, and further contribute to the development of an environment that promotes international brain circulation by utilizing the Science and Technology Fellows, which were newly appointed this year based on the Advisory Board’s recommendations regarding “Strengthening the Foundation of Science and Technology Capabilities” submitted to the Minister in June last year. Furthermore, Minister Hayashi explained that science and technology is one of the key tools to strengthen cooperation with developing countries, which is becoming more important to overcome multiple crises the international community is facing.
- Next, Prof. MATSUMOTO and Dr. KOTANI reported their recent activities, such as networking activities through official trips to Israel, Singapore, and Australia and meetings with foreign diplomatic missions in Japan, as well as public outreach activities such as lectures delivered abroad, including Spain, Mexico, and South Africa. They also presented that, in light of the recent changes in domestic and international circumstances surrounding Science and technology, the activities of the Science and Technology Advisor to the Minister of Foreign Affairs were re-examined, and discussions were initiated to strengthen their future activities.
- Furthermore, along with themes of the Meeting, such as the utilization of Science and Technology Fellows, economic security, and generative AI, the Advisory Board members had an active discussion on the current state of Science and Technology diplomacy as well as its challenges and future directions to pursue.
