Science, Technology and Innovation

Science, Policy and Society Interface: Opportunities and challenges

When: 19 October 2022 | 16:00 – 17:45 hrs (CEST)

Where: FAO Plenary Hall

Modality: Hybrid

REGISTER

Interaction between policy makers, scientists and society is a crucial requirement for developing policies on sustainable agriculture, food security and nutrition. We often experience that science and other forms of knowledge are not always used effectively in policy making. It is widely perceived that policymakers do not inform scientists about their needs and on the other hand scientists do not always proactively engage in the policy process. Scientists tend to define the research problems and develop solutions that may not be fully relevant to the needs of the society and this inadequacy is also reflected in policy-making. We tend to imagine that the communication follows a ‘linear model’ when thinking about the science-policy– society interface. This linear model is largely uncommon in reality, as science, policy and societal interactions are complex and are not straightforward. This session brings together representatives from prominent science – policy – society interfaces relevant to food security and nutrition to discuss how science – policy – society interactions work in practice. The session will highlight the challenges and opportunities on how good interaction and excellent working relationships are crucial to successfully influencing or initiating change with participation of policy makers, scientists and society. 

The session will be interpreted in all UN languages, online through Airmeet platform, UN web TV and FAO.org webcast.

AGENDA

16:00 – 16:05

Introduction by the moderator

Thin Lei Win

16:05- 16:15

Opening 

Qu Dongyu
Director-General, FAO

16:15-16:30

Keynote speech:
Science–Policy–Society Interface: Opportunities and challenges

Bibi Ameenah Firdaus Gurib-Fakim
Former president of Mauritius

16:30 – 17:15

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Moderated panel discussion

Thin Lei Win

Asia Mohamed
Vice-Chair
The Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES)


Patrick Caron
CGIAR System Board Member &
Vice President for International Affairs at the University of Montpellier


Abdalah Mokssit
Secretary, Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)


Hilal Elver
Formerly UN Special Rapporteur for the Right to Food & Member of the Steering Committee of the High-Level Panel of Experts (HLPE) at the World Committee of Food Security and Nutrition (CFS)


Patrick Webb
Professor at Tufts University


17:15 – 17:40

Moderated Q&A Session

by Thin Lei Win

17:40-17:45

Closing
Summary of key messages and recommendations

Thin Lei Win