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More 100 scientists from China and abroad, including Nobel Prize laureates, officials, and representatives from the United Nations and other international organizations, will convene in Beijing for home academic event the 2024 World Science and Technology Development Forum (WSTDF) from October 22 to 24. They are anticipated to engage in a rich exchange of insights on solutions for global sustainable development.
In-depth discussion revolves around six major topics will be carried out at the forum, aiming to gather global wisdom to empower high-quality development, promote international scientific and cultural exchanges, seek solutions to the series of challenges in front of sustainable development in human society, and contribute future wisdom, technological strength, and global solutions for the development of human civilization and well-being.

The WSTDF was initiated by the China Association for Science and Technology (CAST) in 2019. That year, Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory letter to the inaugural WSTDF, expressing his hope that the forum would evolve into a platform that facilitates consensus-building, idea exchange, and deepened cooperation among scientists, educators, and entrepreneurs from various countries, ultimately contributing to global development.

Under the guidance of the spirit of Xi's letter, over the past five years , the forum has built a bridge connecting the global scientific community, and played an important role in advocating and promoting cooperation within the international scientific community.

Attendees and experts reached by the Global Times hailed that through various forms such as case sharing, initiative releases, and specialized forums, the forum has become a crucial platform to gather global scientific wisdom and strength to jointly address global challenges and support sustainable development worldwide.

In the face of a complex and ever-evolving global landscape, China remains steadfast in its commitment to hosting the WSTDF, dedicated to gathering global scientific and technological wisdom and insights for development. This underscores the country's sense of responsibility and commitment, they noted.

CAST President Wan Gang and CAST Executive President He Junke are also the forum's Chairman and Executive Vice Chairman this year. They expressed confidence to host a successful grand gathering for global scientists.

Technology Photo: VCG

Focus on pressing issues

The 2024 WSTDF is expected to welcome over 10 Nobel Prize laureates and other international award winners, more than 40 academicians from various countries and regions, over 30 corporate representatives, and nearly 50 delegates from international organizations. At the forum, scientists, educators, and entrepreneurs from various countries will gather together to build consensus, exchange ideas, and deepen cooperation.

Themed on "Science and Technology for the Future," the 2024 WSTDF will focus on six key thematic areas that encompass cutting-edge interdisciplinary technologies poised to shape the future of humanity. These areas are collectively known as the six "I's": Intelligence, Interdisciplinary, Infrastructures, Innovation, Interaction, and Integration, He Wei, deputy director-general of the CAST Department of International Affairs, told the Global Times.

The six "I's" tackle some of the most pressing challenges facing the current international scientific and technological community, including trust, interdisciplinary collaboration, infrastructure, innovative application scenarios, harmonious coexistence, and integrated development, Liang Huaixin, an expert from the School of International Relations at the University of International Business and Economics, told the Global Times.

The selection of these topics not only reflects China's concerns regarding the international community, but also aims to exert a significant influence on and promote the future direction of international scientific and technological development and cooperation, said Liang.

In addition to the six thematic sessions, the forum will also feature three roundtable dialogues.

With a variety of activities, including open forums, closed meetings, roundtable discussions, and cultural exchanges, participants at the forum will engage in cross-sector dialogues on pressing issues while collaborating on policy and standards. This approach underscores the integration and openness of interdisciplinary science and technology through initiatives, reports, and declarations, according to Qin Jiuyi, Vice Director of the China Centre for International Science and Technology Exchange.

As part of the upcoming forum, the China-ASEAN Engineers Forum was held in Beijing on October 16. The opening ceremony and awards ceremony of the 2024 World Laureates Forum in Shanghai will also be held on October 25, and the 11th China-Russia Engineering Technology Forum will be held in Harbin, Heilongjiang, between October 28 and 29.

A bridge for international cooperation

Over the last five years, the forum has deeply implemented the spirit of President Xi's congratulatory letter, continuously exploring and innovating itself to build a world-class platform for innovative ideas, an international scientific exchange and cooperation platform, a gathering platform for master-level talents, and a global sustainable development power platform, making positive contributions to the implementation of the Global Development Initiative and the construction of a community with a shared future for mankind.

The forum has built an international exchange and cooperation platform for innovation among enterprises, establishing and facilitating communication and cooperation channels within the international industrial community. It provides new opportunities for global development through China's new advancements, promoting the open sharing of international technology, talent, and resources and creating a fair and just environment for industrial trade development.

"Given today's complex and ever-evolving global landscape, China remains resolute in hosting the WSTDF and stays dedicated to gathering global scientific and technological wisdom and insights for development. This reflects China's sense of responsibility and commitment," Zhang Hongping, General Manager of the Technology Innovation and Digitalization Department at China Railway Construction Corporation, in an interview with the Global Times.

With an open mindset, China actively engages in the advancement of global science and technology, striving to create platforms for communication and collaboration. "Through these efforts, we can enhance mutual understanding among people, facilitate technological exchanges, dismantle barriers, achieve resource sharing and complementary advantages, and contribute to the sustainability of global technological development and green growth," Zhang emphasized.

In the future, the forum will continue to build consensus from the global scientific community, deepen international cooperation, and implement the three global initiatives on development, security, and civilization proposed by the Chinese top leader, and help build a more open, trustworthy, and inclusive international scientific community, promoting the light of science and technology to continue illuminating the future, the Global Times learned from the CAST.