World Science Forum 2024 Budapest
The science and policy interface at the time of global transformations
The 11th World Science Forum returns to Budapest between 20-23 November for another session of exciting and inspiring discussions under the main theme "The science and policy interface at the time of global transformations". Join us to discuss global trends shaping the future of science and the interaction of science, society and policy-making.
We are living in an era of rapid global transformations
The sustainability crisis, wars threatening global peace and security, and the emergence of new technologies accelerated by artificial intelligence are just a few examples of the transformational challenges that define our age. Measures to fight their negative effects and to embrace and capitalize on the continuous evolution of human knowledge is the key to prevent, manage and overcome the multicrises of the 21st century.
We need to improve the efficiency of the interface between science and policy-making
The efficiency of the interface between science and policy is at the core of humanity’s ability to cope with these challenges. Scientific knowledge and its technological, environmental and social applications have never been more abundant, yet they have failed to reverse the alarming sustainability crisis or to overcome social, economic and cultural tensions leading to the uptake of armed conflicts.
There is no doubt that both the scientific community and policy-makers around the world will need to adapt, expand and renew their practices in order to step up their efforts and deliver evidence-based solutions that advance global well-being and solidarity while preserving our planet for future generations.
We believe in the power of dialogue
The 2024 edition of World Science Forum strives to stimulate this process and bring about a change in attitude and ambition among members and high-level representatives of national governments, science organisations, industry, science media, NGOs and society at large.
We are inviting you to participate and follow the discussions that will take place in Budapest between 20–23 November 2024 under the main theme “The science and policy interface at the time of global transformations”. As suggested by the word “interface” itself, we believe in the power of dialogue and the two-directional flow of information not only when it comes to discussions in conference rooms, but also when promoting an open-minded co-operation between scientists and policy-makers in the field, that is, between producers and users of scientific knowledge striving to formulate effective policies and efficient actions.
We build trust in science
Our success also depends on our ability to contemplate and reconcile the different internal mechanisms, motivations and time-scales of science and policy. With this in mind, the programme of WSF is based on four strong pillars that investigate the following key issues: trust in science, risk assessment in the context of science and policy-making, the major tasks identified by the September UN Summit of the Future, and cooperation and coordination and governance in science, also affecting the freedom and safety of scientists. These issues are considered to be paramount for substantially improving international collaboration and advancing science on a global scale.
Join the WSF discussions in Budapest
Join us in Budapest between 20–23 November or follow the programme of World Science Forum online for exciting in-depth content, inspiring debates in plenary and thematic sessions and policy-oriented ministerial discussions with a hands-on approach.