STS Forum
The Science and Technology in Society forum (STS Forum) brings together a diverse group of opinion leaders, including 11 Nobel laureates, leading scientists, science and technology ministers, corporate executives, research institute leaders, university presidents, and influential media leaders and thought-leaders from around the world. Participants engage in cross-border and interdisciplinary discussions on the challenges and directions of science and technology, with a focus on humanity’s long-term future,100 to 500 years ahead.
The Agenda
A Deep and Broad Science and Technology Agenda
The STS Forum 2024 explored sustainability, energy transition, and the societal impact of technology.
Key discussions include climate adaptation, renewable energy, net-zero emissions, and circular economies. Topics also cover quantum science, AI in education and healthcare, biotechnology, and cybersecurity. Collaboration across sectors and fostering young scientists are emphasized, along with addressing digital transformation, disinformation, and the future of higher education to meet global challenges.
Agenda for 2024
Opening Session
The World in 2024 – What do we need from S&T? PM’s Address Ishiba, Shigeru, Prime Minister, Government of Japan, Government of Japan Chairman’s Address
“We must create a vision allowing us to identify what we need to do today for the sake of future society. Information must be synthesized, but the explosion of knowledge and its growing compartmentalization have made it increasingly difficult to grasp the overall picture. This makes the task more challenging than ever.” Hiroshi Komiyama
Chairman, STS forum
Special Session
Investment and Financing for Energy Transition
The 1.5°C target by 2050 will require a cumulative $150 trillion of investment, averaging over $5 trillion annually, quadruple the current $1.3 trillion invested annually. The bulk of the financing will come from the private sector. However, mobilizing that financing requires governments to create appropriate enabling policy and regulatory environments. Force for Good participated in this discussion.
Special Session
Circular Economy Toward the End of Mining
The substantial progress achieved in applying the circular economy (CE) paradigm to move toward the end of mining, for considerations that are geopolitical (supply disruptions and price explosion), environmental (state of the earth) but also with an impact on the bottom line of industries. Phoebe Koundhouri, Force for Good collaborator, speaking.
Key Conclusions
Science for a Better World
“Science and technology can do much to feed the hungry, heal the sick, protect the environment, and bring dignity to work... our discussions reviewing the key issues of our time were particularly timely … AI is a transformative technology... while AI drives innovation, productivity, and customization, it also raises concerns about security risks, job displacement, economic inequality, and potential misuse … Global collaboration between academia, industry, and government is more crucial than ever ... to strengthen cooperation, trust, and openness, with a focus on the Global South.”
Background on the STS Forum
Lights and Shadows
The explosive progress of science and technology has brought economic growth and enriched the quality of life, but also raised a number of challenges for society such as climate change and privacy in ICT. STS forum seeks to strengthen the lights and control the shadows of science and technology.
Collaboration among Academia, Industry and Government
No one country or constituency alone can solve the issues of science and technology facing the humankind. STS forum is a platform to form collaborative networks among global leaders in academia, industry and government in order for us to build a better world together.
Long-Term Perspective
STS forum takes a truly long-term perspective of 100 to 500 years ahead, thereby seeking to foster sustainable society for generations to come.
Force for Good attends this STS Forum to learn and contribute to the exploration of how the world’s science and technology solutions can be implemented to address the world’s leading challenges and build a more secure, sustainable and superior future for all.
For further information see STS Forum