MYREZE’s Post

Understanding how city diplomacy directly affects local, national, and global communities is one of the most pressing and complex challenges for scholars in the field. I am very grateful to UNESCO for giving me the opportunity to lead the research for this report on the added value of its flagship activity in the field, the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN). The report examines multiple activities that have originated from UCCN. Here are a few examples: • At the local level, the creative sector's engagement in participatory urban governance matched architectural barrier removal with public space beautification. • At the national level, the UCCN development model has boosted cultural and creative industries, leading to increased innovation, employment, and productivity. • At the international level, the multiple geometries of cooperation within UCCN demonstrate that cities can profitably contribute as much to regional cohesion as to building peaceful relations on a global scale. However, lingering challenges at local, national, and international levels still limit the full harnessing of the benefits of international city-to-city cooperation in the field of creativity. As a result, the report suggests specific approaches to address these challenges through a multilateral and multilevel dialogue framework. Find out more: https://lnkd.in/ePrHEHdZ French version: https://lnkd.in/e78DPEJX

#My #First #Ever #MUN #Experience: A Rollercoaster Ride of Diplomacy, Humor, and Lessons When I signed up for my first Model United Nations (MUN) conference, I envisioned myself as a blend of James Bond and a world-class diplomat. Little did I know, my MUN debut would be more like a comedy of errors with a sprinkling of diplomacy. Armed with a stack of research, that screamed "future world leader," and a confidence boost from watching way too many political dramas, I was ready. Or so I thought. As I walked into the grand hall, I felt a mix of excitement and trepidation. The atmosphere was electric. Delegates from various schools, each representing a different country, were buzzing with energy. I took a deep breath, and approached my assigned seat. Our chairperson welcomed us with the usual formalities, but my mind was busy concocting my opening speech. I had memorized it to the point where I could recite it backward, though I hoped it wouldn’t come to that. When my turn came, I stood up with the grace of a giraffe on roller skates. "Honorable chair, esteemed delegates," I began, "today we are gathered to discuss world peace.... And if we can’t achieve that, at least let’s agree on the lunch menu." The room erupted in laughter. Encouraged, I continued with my speech. The debates were intense. Representatives from other countries threw around terms like "geopolitical stability" and "sustainable development" as if they were discussing the latest Marvel movie. There was a moment when the delegate of France passionately argued about climate change. I couldn’t resist: "how inspiring! Meanwhile, in India, we're just over here trying to figure out if we're going to get scorched by a heatwave, drenched by an unexpected monsoon, or choked by pollution. It's like a climate change buffet! But hey, at least we get variety, right?" As the session progressed, we negotiated, formed coalitions, and crafted resolutions. We worked through the day, fueled by caffeine and a shared sense of purpose. In conclusion, my first MUN experience was a blend of diplomacy, humor, and valuable lessons. While I may not be ready for the actual United Nations just yet, I now know that a touch of humor can go a long way in any serious discussion. And who knows, maybe one day I’ll be negotiating world peace – or at least the lunch menu.😉✨️✌️

Over the weekend, STEMwise participated in seventeenth edition of the Dubrovnik Forum international conference in Dubrovnik, hosted by Ministarstvo vanjskih i europskih poslova RH (Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs (HR). We actively participated in discussions aimed at bridging global divides and fostering important dialogues. Government officials and experts discussed navigating global political changes and advancing sustainable development goals. Key topics included transatlantic cooperation, AI in diplomacy, and sustainable investments in emerging economies, all promoting a more interconnected and resilient future through partnerships and innovative solutions. Panel discussion such as "Endorsing Sustainable Investments to Reduce Development Challenges: Multi-stakeholder Approach" put focus on the critical role of sustainable investments, with speakers like Teresa Czerwińska, Vice-President of the EIB, emphasizing the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration to drive economic growth and environmental conservation. Insights from experts like Dr. Irina Ghaplanyan on environmental diplomacy offered new perspectives on managing and funding innovative projects. These discussions emphasized the role of partnerships and innovation in supporting global cooperation and resilience. All the presented topics are closely followed by STEMwise due to our active participation in the policy debates at the EU level and the Brussels presence. #STEMwise #DubrovnikForum2024 #HorizonEurope

https://lnkd.in/gEc-2KXa A little old , but, full of nuggets ! 👇 " Science diplomacy', meaning international cooperation with science at its core, is the key to overcoming COVID-19. • Science paired with diplomacy can bring about unprecedented global change, as shown by the recovery of the ozone layer. • Building bridges between science and policy, and between countries, will help us solve the problems of today and tomorrow. In 1987, an improbable collaboration between scientists and diplomats led to a global ban on chemicals that were damaging our planet’s protective ozone layer. Harmful radiation was passing through the growing hole in this ozone shield, threatening life on the planet. In response, countries around the world agreed on the groundbreaking Montreal Protocol, which ended the use of ozone-depleting substances in cars, fridges and air conditioners. By 2018, the ozone layer was on track to recover completely, making this one of the most successful diplomatic agreements in history. Decades later, humanity is facing another common threat: the COVID-19 pandemic. But this time, cooperation between governments and international institutions is at an all-time low. Many countries are responding to the pandemic with sweeping unilateral actions and belligerent, threatening language. But to overcome this crisis, we need international collaboration, strong relationships and effective diplomacy. To see how powerful such global ties can be, governments need only look to scientists. Scientists have long formed relationships with colleagues across the globe, even when their governments didn’t get along. Countries are increasingly recognising the diplomatic value of such cross-border scientific projects and networks, known as “science diplomacy”. These international networks can re-establish trust and diffuse tensions when political relations are strained. After World War II devastated Europe, the European Nuclear Research Laboratory (CERN) encouraged post-war contact between German and Israeli physicists. During the Cold War, space cooperation enabled symbolic relationships between American and Soviet astronauts in orbit that were not possible on Earth. The 1959 Antarctic Treaty, a milestone for environmental protection, dedicated the last unexplored continent to science and peace. In 2015, long-standing cooperation between U.S and Cuban scientists paved the way for re-opening diplomatic channels between the two countries after nearly six decades of political strain. Today, the SESAME particle accelerator in Jordan is bringing together countries in the Middle East. These projects show the power of science diplomacy. Scientists have worked across political barriers, and ultimately, helped overcome them. As the new coronavirus spreads, such efforts are more vital than ever. " 👇 #puresciencepurifies #ershadspeak

Attention visionaries of sustainable future and global cooperation! 🌍🚀🤝 BERSTIC presents a transformative vision that is redefining international relations in science and technology: ‘Towards a Sustainable and Inclusive World: A Diplomacy for Science, Technology, Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Culture between Colombia and Europe.’ Presented by the distinguished Dr. Fernando Colmenares, CEO and founder of the BERSTIC Network and the Engineering Research Institute - In³ - (In3) / Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia. Have you ever dreamt of a world where science, innovation and culture know no borders? Dr. Colmenares is about to show us how this dream is becoming a reality. Get ready to explore: 🔬 How science diplomacy is building bridges between Colombia and Europe. 💡 The crucial role of entrepreneurship in global innovation. 🌈 The fusion of science, technology and culture for sustainable and inclusive development. Don't miss this unique opportunity to be part of a vision that is shaping the future of international cooperation. Tune in to our live stream here: https://lnkd.in/e_5-Gyrq Join now and witness how we are creating a more connected, innovative and sustainable world through science and cultural diplomacy. #BERSTIC2024 #ScienceDiplomacy #GlobalInnovation #CooperationColombiaEurope #GlobalInnovation #ScienceWithoutBorders #SustainableFuture #InternationalCollaboration #InnovativeDiplomacy #ScienceForChange #ColombianEuropeanBridges #TechnologicalDiplomacy #CultureInnovation

EXPLORING REGIONAL SCIENCE DIPLOMACY 🗓 Date: 30 May 🕟 Time: 16:30 – 18:00 CEST (Followed by a one-hour networking event) 📍 Location: Region Västra Götaland's office, Nordic House (Rue du Luxembourg 3 - 1000 Brussels) Please join us in diving into the nuanced world of #ScienceDiplomacy beyond the traditional framework of the Nation State. Our upcoming seminar will explore the important, yet understudied, role that subnational regions play on the international stage, leveraging their scientific and innovation capabilities to bolster their profiles and address #GlobalChallenges. This EUTOPIA seminar, held in collaboration with associate partner Region Västra Götaland, as well as with United Nations University - CRIS, Brussels School of Governance (BSoG), SciTech DiploHub | Barcelona Science & Technology Diplomacy Hub, and ERRIN, aims to foster a dynamic dialogue among academics and representatives of EUTOPIA's regions. We will delve into regional science diplomacy, exploring the following themes: - Utilizing regional scientific institutions and innovation ecosystems to influence global collaboration. - Contributions of regions to global issues like climate change, public health, and sustainable development. - The role of science diplomacy in driving innovation, attracting investment, and boosting economic development. - Models for successful collaboration between academic institutions and regional governments. - Unique challenges faced by regions in science diplomacy, including resource constraints and political dynamics. Speakers will represent perspectives from #Swedish and #Slovenian regions, #Flanders, #Catalonia, and more. The program will be finalized next week. Register here: https://lnkd.in/eEFrSKBs

Attention visionaries of sustainable future and global cooperation! 🌍🚀🤝 BERSTIC presents a transformative vision that is redefining international relations in science and technology: ‘Towards a Sustainable and Inclusive World: A Diplomacy for Science, Technology, Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Culture between Colombia and Europe.’ Presented by the distinguished Dr. Fernando Colmenares, CEO and founder of the BERSTIC Network and the Engineering Research Institute - In³ - (In3) / @Cooperative University of Colombia. Have you ever dreamt of a world where science, innovation and culture know no borders? Dr. Colmenares is about to show us how this dream is becoming a reality. Get ready to explore: 🔬 How science diplomacy is building bridges between Colombia and Europe. 💡 The crucial role of entrepreneurship in global innovation. 🌈 The fusion of science, technology and culture for sustainable and inclusive development. Don't miss this unique opportunity to be part of a vision that is shaping the future of international cooperation. Tune in to our live stream here: https://lnkd.in/e_5-Gyrq Join now and witness how we are creating a more connected, innovative and sustainable world through science and cultural diplomacy. #BERSTIC2024 #ScienceDiplomacy #GlobalInnovation #CooperationColombiaEurope #GlobalInnovation #ScienceWithoutBorders #SustainableFuture #InternationalCollaboration #InnovativeDiplomacy #ScienceForChange #ColombianEuropeanBridges #TechnologicalDiplomacy #CultureInnovation

City diplomacy is on the rise, with urban centers — home to over half the world’s population — joining forces to tackle shared challenges like climate change, migration, and public health. The University of Melbourne’s Ika Trijsburg reveals how this grassroots approach empowers cities to bring global initiatives to life more effectively, fostering international cooperation through practical, locally-tailored solutions. Listen to the interview by clicking on the link in comments, to learn how cities are stepping up as key players on the global stage, driving impactful change and sparking innovation. By collaborating, urban centers are not only addressing pressing issues but also paving the way for a sustainable and interconnected future. #ConversationsShapingOurFuture #CityDiplomacy #UrbanInnovation #GlobalCollaboration #ClimateAction #PublicHealth #Migration #IkaTrijsburg #UniversityOfMelbourne @unimelb-cities

Call for Abstracts for Arctic Yearbook 2024! We are beyond proud to announce the topic of the Arctic Yearbook 2024. “Arctic Relations: Transformations, Legacies and Futures” Of particular interest for this volume are discussions and critical analyses on the following topics: — Arctic transformations and their legacies, including analyses related to the emergence, growth, decline of state and non-state cooperation; — Lessons learned from the Cold War, including functional cooperation, backchannel diplomacy, and rapprochement; — Dynamics, factors, features, and key actors of transformations/transitions in world politics, from perspectives in the field of international relations, security studies and other related disciplines; — The role and importance of functional cooperation (in areas including science and research, environmental cooperation, Indigenous rights, economic development, infrastructure) and shared/common interests – theoretically and in practice, and/or lessons learned; — The role and means of (Arctic) states and non-state actors (Indigenous peoples, sub-national governments, NGOs) in confidence and stability-building, and their contributions to Arctic governance; — How cooperation and confidence-building was conducted between the Arctic states in the end of the 20th century, in particular with the Soviet Union/Russia; — The purpose and/or role of the Arctic Council & its Working Groups in cooperation and governance, as well as other Arctic-focused forums, institutions, and networks; — Analyses of the narrative that the Arctic is unique, a model or exceptionally stable and cooperative in relation to world politics; — Reviews and analyses of the challenges facing cooperation today and the current policies of Arctic states; — The legacies of the Arctic region's cooperative framework, as well as their influence on the future of Arctic politics and cooperation; — If and/or how pan-Arctic cooperation can continue and maintain geopolitical stability - what are the lessons learned for the future? — What are the new emerging issues that require dialogue, and are contemporary forums, networks and organizations capable of their management? What would be available and supportive procedures and methods for that? What does the future of Arctic governance look like? Read more about the topic here: https://lnkd.in/ez3za5pr Submit an abstract by sending it to arcticyearbook@gmail.com and jbarnes@balsillieschool.ca. @ArcticYearbook #ArcticYearbook2024