The 2024 Geneva Science and Diplomacy Anticipation Summit (GESDA) serves as a unique nexus between science, diplomacy, and peacebuilding, catalyzing collaborative action to address the world’s most pressing challenges. This summit brings together over 1,000 scientists, diplomats, policymakers, and innovators to explore how scientific breakthroughs can shape diplomatic efforts to foster global peace and sustainability.
GESDA’s focus on “anticipatory science diplomacy” is vital for both anticipating future scientific trends and integrating them into diplomatic efforts to address global issues such as climate change, conflict resolution, and global inequality. By leveraging the advancements in fields like quantum computing, artificial intelligence, and synthetic biology, GESDA aims to build a more inclusive and peaceful global society. The summit’s structure encourages interdisciplinary dialogue across science, technology, and international diplomacy, bridging the gap between scientific innovation and the frameworks necessary to implement these advancements globally.
The 2024 event, themed “The Great Acceleration,” underscores the importance of keeping pace with rapid technological advancements and ensuring they are harnessed for the common good. The summit’s agenda highlights the need for international governance in emergent fields such as space science, brain-computer interfaces, and AI. These discussions emphasize anticipatory governance—planning ahead to mitigate risks while maximizing benefits—as a critical tool for peacebuilding and conflict prevention.
Shontaye Abegaz, the founder of the International Institute for Human Security (IIHS), will be attending the summit for the second time, underscoring her commitment to blending science, diplomacy, and human security. Her involvement highlights the potential of anticipatory science diplomacy in enhancing human security through inclusive and forward-thinking collaboration. In a world increasingly shaped by technological innovation, the summit provides an essential platform for shaping policies that anticipate future challenges and promote sustainable peace.
By fostering collaboration between governments, scientific communities, and global institutions, GESDA strengthens the role of science in diplomacy and peacebuilding. As the world navigates rapid technological change, events like the Geneva Summit are crucial for ensuring these innovations are aligned with humanity’s broader goals of peace, security, and shared prosperity.
