On 20 and 21 November 2024, Prof. Emanuela Colombo of the Department of Energy of Politecnico di Milano took part in the first Conference on Science Diplomacy in Central, Eastern and South-Eastern Europe, held in Trieste.

The event, jointly organised by the University for Continuing Education Krems (UWK) and the Executive Secretariat of the Central European Initiative (CEI-ES), with the involvement of the EU Science Diplomacy Alliance (EUSDA), brought together a multidisciplinary audience of science diplomacy experts, academics, diplomats, civil servants and scientific representatives from both European and non-European countries. The aim of the conference was to address the existing gaps in the field of science diplomacy, fostering the exchange of ideas and dialogue on its contributions to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the UN 2030 Agenda, in particular SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Sound Institutions) and SDG 17 (Partnership for the Goals).

In her speech, Prof. Colombo explored the importance of multi-stakeholder partnerships to promote science diplomacy as a universal value, emphasising the contribution of universities both in training new generations of science ambassadors and in informing policies with evidence of the results coming from scientific research. She actively participated in the work of the various panels, contributing to the discussion by trying to strengthen the perspective of scientific research institutions in the field.

The conference also highlighted the growing importance of scientific diplomacy as a key tool to address global challenges, as underlined by CEI Secretary General Roberto Antonione:

Scientific diplomacy is not only a means to address global challenges, but also a strategic tool to foster cross-border cooperation, innovation and sustainable development in the CEI area.

Finally, the conference launched the process of establishing a community of practice on science diplomacy in Central, Eastern and South-Eastern Europe, with the aim of improving transnational cooperation in science and diplomacy, and fostering future collaborative activities in this field.

_{The SDGs ( Sustainable Development Goals) are the Sustainable Development Goals of the UN 2030 Agenda. SDGs 16 and 17 focus on key issues for global sustainable development:}

_{SDG 16: Peace, justice and strong institutions.}

• _{The goal is to promote peaceful and inclusive societies, ensuring universal access to justice and building accountable and effective institutions. Some key aspects include:}
• _{Reducing all forms of violence and violent mortality rates.}
• _{Combating corruption and improving transparency.}
• _{Strengthening the rule of law and ensuring access to justice for all.}
• _{Promote accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels.}

_{SDG 17: Partnership for the Goals}

• _{Focuses on strengthening the means of implementation and revitalising global partnerships for sustainable development. It includes:}
• _{Strengthening international cooperation and capacities of developing countries.}
• _{Promoting policy coherence for sustainable development.}
• _{Improving access to technology and innovation through global partnerships.}
• _{Increase investment in sustainable infrastructure and research.}