Press Releases
The 7th Meeting of the Advisory Board for Promoting Science and Technology Diplomacy
April 23, 2024
On April 22, the 7th 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 Ms. KAMIKAWA Yoko, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Prof. MATSUMOTO Yoichiro, Science and Technology Advisor to the Minister for Foreign Affairs as well as Dr. KOTANI Motoko, Science and Technology Co-Advisor to the Minister.
- At the outset, Minister Kamikawa emphasized that science, technology, and innovation are indispensable for not only addressing global challenges such as infectious diseases and climate change, but also promoting efforts towards achieving SDGs, and the role of science and technology in diplomacy becomes more important than ever in a historical turning point of the world. In addition, Minister Kamikawa stated that Japan needs to promote the use of cutting-edge technologies such as Artificial Intelligence for good purposes in diplomacy, and that science and technology is a soft power and a unique important diplomatic tool for Japan in the field of Official Development Assistance. Finally, she affirmed that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will make further efforts to promote science and technology diplomacy, taking today’s discussion into consideration.
- Next, Prof. Matsumoto and Dr. Kotani reported their recent activities, touching upon the enhancement of Japanese researchers’ network through his visit to San Francisco in the U.S., and the possible future cooperation by researchers between Japan and south pacific countries through her visit to Fiji. In addition, Prof. Matsumoto presented to Minister Kamikawa a recommendation document prepared by Science and Technology Fellows at overseas establishments, having commenced their activities since FY2023.
- Furthermore, along with themes of the Meeting, such as the enhancement of science and technology activities by overseas establishments of MOFA, science and technology diplomacy and ODA, 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.