Over 100 members of the China Association for Science and Technology's (CAST) UN Special Consultative Committees and international science organization experts met on April 12 at the China Hall of Science and Technology to discuss pressing global issues.

The meeting focused on such topics as disaster risk reduction research, heritage protection, and sustainable cities.

Luo Hui, director general of the Department of International Affairs of the CAST, delivered opening remarks. Zhu Baoxia, vice-president and secretary-general of China Daily, also addressed the gathering. The meeting was chaired by a representative from the CAST's International Affairs Department.

Committee chairs Guo Huadong (Disaster Risk Research), Gong Ke (Information and Communication Technology), and Shi Nan (acting chair, Sustainable Cities, Communities, and Heritage Protection) presented keynote speeches, sharing their experiences in UN consultative work and proposing future initiatives.

A report by the China Centre for International Science and Technology Exchange (CISTE) summarized the past year's activities and outlined the 2024 work plan for the CAST UN Special Consultative Committees.

Since obtaining special consultative status with the UN Economic and Social Council in July 2004, the CAST has facilitated Chinese scientists' active participation in the UN agenda and global science and technology governance. Currently, ten committees with 327 experts contribute to UN efforts. In 2023 alone, these committees participated in 14 UN substantive meetings, held eight thematic sideline events, and organized four exhibitions.

Source: chinadaily.com.cn