The Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) held an international symposium in Beijing on May 31, themed "Sustainable Development and Inclusive Collaboration: The Responsibilities of the Scientific Community," to mark the 70th anniversary of the founding of its Academic Divisions.

CAS President HOU Jianguo, who also serves as the Executive President of the Presidium of the Academic Divisions of CAS (CASAD), delivered a report. The event was co-chaired by CAS Vice President WU Zhaohui and BAI Chunli, Honorary President of the Presidium.

The symposium brought together over 60 participants, including senior leaders of science academies and international organizations from 14 countries and regions, senior CAS representatives, members of the Presidium of CASAD, and distinguished CAS members and foreign members.

In his report, President HOU emphasized that global challenges such as climate change, environmental pollution, resource shortages, and food security are increasingly intertwined. This era's scientific and technological revolution is also profoundly changing the global sustainable development landscape. He also stated that President XI Jinping has called for accelerating the implementation of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and building a global community with a shared future for all.

Over the years, CAS has strengthened research in fields like environmental science, life and health, and energy science and technology. By exploring new research avenues in emerging technology, CAS has developed innovative solutions to support sustainable development.

Going forward, CAS will steadfastly commit to openness, enhance international scientific collaboration in key areas, and bolster talent exchange and joint training. The Academy will also conduct joint policy studies, promote open sharing of sustainable development data, and advance AI-driven technological empowerment. All these efforts will strengthen the scientific and technological foundation for sustainable development.

Other invited speakers included Chennupati Jagadish, President of the Australian Academy of Sciences and CAS foreign member; Helena Bonciani Nader, President of the Brazilian Academy of Sciences; Donald Bruce Dingwell, Acting President of the European Academy of Sciences and CAS foreign member; Katharina Kohse-Höinghaus, Representative of the German National Academy of Sciences and CAS foreign member; Tengku Mohd Azzman Shariffadeen, President of the Malaysian Academy of Sciences; Kauser Abdulla Malik, President of the Pakistan Academy of Sciences; Sergey Leonidovich Chernyshev, Vice President of the Russian Academy of Sciences; Thokozani Majozi, President of the South African Academy of Sciences; Sukit Limpijumnong, President of the Alliance of National and International Science Organizations for the Belt and Road Regions; and Sir Peter Gluckman, President of the International Science Council. They shared their insights and the practices of their institutions in advancing sustainable development and global scientific cooperation.

Selected members and foreign members of CAS also delivered reports on big data, climate change and sustainable agriculture, open science, and life and health. The reports appealed to the global scientific community to unite. They also appealed to the community to assume more responsibility for the fulfillment of the Sustainable Development Goals and make greater contributions toward that end. Additionally, they called on the global scientific community to promote science and technology and push forward the frontiers of science. Participants reached consensus on how to advance these efforts based on thorough discussion.

Senior leaders of CAS also held talks with heads of several national science academies, international scientific organizations, and CAS foreign members during their stay in Beijing.

Scene of the international symposium (Credit: CASAD)