Organized by the AAAS S&T Policy Fellows' Science Diplomacy Affinity Group
The ongoing Syrian Refugee Crisis is recognized as one of the worst humanitarian disasters since World War II. Although the Crisis has not typically been framed in the context of science and technology (S&T), it encompasses many complex issues with scientific components, including the exacerbating effects of climate change, public health issues, cultural heritage destruction, human migration, and scientific diasporas. The objective of this symposium is to explore how science diplomacy can contribute to international crisis response and recovery by mitigating the factors that result in the fueling of conflict, the displacement of people, and the resulting challenges. Using the Syrian Crisis as a case study, we will discuss how S&T and science diplomacy can inform responses to future international security, environmental, and humanitarian crises. Through sessions focused on synthesizing the S&T-related contributing factors and consequences of the Syrian Crisis, we will identify how to apply lessons learned from Syria to help prevent or mitigate future international crises, and we will explore the pathways by which scientists can engage in crisis response and recovery.
Draft Agenda (Updated April 19, 2016)
8:00 - 8:30am |
Check-In Opens (Coffee Available) |
8:30 - 8:40am |
Introduction |
8:40 - 9:20am |
Science Diplomacy in Syria: Lessons Learned from Recent History
|
9:20 - 10:50am |
Session 1: Exacerbating Effects of Climate Change in Conflict Zones
|
10:50 - 11:05am |
Break |
11:05am - 12:05pm |
Session 2: S&T to Combat Cultural Heritage Destruction in Conflict Zones
|
12:05 - 12:55pm |
Lunch Provided |
12:55 - 2:05pm |
Session 3, Part 1: Science Diplomacy and Refugee Crises: Public Health
|
2:05 - 2:20pm |
Break |
2:20 - 3:40pm |
Session 3, Part 2: Science Diplomacy and Refugee Crises: Immigration
|
3:40 - 3:55pm |
Break |
3:55 - 4:30pm |
Interactive Activity |
4:30 - 5:15pm |
Synthesis Plenary
|
5:15 - 5:30pm |
Closing Remarks |
5:30 - 7:00pm |
Reception |