KFAS discusses global science and technology at ‘STS Forum’ in Japan

• The Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences expressed its aspiration to achieve fruitful participation in the STS Forum 2024 and contribute to the formulation of policies and strategies that will benefit societies in the future.

The Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (KFAS) participated in the Science and Technology in Society (STS) Forum 2024, in Kyoto, Japan, from October 6 to 8. The event gathered prominent leaders from the scientific, industrial, and academic sectors to discuss global science and technology issues, according to Al Rai newspaper.

The foundation was represented at this global scientific platform by its Director General, Dr. Amina Rajab Farhan. Three young Kuwaiti researchers also participated: Dr. Fawaz Al-Zaid, a faculty member at the Faculty of Medicine at Kuwait University; Dr. Dana Marafi; and Dr. Musab Al-Rashed, an Assistant Professor of Digitization and Future Factories at the Faculty of Engineering and Computing at the American International University. They contributed to several key sessions focused on global issues such as climate change, food and water security, and artificial intelligence (AI).

The forum discussed multiple topics, including energy, medicine, and sustainable education aimed at building inclusive societies, as well as challenges related to population growth. It also focused on addressing these global challenges by promoting cooperation among stakeholders in various sectors.

In addition to participating in the main sessions, Dr. Amina Farhan attended a meeting on the sidelines of the conference with heads of financing institutions concerned with science and technology. This meeting aimed to enhance cooperation among global funding agencies and discuss strategies for financing scientific research and innovation to achieve a sustainable future.

Regarding her participation, Al-Farhan stated, “I consider this forum a unique opportunity to collaborate with our global counterparts in addressing the major challenges facing humanity, and we look forward to actively participating in discussions aimed at promoting scientific innovation.”

The foundation expressed its aspiration to achieve fruitful participation in this important global event and contribute to the formulation of policies and strategies that will benefit societies in the future.

About 1,500 leaders and officials from more than eightycountries and international organizations attended the forum, including representatives from the academic and research communities. Among the participants were fourteen Nobel laureates, fifty one university presidents from leading institutions, ten presidents of science academies, six presidents of engineering academies, and twenty four presidents of research institutes.

Young Kuwaiti researchers took part in the Young Leaders Program, which facilitates dialogue between young leaders and Nobel Prize winners, allowing them to engage in fruitful and constructive discussions alongside the annual Science and Technology Forum meeting.

The program aims to involve promising young leaders in the forum, allowing them to attend sessions as representatives of the younger generations on whom humanity relies for the future. It encourages them to contribute their perspectives during the forum’s interactive dialogues while providing opportunities to communicate with senior officials and scientists worldwide, as well as with their peers.

This initiative also seeks to engage them in the emerging movement to find appropriate solutions to the challenges arising from the applications of science and technology.

Founded in Kyoto, Japan, in 2004, the forum serves as a global platform for promoting dialogue across different sectors to find effective solutions to the challenges facing the global community.