Science Diplomacy and Global Cooperation: A Critical Dialogue in New York
A high-level dialogue on "Science Diplomacy and Global Cooperation" was held within the framework of the international scientific summit Science Summit 2026, which is being held in New York within the framework of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly. Representatives of the scientific and academic community of various countries took part in the meeting, which discussed new directions of international cooperation in the field of science, higher education and technology. During the dialogue, the role of scientific diplomacy in forming mutual understanding and long-term partnership between states was discussed.
At the meeting, special attention was paid to the role of modern science and higher education in solving global challenges. In particular, the issues of development of artificial intelligence and new technologies, expansion of access to scientific infrastructure, use of high-performance computing capabilities, directing research potential to solving economic and social problems were discussed. In addition, the importance of science and universities in solving cross-border problems such as climate change and food security was noted.
One of the important results of the dialogue is the signing of a memorandum of cooperation between the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan and ICESCO. The document is aimed at strengthening cooperation in the fields of science, higher education, research and innovation, implementation of joint projects and initiatives, as well as development of mechanisms of scientific diplomacy.
During the visit, the Al Farabi-ICESCO Center for Science Diplomacy initiative was also introduced, and its potential for developing scientific relations was discussed. In addition, attention was paid to increasing access to artificial intelligence and high-performance computing infrastructure, effective use of international scientific resources for researchers and the academic community.
The New York Joint Statement on Science Diplomacy for Inclusive Global Development document was adopted at the conclusion of the event. The joint statement defined directions for promoting scientific diplomacy and strengthening international scientific relations, which contribute to inclusive global development.
Rector of Shakarim University, Duman Orynbekov, along with representatives of the scientific and higher education sector of the country, participated in the Kazakh delegation.
In his opinion, the rector noted that it is important to maintain scientific relations and develop partnerships between universities in the face of current global challenges.
Climate change, food security, technological development and the rapid development of artificial intelligence are not issues that can be solved within the framework of one country or region alone. Therefore, universities should strengthen international partnerships and open the way for joint research, academic mobility and new projects. I would like to thank the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan for giving me the opportunity to work on behalf of Shakarim University in such an important international arena,"-says Duman Rymgalyuly.
Participation in such international arenas for Shakarim University strengthens ties with the world scientific space and allows to discuss joint initiatives with new colleagues. Expanding international relations of the university, increasing the academic and scientific opportunities of researchers, participation in joint projects is one of the directions of strategic development of the higher educational institution.
The common language of science and the desire to jointly solve problems of an international nature contribute to the strengthening of mutual understanding between states and universities. From this point of view, scientific diplomacy is becoming not only a means of developing academic relations, but also an important mechanism for forming international cooperation around common goals.
