In lieu of the book launch, a high-level dialogue themed ‘Advising Government about Science’ comprising of experts and long-standing professionals in their respective fields was held to highlight the increasingly crucial role of science diplomacy, and the integration of scientific reasoning in apolitical evidence-based policy making.

Panelists were comprised of H. E. Karima El Korri United Nations Resident Coordinator for Malaysia, Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Dr Syed Hamid Bin Tan Sri Syed Jaafar Albar, Former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia, Dato’ Seri Mustapha Mohamed, Former Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry of Malaysia and H. E. Dr. Mariyam Shabeena Ahmed, High Commissioner of the Maldives to Malaysia.

The session focused on the role of science diplomacy, an interplay between science and policy, as essential in expediting advancements in areas of international interest. In key governmental undertakings such as addressing climate change, inter-governmental dialogues have long played a pivotal role in enhancing the science-policy interaction, serving as an effective policy-making instrument, as well as mechanism for monitoring and evaluation.

[Text adapted from press release statement by MIGHT and picture courtesy of UCSI University]