Wan Gang, president of the China Association for Science and Technology (CAST), met with Irina Bokova, former director general of UNESCO in Shanghai on November 6, 2023.

Also present at the meeting was Luo Hui, member of the leading Party members group of CAST and its director of the Department of International Affairs .

Wan Gang thanked Bokova for her efforts in promoting international exchanges and cooperation in education, science and technology, and culture during her tenure.

He noted that international scientific and cultural exchanges are crucial for enhancing sci-tech cooperation and the cultivation of talents.

Scientific research achievements need to be followed up by popularization efforts to promote public understanding of science.

Wan hoped to join hands with the international sci-tech circles to enhance public awareness of scientific advances and promote openness, mutual trust, and win-win cooperation in the international sci-tech communities.

Bokova said that cutting-edge scientific issues and corresponding ethical debate in science and technology are of common concern to the international sci-tech community, including UNESCO and the International Science Council (ISC).

Bokova expressed that she would volunteer to provide full support to promote international sci-tech exchanges and cooperation, and enhance the interaction between science and society.

Bokova served as the director general of UNESCO from 2009 to 2017, and  was the first female in the position of the organization.

At the invitation of CAST, Bokova attended the WLA SHE Forum held in Shanghai and delivered a keynote speech.

Prior to the forum, Bokova visited the National Communication Center for Science and Technology of CAST, China Science and Technology Museum (CSTM), Peking University Health Science Center, and Ruijin Hospital affiliated to the Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, and met academicians of the Chinese Academy of Engineering (CAE) Qiao Jie and Chen Saijuan respectively.

Also present at the meeting were heads of the Department of International Affairs of CAST and the China Center for International Science and Technology Exchange (CISTE).

Tag: Department of International Affairs of CAST, International Affairs