ECOSF participated in an International Conference on Nonproliferation and Dual Use Awareness in Ypres, Belgium
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International Science & Technology Center (ISTC) in Kazakhstan and Science & Technology Center in Ukraine (STCU) with financial support of European Union (EU), and in collaboration with In Flanders Fields Museum organized an International Conference on “Non Proliferation and Dual Use Awareness (CONDENsE)” on August 29-30 in Ypres, Belgium.
The core objective of holding this conference was to critically engage natural scientists in a debate on dual use issues due to inherent nature of science and technology and to raise awareness among research community regarding the non-proliferation of dual use materials, knowledge and technologies that could be used for hostile purposes. The conference attracted over 30 participants from 16 different countries, including scientists from ECO member countries viz- Azerbaijan, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic and Tajikistan.
The conference was opened by Mr. Curtis “B.J.” Bjelajac, the Executive Director of STCU. Mr. Bjelajac paid deep gratitude to the organizers, especially the EU for their continuous financial support and encouraged all participants to make most out of this conference on this important topic. It is important to share that the concept of dual-use refers to the misuse of civilian technology for hostile purposes. Scientists are the key stakeholders in the context that their knowledge or technologies could potentially be used by third parties for both benevolent and malevolent purpose.
ISTC Kazakhstan is a strong collaborator of ECOSF; thus the Foundation was invited to join the conference and contribute. On behalf of ECOSF, Engr. Khalil Raza Scientific Officer participated in the conference and presented a paper on; “Science & Technology Ethics and Promotion of Non-Proliferation of Dual-Use Materials/Technologies: Learning from the Ancient Civilization”[1]. Mr. Raza outlined that the science education has a very focused nature; which usually lacks the interdisciplinary studies - where science students rarely get opportunities to study other subjects, such as arts, history, culture or international politics. Thus, natural scientists often remain outside of non-proliferation and dual use debate, Mr. Khalil added. However, this challenge could be addressed if social sciences (history, culture and arts) could be integrated with science education to focus more on creating social values towards harmony to live together in global peace. Such an integration could possibly attempt to create a culture of responsibility, safety and security amongst the natural scientists, he further added. Mr. Raza demarcated and introduced the concept of “Fusion of OBOR Civilization Science Education Curriculum Design (FoCEd)”, which could be a step in the right direction to follow this pursuit of creating a world where young kids (future generations) could appreciate the mutual respect and harmony to live together in peace. FoCEd is an innovative curriculum aimed at young children with an intent to enhance their understanding of current scientific knowledge and discoveries in ancient civilizations and developing a wisdom to inculcate global peace and harmony. The FoCEd has been developed under the aegis of InterAcademy Partnership Science Education Programme (IAP SEP) jointly by China Association of Science and Technology (CAST), ECOSF, ISTIC Malaysia and Chinese Academy of Sciences Institute of History of Natural Sciences Beijing. The curriculum is in pilot testing phase.
The conference concluded on the second day with a conviction that scientists can and should play their important role and take on responsibilities at their individual level to create a culture of responsibility, safety and security for the peaceful future of the planet earth and human species.
[1] Soomro, M. H., & Raza, K. (August 2019) ‘Science & Technology Ethics and Promotion of Non-Proliferation of Dual-Use Materials/Technologies: Learning from the Ancient Civilization’ International Conference on Non Proliferation and Dual Use Awareness. Ypres, Belgium.