First World Science Forum Nov. 8-10: Final Conclusions, Recommendations; Conference Will Be Continued Every Second Year in Budapest 11/10/2003
From: Dan Sweet, 202-585-2819, for the World Science Forum BUDAPEST, Hungary, Nov. 10 -- The first World Science Forum initiated by the Hungarian Academy of Sciences has closed today in Budapest, Hungary. At this unprecedented event, almost 400 participants from 80 countries discussed the new roles and challenges of science and knowledge in the global society of the 21st century. Peter Medgyessy, Prime Minister of Hungary offered to continue World Science Forum in Budapest in every second year. Under the patronage of the President of the European Commission, Romano Prodi, and President of the Republic of Hungary, Ferenc Madl, the first World Science Forum took place between November 8-10, 2003. Many prominent scientists, academics, politicians and members of the international business community presented at the Forum, including Alexandre Lamfalussy, First President of the European Monetary Institute, William A. Wulf, President of the US National Academy of Engineering and leaders of major corporations such as Ericsson, Nokia, Philips and Societe Generale. Goverdhan Mehta, President Elect of International Council for Science recommended that World Science Forum should be continued in every second year in Budapest. An important roundtable discussion took place as part of the celebration of the World Science Day for Peace and Development. Israeli and Palestinian scientists gathered together to present several fields of existing cooperation between the two scientific communities. UNESCO Science Prizes were also presented in the framework of the celebration of the World Science Day. The first World Science Forum was closed with the plenary speech of Peter Medgyessy, Prime Minister of Hungary. The Prime Minister offered to continue World Science Forum in every second year in Budapest. On the last day of the conference, the following conclusions and recommendations were accepted. World Science Forum, Budapest, 8-10 November 2003. Knowledge and Society Conclusions 1. Scientific research is having a more immediate societal influence and facing an increasing set of requirements on the part of the public. As a result of internal scientific development and societal need, new research priorities emerge, requiring the cooperation of various disciplines. Therefore an integration of the natural and social sciences is taking place for problem solving. Such integration reinforces the need for establishing interdisciplinary frameworks. This is to be reflected in the institutional structures of science and of science policy as well. 2. The development of science and the demands of society will remove the rigid boundaries between theoretical and applied research, between the academic and innovation sector. New models of cooperation between universities and the industry, such as knowledge-producing networks are highly encourageable. 3. One of the major characteristics of knowledge-based society is the growing dominance of market participants in knowledge production. The increasing involvement of business actors in research reduces the pressure on public finance, which should allow public resources to be concentrated on funding non-profit oriented research. At the same time, government should accept the responsibility for implementing policy measures, which would raise global R&D expenditure to levels supporting appropriate economic growth. 4. It is of paramount importance that scientific communities shall communicate the achievements of science and shall support decision-making. 5. Personal education, e-learning and other educational forms coexist with traditional forms of education and knowledge acquisition. To assure the quality and scientific values of those forms of education is a main obligation and responsibility. 6. The digital divide is a consequence of economically, socially and regionally disadvantaged position. The removal of these problems should be a top political priority. 7. The objective is to meet the needs of societies, but not at the cost of further degradation of natural resources. Sustainable development requires abandoning unsustainable patterns of production and consumption. Broader application of environmental management perspectives is a must. 8. There exist appropriate scientific guidelines for improving the quality of life. Solutions offered by science are generally delayed by socio-economic patterns and inappropriate information transfer or misuse. It is the common responsibility of politicians, scientists and decision-makers to ensure the proper implementation of knowledge to improve the quality of life. 9. In our world, access to information is globalised, but cultures are diverse. It is the responsibility of the holders of knowledge to offer people knowledge systems, which are accessible both for traditional micro-communities and for broader networks. Recommendations 1. Science should be a partner in all alliances working for sustainable development. 2. Human potential and research infrastructure should be developed in strong synergy. 3. All holders of knowledge, including scientists, should bear ethical responsibility. 4. The responsibility for our future is tantamount to the responsibility for the younger generation. Young scientists should be involved at every step. 5. We should work toward a global ethical codex to be drafted by the entire scientific community. 6. Each parliament should have a standing committee on science. 7. World Science Forum - Budapest should be continued! ------ For more information please visit the World Science Forum Web site: http://www.sciforum.hu Further information: Dan Sweet, 202-585-2819 |