Wednesday, June 30, 2010

U.S. Department of State and Rice University Release Joint Study of Diplopedia

U.S. Department of State and Rice University Release Joint Study of Diplopedia: "U.S. Department of State and Rice University Release Joint Study of Diplopedia

Office of the Spokesman
Washington, DC
May 21, 2010

A new study released by U.S. Department of State’s Office of eDiplomacy in the Bureau of Information Resource Management and Rice University looks at the five-year history of creating and implementing the Department’s use of the Wikipedia-styled diplomacy Web 2.0 tool, Diplopedia.

Diplopedia is the U.S. State Department's internal knowledge sharing platform – an internal, unclassified, open source wiki platform of 'how-to' knowledge for America's diplomatic corps.

The paper, “Diplopedia Imagined: Building State’s Diplomacy Wiki,” is being presented at the 2010 International Symposium on Collaborative Technologies and Systems in Chicago by its coauthors Tiffany Smith, a State Department employee in its Bureau of Information Resource Management and Chris Bronk, a fellow at Rice University’s Baker Institute Public Policy and lecturer in Rice's Department of Computer Science."

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

News Article

News Article: "Scientists must strengthen focus on poverty and environment
28 June 2010
As part of its support to the Commonwealth Day theme “Science, Technology and Society”, the Commonwealth Foundation recently co-financed a three day international meeting at Wilton Park, UK on 24026 June, on the subject of “Science Diplomacy: Applying Science and Innovation to International Challenges”. Director Mark Collins was there.

In a wide-ranging debate on peace-building, management of international spaces, international treaties and other subjects, one clear priority was for science, technology and innovation (STI) to focus more strongly on poverty reduction, social justice and environmental sustainability, all areas where intergovernmental diplomacy and decision-making have not yet led to the transformational changes needed."

Can science diplomacy help strengthen the Muslim world? � SciDev.Net’s Weblog

Can science diplomacy help strengthen the Muslim world? � SciDev.Net’s Weblog: "Can science diplomacy help strengthen the Muslim�world?

Princess Sumaya of Jordan: 'The Muslim world must learn to cooperate better'
A key element of the new interest in science diplomacy has been the effort, particularly by the US administration, to improve relations with the countries of the Middle East and the Muslim world.

These efforts to use scientific agreements as a central strategy in so-called “soft diplomacy” were highlighted in a speech delivered in Cairo last year by newly elected President Barack Obama who promised a new era of cooperation with the region.

The optimism of that speech has since faded, partly because follow-up is still awaited. But many remain sympathetic to the idea that building a strong scientific and technological base in the region would not only increase the economic strength of Muslim countries, but also have broader cultural and political implications."

Science diplomacy must be more ambitious - SciDev.Net

Science diplomacy must be more ambitious - SciDev.Net: "Science diplomacy must be more ambitious
Naiyyum Choudhury
23 June 2010 | EN | 中文
dhakaWoman_flickr_Michael_Foley_Photography.jpg

Poor countries merit equal support whatever their religion, culture and natural resources
Flickr/ Michael Foley Photography
Science diplomacy must aim to help all developing countries and not just promote narrow political interests, says Naiyyum Choudhury.

The idea of 'science diplomacy' is fast gaining ground as an effective tool for building ties between developed and developing countries and forging closer working relationships.

On one level, scientists have a long history of transcending political barriers to tackle common problems. They were, for example, instrumental in maintaining relationships between the United States and the Soviet Union during the Cold War"

AAAS - AAAS News Release - "Kerri-Ann Jones: The Role of Science Diplomacy in Advancing Global Health"

AAAS - AAAS News Release - "Kerri-Ann Jones: The Role of Science Diplomacy in Advancing Global Health": "Kerri-Ann Jones, assistant secretary of state for oceans and international environmental and scientific affairs, highlighted the Global Health Initiative—launched in May, 2009—as part of a snapshot of science-driven diplomatic initiatives being pursued by the administration of President Barack Obama. She noted that both Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton have spoken of the importance of science and technology in helping the United States achieve its policy goals.

“Science and technology are an integral part of the rich fabric of our global engagement,” said Jones, who plays a key role at the State Department in addressing issues involving science, health and the environment. The role of S&T “is increasingly an element of foreign policy, both from a development and a diplomatic perspective.”

While the State Department has a broad portfolio for science diplomacy, Jones noted the particular importance of global health diplomacy. “Basic health conditions affect a nation’s ability to maintain economic growth and prosperity,” she told a 13 May session of the Forum."

Obama said what about science diplomacy? - aliquot - Open Salon

Obama said what about science diplomacy? - aliquot - Open Salon: "In Obama’s June speech in Cairo, he also promised that three centers of excellence in technology would be opened in the Middle East.� This initiative and the science envoys will mainly focus on the 57 Muslim-majority countries (see image below from AAAS)."

- AAAS 2010 Annual Meeting News

- AAAS 2010 Annual Meeting News: "Science was also a key part of Obama's renewed outreach to the Muslim world, beginning with a June speech in Cairo where he proposed new collaborations between American scientists and researchers in Arabic-speaking countries. The president, said Lander, understood that the 'common language' of science could best 'express the aspiration to leave a better world for our children.'

Obama expanded the U.S.'s science diplomacy efforts with the November 2009 appointment of the first U.S. science envoys, a group that included Science Editor-in-Chief Bruce Alberts and Science Translational Medicine 's chief scientific adviser, Elias Zerhouni.

The diplomacy efforts, said Lander, were one of many subtle signs throughout the year that the Obama administration was attuned to the culture of science. The careful language that Obama used in March as he opened up new stem cell lines for research--encouraging solid research without promising cures--'was reflective of the right way to talk about science,' said Lander."

Obama said what about science diplomacy? - aliquot - Open Salon

Obama said what about science diplomacy? - aliquot - Open Salon: "In Obama’s June speech in Cairo, he also promised that three centers of excellence in technology would be opened in the Middle East.� This initiative and the science envoys will mainly focus on the 57 Muslim-majority countries (see image below from AAAS).
57 countries

In January of this year, British Foreign Secretary David Miliband echoed the sentiments of the Obama administration by outlining the UK’s intent to increase the role of science in foreign policy.� The UK’s Foreign Office also recently appointed a science advisor.�"

Science in diplomacy: “On tap but not on top” � SciDev.Net’s Weblog

Science in diplomacy: “On tap but not on top” � SciDev.Net’s Weblog: "Science in diplomacy: “On tap but not on�top”

Nuclear weapons: a case for science diplomacy
There’s a general consensus in both the scientific and political worlds that the principle of science diplomacy, at least in the somewhat restricted sense of the need to get more and better science into international negotiations, is a desirable objective.

There is less agreement, however, on how far the concept can – or indeed should – be extended to embrace broader goals and objectives, in particular attempts to use science to achieve political or diplomatic goals at the international level."

Monday, June 28, 2010

Scientific cooperation for nuclear disarmament - SciDev.Net

Scientific cooperation for nuclear disarmament - SciDev.Net: "Scientific cooperation for nuclear disarmament
Source: The Royal Society
23 June 2010 | EN

Scientific collaboration should include research into the civilian nuclear fuel cycle
International Atomic Energy Agency
This policy brief, published by The Royal Society, United Kingdom, examines the role of the scientific community in nuclear arms control and disarmament.

Despite the difficulties in advancing the political aspects of nuclear disarmament, there are opportunities for international cooperation to make progress on the scientific aspects."

Science as a shaper of global diplomacy - latimes.com

Science as a shaper of global diplomacy - latimes.com: "Science as a shaper of global diplomacy
The U.S., admired worldwide for its leadership in technology, should pursue science diplomacy with Muslim-majority countries. Such a policy could complement efforts to promote human rights."

June 27, 2010

Monday, June 21, 2010

New centre to advise Muslim world on science policy - SciDev.Net

New centre to advise Muslim world on science policy - SciDev.Net: "New centre to advise Muslim world on science policy

Wagdy Sawahel

10 July 2006 | EN
3 petri dishes with cultures, under the microscope

The new centre will help Muslim countries create effective science policies

CDC

An US$8 million research centre that will help Muslim countries set up effective science policies and national systems of innovation will be inaugurated tomorrow (12 July) in Pakistan.

The Technology and Innovation Policy Research Centre in Islamabad is an initiative of COMSTECH, the Organization of the Islamic Conference's (OIC) committee for scientific cooperation.

It will be staffed by scientists and economists with specialist knowledge of science policy who will provide training courses for students, government officials and policymakers from OIC countries."

New Frontiers in Science Diplomacy 2009 « SciDev.Net’s Weblog

New Frontiers in Science Diplomacy 2009 « SciDev.Net’s Weblog: "Science diplomacy: the case for caution
June 2, 2009

royal-soc-New-frontiers-in-science-diplomacy_DDblog_2One of the frustrations of meetings at which scientists gather to discuss policy-related issues is the speed with which the requirements for evidence-based discussion they would expect in a professional context can go out of the window.

Such has been the issue over the past two days in the meeting jointly organised in London by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) and the Royal Society on the topic “New Frontiers in Science Diplomacy“."

Obama brings internationalist outlook to US science - SciDev.Net

Obama brings internationalist outlook to US science - SciDev.Net: "Commenting on his nomination, Holdren said in a statement that 'None of the great interlinked challenges of our time — the economy, energy, environment, health, security and the particular vulnerabilities of the poor to shortfalls in all of these — can be solved without insights and advances from the physical sciences, the life sciences and engineering'."

The limits of science diplomacy - SciDev.Net

The limits of science diplomacy - SciDev.Net: "The limits of science diplomacy

David Dickson

4 June 2009 | EN | ES | 中文
handshake

Using science for diplomatic purposes has obvious attractions and several benefits. But there are limits to what it can achieve.

The scientific community has a deserved reputation for its international perspective — scientists often ignore national boundaries and interests when it comes to exchanging ideas or collaborating on global problems.

So it is not surprising that science attracts the interest of politicians keen to open channels of communication with other states. Signing agreements on scientific and technological cooperation is often the first step for countries wanting to forge closer working relationships.

More significantly, scientists have formed key links behind-the-scenes when more overt dialogue has been impossible. At the height of the Cold War, for example, scientific organisations provided a conduit for discussing nuclear weapons control."

Obama vows to boost science ties with Muslim world - SciDev.Net

Obama vows to boost science ties with Muslim world - SciDev.Net: "Obama vows to boost science ties with Muslim world

Wagdy Sawahel

5 June 2009 | EN | FR | 中文
barackobamaCROPPED_flickr_TheOfficialWhiteHousePhotostream.jpg

Barack Obama speaking at Cairo University

Flickr/The Official White House Photostream

[CAIRO] The United States' commitment to science diplomacy in parts of the developing world assumed a firmer shape yesterday (4 June) when its president, Barack Obama, outlined a science plan during his landmark speech at Cairo University in Egypt.

Obama's speech, which tackled the United States' relationship with Muslim communities around the world, included several pledges to develop science and technology initiatives as part of his vision for promoting peaceful relations.

He pledged to start a new fund to support science and technology development in Muslim-majority countries to help transfer ideas to the marketplace and create jobs.

He said he would also open centres of scientific excellence in Africa, the Middle East and South-East Asia and appoint 'science envoys' to collaborate on programmes to develop new sources of energy, create green jobs, digitise records, clean up water and grow new crops."

US fund aims to boost Islamic technology - SciDev.Net

US fund aims to boost Islamic technology - SciDev.Net: "US fund aims to boost Islamic technology

Wagdy Sawahel

2 November 2009 | EN | FR
arabcomputer_flickr_keatl.jpg

Eligible projects would create opportunities in areas like ICT

Flickr/keatl

[CAIRO] The United States has launched a fund to facilitate private sector investments and promote technological development in countries of the Organisation of The Islamic Conference (OIC).

The Global Technology and Innovation Fund (GTIF) was launched by the US Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) on 23 October. It will provide US$25–150 million for a range of projects. Submissions will continue until the end of the month (November), with final selections announced in June 2010."

US Congress eyes science diplomacy programme - SciDev.Net

US Congress eyes science diplomacy programme - SciDev.Net: "US Congress eyes science diplomacy programme

Jenny Johnson

18 March 2010 | EN
BarackObama_Flickr_jmtimages

Obama's seminal address in Cairo last year kicked off the US science diplomacy agenda.

Flickr/jmtimages

A prominent US congressman has proposed that the United States should set up a foreign policy programme to boost international scientific collaboration, especially with Muslim countries.

The Global Science Program for Security, Competitiveness, and Diplomacy Act of 2010 was introduced to the House of Representatives last week (10 March) by Howard L. Berman, Democratic representative and chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs."

US tech initiative for Muslim women gets mixed welcome - SciDev.Net

US tech initiative for Muslim women gets mixed welcome - SciDev.Net: "And Syeda Tanvir Naim, a consultant to the OIC and a member of the UN Advisory Board on Women and Science, said that these proposals for 'mere four to six weeks training courses in [the] US are totally inadequate'.

Naim said steps that could make a real difference include setting up scholarships and joint research programmes for women from OIC countries to work at top US universities and setting up technology incubators and training facilities within the OIC countries to promote the culture of science entrepreneurship there.

But much of the initiative must come from OIC countries themselves, Naim said."

We are trying to solve the math of the heart and the brain - Hurriyet Daily News and Economic Review

We are trying to solve the math of the heart and the brain - Hurriyet Daily News and Economic Review: "“Turkey has renewable energy potential as well, like wind and solar energy,” she said. “I have met with 70 different university representatives in the Black Sea region. My impression of those meetings is Turkey could also be a leader in Turkology.”"

Friday, June 18, 2010

President’s “Cairo Initiative” Celebrates a Year of Progress | The White House

President’s “Cairo Initiative” Celebrates a Year of Progress | The White House: "President’s “Cairo Initiative” Celebrates a Year of Progress
Posted by Erin Szulman on June 04, 2010 at 12:20 PM EDT

On Tuesday, June 8, OSTP Director John Holdren will provide keynote remarks at an event commemorating President Obama’s June 4, 2009, speech at Cairo University, which called for deepening relations between the West and Muslim communities around the world. In that speech, President Obama described how America’s strength in science and technology could be enlisted to forge partnerships with Muslim communities and help solve many of our shared challenges. He spoke of appointing a team of “science envoys” to collaborate on programs to develop new sources of energy, create green jobs, digitize records, purify water, and grow new crops. And he spoke of launching a new fund to support technological development in Muslim communities and help transfer ideas to the marketplace to create more jobs."

Global Arab Network | Tunisia as model - 30 years of cooperation with the EU | Economics

Global Arab Network | Tunisia as model - 30 years of cooperation with the EU | Economics: "Tunisia as model - 30 years of cooperation with the EU PDF Print E-mail
By Samira Sadfi
Wednesday, 16 June 2010 17:09
Tunisia as model - 30 years of cooperation with the EU
Thirty years ago, Tunisia was the first Mediterranean country to sign a financial agreement with the European Union. Other countries from the South took Tunisia as an example in this matter. But how did Tunisia benefit from this cooperation?"

Kerri-Ann Jones: The Role of Science Diplomacy in Advancing Global Health | PressReleasePoint

Kerri-Ann Jones: The Role of Science Diplomacy in Advancing Global Health | PressReleasePoint: "“Science and technology are an integral part of the rich fabric of our global engagement,” said Jones, who plays a key role at the State Department in addressing issues involving science, health and the environment. The role of S&T “is increasingly an element of foreign policy, both from a development and a diplomatic perspective.”

While the State Department has a broad portfolio for science diplomacy, Jones noted the particular importance of global health diplomacy. “Basic health conditions affect a nation’s ability to maintain economic growth and prosperity,” she told a 13 May session of the Forum.

The AAAS Forum on Science and Technology Policy is the pre-eminent venue for discussion of policy issues involving science and technology. The 35th annual Forum, with more than 500 attendees, featured talks by key government officials and sessions on such topics as R&D funding, societal impacts of science and technology, new approach to U.S.-European research cooperation, and roles for S&T in national security."