Kyoto:The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia took part in the 23rd Annual Meeting of the Science and Technology in Society (STS) Forum in Kyoto, Japan. The event gathered prominent figures from the scientific and technology sectors, policymakers, and leaders from research, academic, and industrial institutions worldwide.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the forum focused on the swift changes in science and technology and their impact on societies and future development. Key topics included trust in science, artificial intelligence, open science, and the future of scientific research, emphasizing the need for scientific institutions to balance the benefits of advanced technologies with responsible management of their challenges.
Dr. Munir Eldesouki, President of King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) and Acting Governor of the Research, Development and Innovation Authority, participated in a plenary session titled 'Why Trust Science?' As a newly appointed member of the STS Forum Council, Dr. Eldesouki joined other distinguished panelists including Japan's Minister of Education, Yoshihiro Seki, and other notable figures from the scientific community. The session was chaired by Dr. Sudip Parikh, CEO of the American Association for the Advancement of Science.
Dr. Eldesouki discussed strategies for fostering a more transparent and trustworthy research ecosystem, emphasizing that trust in science relies on humility, openness, and accountability. He highlighted Saudi Arabia's initiatives to expand access to research infrastructure and promote open science principles, aiming to improve research quality and collaboration both locally and internationally.
He also spoke about Saudi Arabia's investments in Arabic-language AI models and progress in AI ethics and governance, which aim to support technologies reflecting cultural diversity and ensure the reliability and accountability of intelligent systems.
Dr. Eldesouki praised the STS Forum for creating a platform for global scientific and technology leaders to engage in dialogue, exchange expertise, and build international cooperation. The Kingdom's participation underscores its commitment to international scientific collaboration and strategic partnerships, contributing to discussions on the future of science and emerging technologies.