UNESCO – ASEF INTERGENERATIONAL DIALOGUE ON SCIENCE DIPLOMACY
On 23 October 2026, the UNESCO–ASEF Intergenerational Dialogue brought together senior leaders and stakeholders in Science Diplomacy with 50 young diplomats, government officials, researchers and science managers from across Asia and Europe. The Intergenerational Dialogue was organised alongside the Asia-Europe Youth Summit on Science and Technology Diplomacy 2026.
Organised by the Asia-Europe Foundation in partnership with UNESCO Jakarta, the dialogue provided a space for meaningful exchange across generations, sectors and regions to explore emerging priorities in Science Diplomacy. Discussions focused on how scientific cooperation can strengthen trust and foster collective action. Participants also explored ways to support young professionals as active contributors to more inclusive, evidence-informed international engagement.
The Intergenerational Dialogue opened with welcome remarks by H.E. Nararya SOEPRAPTO, ASEAN Deputy Secretary-General for Community and Corporate Affairs and ASEAN Governor for ASEF, who highlighted the importance of Science Diplomacy in strengthening regional cooperation and addressing transboundary challenges.
Following this, we also had the honour of hearing a video presentation by Prof. Kaveh Madani, Director of the United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment and Health (UNU-INWEH). He stressed how Science Diplomacy can transform knowledge into a foundation for trust and dialogue, ultimately translating it into meaningful action.
Panel Discussion
The keynote was followed by a panel discussion on emerging priorities in Science Diplomacy and the role of scientific cooperation in strengthening trust and fostering collective action. We were delighted to hear from Dr Leah BUENDIA, Undersecretary, Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Philippines; Dr Mitra AMINLOU –Vice Chair of Thrust 3 on Strengthening the Science–Policy–Society Links of STEPAN, National Focal Point Representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Head of Knowledge Management & STI Commercialization Group, National Research Institute for Science Policy (NRISP); Dr Marga GUAL SOLER, Executive Director, Capacity & Leadership, Geneva Science and Diplomacy Anticipator (GESDA); Dr Péter RADA, Vice-Rector for International Affairs at Budapest Metropolitan University.
The panel session was moderated by Dr Fereshteh RAFIEIAN, Programme Specialist, Science Policy and Capacity Building, UNESCO Jakarta.
The panellists shared their perspectives and practical experiences, exploring how intergenerational and cross-sectoral collaboration can contribute to more inclusive and effective Science Diplomacy.
DELIVERY OF THE YOUTH COMMUNIQUE
A key highlight of the Intergenerational Dialogue was the presentation of the Asia-Europe Youth Communiqué on Science and Technology Diplomacy 2026, co-created by participants of the Asia-Europe Youth Summit on Science and Technology Diplomacy 2026 held in Jakarta, Indonesia.
The Youth Communiqué comprised of 6 pillars and 25 recommendations, reflecting diverse perspectives, priorities and concerns of young professionals. It offers actionable recommendations for stakeholders and incorporates youth perspectives into future Asia-Europe cooperation in Science and Technology Diplomacy.
Representing the cohort, Anthony ISWARA (Indonesia) and Erika Pinheiro MACHADO (Netherlands) presented the Communiqué to representatives from the National Research and Innovation Agency of Indonesia (BRIN), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Indonesia (MOFA), UNESCO Jakarta, and ASEF.
The Youth Communiqué was developed to provide emerging leaders with an opportunity to share their ideas and contribute to a field where youth voices are often underrepresented, bringing youth perspectives into future Asia-Europe cooperation in Science and Technology Diplomacy.
Following the delivery of the Youth Communiqué participants engaged in an interactive, World Café-style dialogue with experts in the field to discuss the recommendations and explore pathways towards their implementation.
We were delighted to invite the following speakers for the dialgoue and to share their insights and expert opinions with the participants.:
- Dr Mitra AMINLOU –Vice Chair of Thrust 3 on Strengthening the Science–Policy–Society Links of STEPAN, National Focal Point Representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Head of Knowledge Management & STI Commercialization Group, National Research Institute for Science Policy (NRISP)
- Professor Dr. Eric CHAN Wei Chiang, Head of Programme for the Master in Science Diplomacy and Master of Science Policy & Communication, Institute for Science Diplomacy and Sustainability (IISDS), UCSI University
- Dr Leah BUENDIA, Undersecretary, Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Philippines
- Dr Marga GUAL SOLER, Executive Director, Capacity & Leadership, Geneva Science and Diplomacy Anticipator (GESDA)
- Mr Martin RAUCHBAUER, Head of Unit, Austrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (BMEIA); Founder Tech Diplomacy Network
- Dr Katharina HÖNE, Scientific Advisor, German Aerospace Center (DLR) – DLR Projektträger
- Dr Péter RADA, Vice-Rector for International Affairs, Budapest Metropolitan University
- Dr Kanchana WANICHKORN, Director of Sectoral Development, ASEAN Economic Community Department, The ASEAN Secretariat
The exchange brought together young professionals, diplomats and scientists to explore how the Youth Communiqué’s recommendations could be put into practice and identify the skills and competencies needed to foster collaboration across disciplines, sectors and cultures. Discussions also explored how Science Diplomacy, interdisciplinary collaboration and meaningful youth engagement could be better integrated into education, professional training and career pathways.
'Asia-Europe Youth Communiqué on Science and Technology Diplomacy 2026'
Read the full document here!
The UNESCO-ASEF Intergenerational Dialogue was organised alongside the Asia-Europe Youth Summit on Science and Technology Diplomacy 2026. You can read about the full programme here.