The 2024 World Conference on Science Literacy was held in Beijing from Dec 5 to 6. Themed “Enhance Science Literacy, Empower Joint Development,” the conference targeted global issues and key public science literacy trends, aiming to harness global insights for advancing a shared human future through improved public scientific literacy.

The conference also actively responded to UNESCO’s Strategic Plan on the International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development (2024-2033) and its task of empowering international society through science literacy, as well as the relevant requirements of the draft revision of the Law on the Popularization of Science and Technology of China.

The conference marked a significant milestone in pursuing sustainable development, raising public awareness of science literacy's vital role, and offering robust backing to advance global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The conference convened global expertise, advancing public scientific literacy and global sustainability. Participants agreed on using new technologies to boost science literacy and tackle ethical challenges, contributing to SDGs. It also promoted international sci-tech and cultural dialogue, underpinning the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.

Wan Gang, President of the China Association for Science and Technology, in his remarks, presented three initiatives, emphasizing the need for consensus in fostering global development momentum, mutual learning in addressing international development challenges, and collective towards sustainable development. He also underscored the importance of maintaining a civilizational perspective of equality, mutual learning, dialogue, and inclusiveness and leveraging the WCSL and the upcoming World Organization for Science Literacy (WOSL) to deepen international cooperation in scientific literacy.

Ana Cristina Amoroso das Neves, Vice Chair of the Bureau of the UN Commission on Science and Technology for Development (CSTD), noted that artificial intelligence (AI) is enabling personalized learning experiences and can tailor content to individual knowledge differences, adapting to various learning styles.

She emphasized the need to fully consider the transformative impact of digital technology in promoting scientific literacy.

Ezra Clark, special representative of UNESCO and assistant director-general for Natural Sciences, stressed that science literacy further enhances public understanding, ensuring that advancements in science and technology are effectively implemented and adopted.

In light of the development and application of new technologies such as AI, the world faces new tasks in building science literacy, which reveals new connotations and directions for cooperation.

Gong Ke, former WFEO President and Executive Director of the Chinese Institute for the New Generation Artificial Intelligence Development Strategies, pointed out that, as an advanced productive force, AI's basic literacy includes fundamental science literacy, critical thinking, and data literacy.  

He emphasized that the popularization of science should highlight the risks and ethical issues of AI, such as data privacy and algorithmic bias, helping the public form a comprehensive understanding and avoid blind worship or excessive panic.

Cho Suk-kyung, President of the Public Communication of Science and Technology and Professor at the Korea Institute of Energy Technology, also said that the public is both a consumer of information produced by AI technology and a producer of AI products. The enhancement of science literacy is reflected in the ability to distinguish between facts and false information, moving from understanding science to applying science.

Julie Anne Loftus, President of the American Association for Science Education, Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and Distinguished Research Professor at the University of Georgia, remarked that science teachers are learners, innovators, and futurists who continuously update curricula and innovate teaching methods to help students build a scientific foundation and identify misinformation.

Rosalia Vargas, President of the Portuguese Science, Technology and Culture Organization and Director of the Knowledge Pavilion, stated that scientific literacy is a form of soft power that emphasizes collaboration, reduces risks, and promotes science popularization, thereby building momentum for the future enhancement of scientific literacy.

Sources: The 2024 World Conference on Science Literacy, VOC