APRU Presents to Scientists from Belt and Road Countries Gathered in Beijing
November 23, 2016
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The Chinese Academy of Sciences invited APRU to present in Beijing at the first International Science Forum of National Science Organisations on the Belt and Road Initiative.

350 scientists and delegates from 40 countries came together at a two-day forum organised from 7-8 November 2016. The forum was organised against the backdrop of the Belt and Road Initiative which aims to jointly promote common and shared development worldwide through cooperation and partnership across a wide range of areas of interest.

Bai Chunli, President of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, addressed delegates at the meeting calling on scientific organisations, scientists and experts from diverse backgrounds to enhance their efforts and cooperation in developing communities of common interests, responsibility and goals, and in providing a strong scientific basis for construction of the Belt and Road Initiative.

The forum provided the opportunity for invited organisations and experts to explore various scientific means and opportunities for collaboration and work towards common goals and benefits.

Christina Schönleber, Deputy Director (International Secretariat), presented at the session on Adaptable and Green Technologies. The talk introduced key APRU initiatives and APRU members’ research in the area of green technology and sustainability. Ms Schönleber also highlighted how collaborations with the APRU network can benefit and advance scientific and economic development.

In conclusion to the event, 20 national scientific and research organisations from countries and regions along the Belt and Road Initiative issued a declaration on November 8, establishing an alliance of international scientists to promote cross-border cooperation.

According to Tan Tieniu, Vice-President of the Chinese Academy of Sciences,  the declaration represents the scientists’ and research organisations’ willingness to strengthen international cooperation among countries and regions along the Belt and Road Initiative, and includes mechanisms to enhance cooperation by holding the forum every two years; offer multilateral personnel exchange and student training programs, and facilitate joint scientific research projects.

More information about the Forum: http://english.cas.cn/Special_Reports/CAS_in_the_Belt_and_Road_Initiative/