Webinar Series on Science, Ethics and Innovation

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Webinar Series on Science, Ethics and Innovation

Advancing Science Diplomacy and South-South Cooperation under the International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development (2024–2033)

Webinar 2: Ethics of Science and Technology

Date and Time: 7 October 2026 | 10.00am Pakistan time

Click here for Registration

Lead Organization: UNESCO Office in Pakistan
Partners: Commission on Science and Technology for Sustainable Development in the South (COMSATS) and ECO Science Foundation (ECOSF)

Scientific discoveries and technological innovation are creating new opportunities for sustainable development while also raising complex ethical, legal and societal questions. Emerging technologies and rapidly evolving scientific practices require responsible approaches that safeguard human rights, promote public interest and ensure that the benefits of scientific progress are shared equitably.

UNESCO promotes ethical reflection on science and technology through its global normative instruments, recommendations and programmes. Its work emphasizes responsible research and innovation, transparency, accountability, public participation and inclusive governance, supporting Member States in addressing the ethical implications of scientific and technological developments.

As the second session of the Webinar Series on Science, Ethics and Innovation, organized under the International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development (2024–2033), this webinar will provide a platform for dialogue on the ethical dimensions of science and technology, while promoting science diplomacy, knowledge exchange and South-South cooperation.

Introduction
The webinar aims to increase awareness of UNESCO’s approach to the ethics of science and technology and promote dialogue on how scientific and technological innovation can contribute to sustainable development while respecting ethical values and fundamental human rights.

Bringing together policymakers, researchers, academics, technology experts and scientific institutions from the COMSATS and ECO regions, the webinar will explore responsible research and innovation, ethical governance and public engagement, while sharing regional experiences and opportunities for collaboration. This reflects the broader objective of the webinar series to connect UNESCO’s global frameworks with regional perspectives and practical experiences.

Objectives
The webinar aims to:

• Increase awareness of UNESCO’s work on the ethics of science and technology.
• Promote dialogue on responsible research and innovation and ethical governance.
• Share regional experiences and good practices in addressing ethical challenges arising from science and technology.
• Strengthen institutional partnerships, science diplomacy and South-South cooperation among Member States.

Expected Outcomes
The webinar is expected to:

•  Improve understanding of ethical approaches to science and technological innovation.
• Enhance regional dialogue and knowledge exchange on responsible research and innovation.
• Identify opportunities for collaboration, capacity-building and implementation of UNESCO’s recommendations and policy frameworks.

Key Themes
The webinar will focus on:

• UNESCO’s approach to the ethics of science and technology
• Responsible research and innovation
• Ethical governance of emerging science and technologies
• Transparency, accountability and public participation
• Science, technology and human rights
• Inclusive and equitable access to scientific and technological benefits
• Regional cooperation and South-South collaboration

Target Participants

• Government ministries responsible for science, technology and innovation
• National science and technology councils and academies
• Universities, research institutions and centres of excellence
• UNESCO Chairs and Category 1 and 2 Centres
• Scientists, researchers, ethicists and technology experts
• Policymakers and representatives of international organizations
• Early-career researchers and graduate students
• Development partners and UN agencies

Format

• Mode: Virtual (Microsoft Teams)
• Duration: 90 minutes
• Working Language: English

Regional Dimension and South-South Cooperation

The webinar will leverage UNESCO’s normative leadership together with the regional networks of COMSATS and ECOSF to strengthen dialogue and cooperation on the ethical governance of science and technology, facilitate the exchange of regional experiences and good practices, foster partnerships among governments, universities and research institutions, and support the implementation of UNESCO’s recommendations. Through this regional platform, the webinar will contribute to building more inclusive, ethical, resilient and responsible science and innovation systems while advancing science diplomacy and South-South cooperation under the International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development, in line with the broader regional cooperation and knowledge-exchange objectives of the webinar series.

Guidance to Join Webinar

• Register for the participation in the webinar in advance (See the link on the first page).
• Log in to the webinar at least 5–10 minutes early to resolve any last-minute technical issues and ensure a punctual start.
• Familiarize yourself with the platform’s features. Please note that all participants’ microphone will be muted. The moderator will take comments and questions via Q&A box.
• Ensure your device and internet connection are functioning properly before the session begins.
• Use external speakers for better audio.
• Respect speakers and participants by maintaining a professional and focused environment.
• Keep questions and feedback relevant to the topics being discussed.