World Science Forum (WSF)

The World Science Forum was launched in 2003 under the leadership of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences to strengthen the interaction between science, society, and politics. As a comprehensive international scientific platform, the Forum has developed steadily over the years with support from numerous academies of science, including UNESCO and the International Council for Science. Every two years, meetings bring together science academies from around the world, enabling policymakers, ministers, scientists, Nobel laureates, and other stakeholders to convene. Academy representatives discuss fundamental societal issues under a common theme. Overall, the Forum constitutes the world’s most comprehensive science diplomacy ecosystem by promoting the use of academic and scientific knowledge in addressing global challenges and placing a scientific approach at the service of society.

Historically, the World Science Forum draws its origins from the World Science Conference held in Budapest in 1999, which contributed to the development of an international understanding that science should serve the common good of humanity. As a continuation of this process, the first World Science Forum was initiated in 2003 to sustain dialogue between science and policy.

Although initially centered in Budapest, in subsequent years the Forum expanded to different continents and was held in countries such as Brazil, Jordan, and South Africa. This expansion enhanced the Forum’s diversity and contributed to the integration of regional perspectives into international science policies.

The primary objective of the World Science Forum is to strengthen the interaction between science and policy and to integrate scientific knowledge into decision-making processes. Within this framework, the Forum aims to facilitate the contribution of scientific knowledge to international diplomacy, establish and develop international scientific collaborations, and promote peace and mutual understanding through science. By fostering dialogue among participants from different countries, the Forum supports the development of joint solutions to global challenges. In this regard, it stands as one of the key platforms for the practice of science diplomacy.

The declarations issued under the World Science Forum reflect the evolving priorities of the scientific community. In its early years, ethical responsibility and the social role of science were central; over time, issues such as sustainable open science, equity, and social justice have come to the fore. While these declarations are not binding, they exert significant influence on international science policies. Furthermore, they emphasize fundamental principles such as the use of scientific knowledge for public benefit, academic freedom, and scientific collaboration.

The World Science Forum has a highly collaborative structure. Participants include presidents of national science academies, Nobel laureates, heads of state, ministers, representatives of international organizations, young academics, and numerous researchers. The profile of participants underscores the Forum’s scientific and diplomatic impact. Many organizations, including UNESCO and the International Council for Science, actively participate and contribute. The Forum is implemented in close cooperation between the Hungarian Academy of Sciences and the host academy of each edition.

Each edition of the World Science Forum is shaped around distinct themes to guide the global science agenda. These meetings offer vital opportunities to advance scientific collaboration and strengthen international dialogue and diplomacy.

It has been decided that the World Science Forum will be held in Istanbul from 17 to 20 March 2027. Turkey’s bid to host the event was initiated by the Turkish Academy of Sciences (TÜBA). The Forum in Istanbul, due to the city’s geopolitical position, will host significant sessions that will attract broad participation in science diplomacy and foster in-depth discussions on science.