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SCIENCE SUMMIT 2024: 17 - 27 September, New York

  • This Programme exclusively outlines the Science Summit events in New York from September 17th to 27th.
  • Participation is free of charge, but registration is required.
  • For those attending in person, please choose the in-person attendance option on the registration form so we can issue your pass.
  • For virtual attendees, once registered, you can join sessions by clicking at the circular checkbox icon next to each session on the event platform. Please ensure you select the sessions you wish to attend, as failure to do so will prevent access to the live stream.
  • You can customize your experience by creating your own schedule based on the sessions you are interested in.



Indigenous Knowledge clear filter
Friday, September 20
 

11:00am EDT

Indigenous Knowledge for Global Health Solutions; Harnessing African Leadership, Artificial Intelligence, and Policy Development for Equitable Impact
Friday September 20, 2024 11:00am - 2:00pm EDT
Abstract
This session will explore the critical role of African Indigenous medical knowledge in transforming global healthcare, particularly in the context of the post-2030 UN agenda and the forthcoming Summit of the Future. As the WHO’s Traditional Medicines Strategy 2025–2034 calls for integrating traditional medicines into global health frameworks, this session highlights Indigenous knowledge's untapped potential in driving sustainable healthcare innovations, especially from Africa. Participants will delve into Indigenous medical practices' rich history and current applications while examining how Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) are co-creating new pathways for health discoveries.

Experts from academia, policy, Indigenous communities, and industry will showcase real-world case studies highlighting the ethical, practical, and policy-driven aspects of merging Indigenous and technological knowledge systems. A central focus will be presenting an upcoming white paper developed by Landcent and partners, which outlines a comprehensive policy framework for protecting and integrating Indigenous knowledge into national and global health systems. This white paper will provide actionable recommendations on data sovereignty, access and benefit-sharing, and equitable involvement of Indigenous communities in policy development.

These frameworks are vital for ensuring that Indigenous knowledge is recognized as a resource and a foundational element in the co-creation of future healthcare solutions. The session aligns with the UN's six key transitions for sustainable development, emphasizing equitable healthcare access, resilient food systems, and science and technology innovation. It will also address how these Indigenous-led solutions can contribute to WHO's Universal Health Coverage (UHC) goals by embedding Indigenous perspectives into global health policy. Policymakers, researchers, and funders will be urged to invest in frameworks that respect Indigenous data governance, ensuring that the benefits of these healthcare innovations are shared equitably with the communities at their origin.


Speakers
avatar for Prof. Tshilidzi Marwala

Prof. Tshilidzi Marwala

Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations., United Nations University
Prof. Tshilidzi Marwala is the Rector of the United Nations University and Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations. Prior to taking up the role of UNU Rector on 1 March 2023, Prof. Tshilidzi Marwala served as Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of Johannesburg (South... Read More →
avatar for Dominic Forson (convenor)

Dominic Forson (convenor)

Digital & Technology Innovation Lead, Landcent
Dominic Forson is a results-oriented data and product/project management specialist with a proven track record of building and scaling data-driven solutions for complex challenges and managing multimillion-dollar data projects for leading brands, including Merck, BMW, Roche, JP Morgan... Read More →
avatar for Motlalepula Matsabisa

Motlalepula Matsabisa

Professor and Pharmacology IKS Research Director, University of the Free State, South Africa
Prof Matsabisa is currently the Director of the Indigenous Knowledge Systems (Health) Lead Programme (IKS) within the Department of Pharmacology, School of Clinical Medicine, and Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of the Free State. Prof Matsabisa is a Guest Professor at... Read More →
avatar for Mosoka P. Fallah, PhD, MPH, MA,

Mosoka P. Fallah, PhD, MPH, MA,

Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC)
Dr. Mosoka Fallah is the Acting Director for the Science and Innovation Directorate at Africa CDC, focusing on enhancing health security and innovation across Africa. He is dedicated to transforming Africa’s R&D and clinical trial landscape through strategic financing, effective... Read More →
avatar for Arun Prabhu

Arun Prabhu

CEO, Landcent Europe B.V.
Arun is a visionary leader dedicated to advancing health equity in underserved communities, with a particular focus on combating Neglected and Poverty-Associated Diseases. As Co-founder and CEO at Landcent, he spearheads initiatives to develop and deliver innovative products and solutions... Read More →
avatar for Peter Atadja, Ph.D.

Peter Atadja, Ph.D.

Landcent
Peter is an accomplished and visionary leader in drug discovery with over 25 years of experience in the global pharmaceutical industry. He has demonstrated high productivity in both start-up and mature environments and is currently serving as the Chief Scientific Officer at Landcent... Read More →
avatar for Ben Dotsei Malor

Ben Dotsei Malor

United Nations
Ben Dotsei Malor is currently the Chief Editor of Dailies, United Nations News under the Department of Global Communications in New York. His expertise, experience and accomplishments span the fields of international broadcasting, journalism, media and public information, speechwriting... Read More →
avatar for H. E. Amb. Cessouma Minata Samete

H. E. Amb. Cessouma Minata Samete

African Union
H.E. Amb. Minata SAMATE CESSOUMA is the Commissioner for Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development. She is a native of Burkina Faso with over thirty (30) years of experience in international relations, Diplomacy, Governance and peace and security, humanitarian and social... Read More →
avatar for Magdalena Skipper, PhD.

Magdalena Skipper, PhD.

Nature Research (Publishing)
As Editor in Chief, Magdalena leads Nature’s magazine and research editorial teams. A geneticist by training, she has considerable editorial and publishing experience: having started in Nature Publishing Group in 2001, she was Chief Editor of Nature Reviews Genetics, Senior Editor... Read More →
Friday September 20, 2024 11:00am - 2:00pm EDT
Science Summit venue (12th floor) 345 Park Avenue South, New York, NY, USA
 
Monday, September 23
 

9:00am EDT

[At Harvard Club] Leaders of Regeneration: Investment, Innovation, Indigeneity, and Policy for Peace with Nature
Monday September 23, 2024 9:00am - 4:30pm EDT
Humanity stands at a crossroads, facing not only climate change but also biodiversity loss and imminent ecosystem collapse—endangering 40% of human lives and destabilizing economies globally. At the same time, we have unprecedented wealth, advanced green technologies, AI, and promising policies, but resistance to necessary change persists.

This summit celebrates visionary leaders from science, business, investment, and policy-making who are driving systems change in collaboration with Nobel Prize-winning activists and Indigenous stewards of the Earth, whose wisdom is deeply rooted in harmony with Nature.

In preparation for COP16, its President, the Environment Minister of Colombia, and leaders of the Arhuaco and Kogi people present their Sierra Nevada Regeneration Project, a case study for collaboration, innovative policy, green energy, regenerative agriculture, and ancient knowledge-enhancing ecological restoration efforts worldwide. Through innovative financing and data-driven insights, this session seeks to ensure that the economic benefits of ecosystems regeneration are both recognized and realized. We will explore data cooperatives’ capabilities to counteract harmful economic incentives like logging and mining by recognizing the immense planetary value of living ecosystems, such as biodiversity, oxygen generation, and carbon capture.

This Summit calls for bold leadership and cross-sector collaboration, aiming to result in real policy for inclusive partnerships, enhanced accountability, knowledge sharing, and sustainable funding mechanisms to empower Indigenous communities in climate and biodiversity efforts. Integrating green energy, advanced AI, data cooperatives, and ancestral knowledge we can catalyze transformative systems change for a resilient, just, and regenerative future in harmony with Nature.
Speakers
avatar for Declan Kirrane

Declan Kirrane

Founder and Managing Director of ISC Intelligence in Science, ISC Intelligence in Science
Declan Kirrane, Founder and Managing Director of ISC Intelligence in Science.Has a background in analysing the relationship between public and private R&D funding and the impact on R&D performance he has worked extensively on science and technology policy evaluation methodologies... Read More →
avatar for Mei Lin

Mei Lin

CEO, People Centered Internet
avatar for Indrani Pal-Chaudhuri

Indrani Pal-Chaudhuri

Founder, Shakti Regeneration Institute, Open Origin
Indrani is a transdisciplinarian filmmaker, founder, futurist, human rights and ecosystems advocate, impact innovator, TEDx speaker, and movement mobilizer, awakening public consciousness and transforming culture for a more just, equitable, and regenerative future.  Her work has... Read More →
avatar for Le’Kiesha French-Merritt

Le’Kiesha French-Merritt

Founder, Future in Color Institute
Le’Kiesha French-Merritt is a visionary leader focused on bridging the justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion gap within the tech-driven economy. With over 15 years of global experience in research, policy, and practice, she has specialized in creating equitable pathways in emerging... Read More →
avatar for Yannis Ioannidis

Yannis Ioannidis

President of the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM), Athena RC
avatar for Susana Muhamad

Susana Muhamad

President of COP16, Minister of Environment & Sustainable Development of Colombia, political scientist, environmentalist
Susana Muhamad is the current minister of environment and sustainable development of Colombia, serving since August 2022. A Colombian politician with Palestinian roots, Muhamad has worked extensively on issues of environmentalism, aiming to consolidate Colombia as a world power of... Read More →
avatar for Xiye Bastida

Xiye Bastida

22 year old indigenous climate activist, organizer of school strikes, Re-Earth Initiative, Fridays for Future NYC, Spirit of the UN award, Time 100.Xiye Bastida is one of the world's leading young climate activists. An inspirational figure in the climate movement, Xiye is known for her inclusive approach that seeks to engage all parts of the society on the challenges ahead.In 2015, Xiye left Mexico to move to New York City with her parents. That same year, unprecented rainfall and... Read More →
avatar for Geraldine Patrick Encina

Geraldine Patrick Encina

One Earth, Executive Director of Earth Timekeepers, Grand Council of the Eagle and the Condor, Member of the Otomi Council of the High Lerma River Basin, Member of the Academic & Technical Committee of the Biocultural Heritage Network of the National Council of Science and Technology... Read More →
avatar for Carlos Nobre

Carlos Nobre

Nobel Prize-winning IPCC Climate Scientist and meteorologist, Brazilian Academy of Science.
A Brazilian scientist and meteorologist who is mainly highlighted in global warming-related studies. Nobre spearheaded the multi-disciplinary, multinational Large-Scale Biosphere-Atmosphere Experiment in Amazonia, a program noted to have “revolutionized understanding of the Amazon rainforest and its role in the Earth system. (CEMADEN... Read More →
avatar for Hindou Oumarou Ibrahim

Hindou Oumarou Ibrahim

Hindou Oumarou Ibrahim
avatar for Henk Rogers

Henk Rogers

Founder Blue Planet Alliance & International MoonBase Alliance, subject of “Tetris” film
avatar for Tom De Santo

Tom De Santo

Filmmaker of movie franchises X-Men and Transformers, at the intersection of tech and social justice
avatar for Christiana Figueres

Christiana Figueres

co-founder Global Optimism, former Executive Secretary of UNFCCC, known as the powerhouse of the Paris Agreement
Ms. Figueres is an internationally recognized leader on global climate change. She was Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) 2010-2016. Assuming responsibility for the international climate change negotiations after the failed Copenhagen conference of 2009, she was determined to lead the process to a universally agreed regulatory framework. Building toward that goal, she directed the successful Conferences of the... Read More →
avatar for Mere Takako

Mere Takako

(Ngāti Porou, Te Whānau a Apanui, Rongowhakaata), Māori Conservationist and CEO Pacific Whale Fund
avatar for Wes Powell

Wes Powell

Founder and CEO of Open Origin, fueling the future, and ex-World Bank
Wesley is a veteran management, process optimization and technology expert with experience in nearly every vertical as a result of over 25 years of entrepreneurship. He has founded multiple companies in distribution, AI, event production and industrial real estate development.He has... Read More →
avatar for Jonathan Granoff,

Jonathan Granoff,

President of the Global Security Institute, United Nations Representative for Nobel Laureates
Mr. Granoff is an attorney, author and international advocate emphasizing the legal and ethical dimensions of human development and security, with a specific focus on advancing the rule of law to address international security and the threats posed by nuclear weapons. He serves on... Read More →
avatar for Mamo Luis

Mamo Luis

Spiritual Leader of the Kogi People, 100+ year old Elder
Mamo Luis is a revered Kogi Kaggaba Mamo, a spiritual leader among the Kogi people. Mama Luis was born in Mukhua kungui Ezuama. At the age of five he began the formation in darkness in the Ezuama of Sezhangajrha. Each Mamo has a unique role, and Mamo Luis is known as the Son of the... Read More →
avatar for Jose Maria Gualinga

Jose Maria Gualinga

Based in Ecuador, originally from Sarayaku, Gualinga is a charismatic leader of the Kichwa People of Sarayaku, an important member of the ICCA Consortium in the Ecuadorian Amazon. José has been Tayak Apu (president) of the Kichwa Indigenous People, several times member of the Advisory... Read More →
avatar for David Ewing Duncan

David Ewing Duncan

David Ewing Duncan, award-winning journalist covering life science, technology, AI, politics, and culture in print, television, and radio—and a best-selling author of 12 books published in 21 languages. David writes for Vanity Fair, Scientific American, Atlantic, The New York Times, Wired, and many others. He is a former producer and correspondent for ABC Nightline and 20/20, and for NPR’s Morning Edition. He was the longtime Chief Correspondent of NPR Talk’s Tech Nation. David is the Creative Director... Read More →
avatar for Michael Sheldrick

Michael Sheldrick

Co-founder Global Citizen, with his bestselling book launch on "From Ideas to Impact"
As the Co-Founder and Chief Policy, Impact and Government Affairs Officer for Global Citizen, I have been leading and growing the organization's efforts to influence and implement change in a divided world for over 10 years. I oversee a global team of 30 professionals who work with... Read More →
avatar for Ashish Saraf

Ashish Saraf

Industrialist, Philanthropist, Diplomat, Chairman & CEO FACOR Global, Consul of the Commonwealth of Bahamas & Maldives in India
avatar for Robert White Mountain

Robert White Mountain

Lakota Elder, Great Sioux Nation Elders Council, Medicine Bundle Keeper
avatar for Maria Jose

Maria Jose "Chochi" Iturralde

Ecuadorian Executive Director of Humans for Abundance and Pachaysana
I am the Executive Director of Fundación Pachaysana, an Ecuadorian non-profit organization that partners with indigenous communities to restore their territories and re-story their identities. I specialize in fostering connections and designing innovative systems to circumvent the... Read More →
avatar for Marc Buckley

Marc Buckley

CEO Alohas Eco-Center, futur/io institute, Regenerative Futurist, Impact Circle World Economic Forum
Marc has been involved in Climate Activism for a long time and would love to show you how to run faster than climate change by being an impactful and exponential human being. One of the first to be trained by Al Gore as a Climate Speaker he has made getting through the Climate Crisis... Read More →
avatar for Dror Benshetrit

Dror Benshetrit

Founder Supernature Labs and Bioplanning Institut
founder Supernature Labs and Bioplanning Institute regenerative design and tech stopping urban sprawl. Dror creates ideas as a vehicle for change, where a structural, emotional, or metaphorical shift yields profound results. Our passion for ideas stems from more than a desire to disrupt... Read More →
avatar for Jason Petralia

Jason Petralia

CEO, Anthropogenic, TEDx Speaker, impact investor
As the Chief Executive Officer of Anthropogenic, I lead the development and deployment of the leading Financial Technology platform that enables and accelerates climate transition finance. Our commitment is to deliver Truth, Trust, Transparency, and Timeliness for impact-linked financial... Read More →
avatar for Jon Holm

Jon Holm

Jon Holm, Senior Vice President of Partnership Development at Pyxera Global, where he spearheads the organization’s inclusive circular economy strategy, designing and executing inclusive circular cities, material reverse logistics hubs, corporate advisory services, and zero (plastic... Read More →
avatar for Andrea Soccorso

Andrea Soccorso

Advisor, Climate Voice, Co-founder AfterWEVote Advisor, Frmr, Director Strategic Partnerships, Nobel Peace Laureate Kailash Satyarthi
Andrea is a visionary leader, driven by an unwavering passion to co-create a regenerative and more equitable world.   With 25+ years  global multidisciplinary and cross sector experience she is a systems thinker who advises, strategizes, leads and rallies people and resources for... Read More →
avatar for Gael Van Weyenbergh

Gael Van Weyenbergh

Gael Van Weyenbergh is a Digital Innovation Strategist with a strong focus on digital cooperation. His research explores data cooperatives, blending cooperative structures with the emerging digital asset class of data to foster innovative participatory governance systems. He regularly... Read More →
avatar for Gurvinder Ahluwalia

Gurvinder Ahluwalia

Gurvinder Ahluwalia is the "architecture conscience" for technology adoption by society and business. He has steered industry change in recent five waves of disruption. As Founder & CEO of Digital Twin Labs and previously as CTO of IBM North America, he has had a front row seat and... Read More →
avatar for Amir Banifatemi

Amir Banifatemi

Tech strategist and investor; Co-Founder and Director AI Commons at AI for Good 2024; former lead at X-Prize AI; focuses on impactful societal innovation.I am a Technology and Innovation Strategist, investor, and entrepreneur. My general focus is on identifying and developing emerging... Read More →
avatar for Anastasia Kalinina

Anastasia Kalinina

Co-Founder and CEO of reState Foundation; former Head of Regional Agenda at WEF; Senior Advisor to UNECE.
Co-Founder and CEO of reState Foundation, a Swiss-based non-profit foundation aiming to reimagine the future of governance and global collaboration.Previously, Anastasia was a Head of Regional Agenda at the World Economic Forum and Senior Advisor on Partnerships to the United Nations... Read More →
avatar for Raphael de Ry

Raphael de Ry

Founder of ALLCOT IO; former Executive Director at SandSI; pioneer in sustainability, carbon markets, and zero-waste initiatives.
avatar for Wes Geisenberger

Wes Geisenberger

Wes is the VP of Sustainability & ESG at the HBAR Foundation, where he leads the Sustainable Impact Fund, focusing on climate markets, biodiversity, energy, and supply chain initiatives. He has spearheaded the development of the world's largest digitized open-source methodology library... Read More →
avatar for Lina Zuluaga

Lina Zuluaga

Lina Zuluaga is Vice-chair of the Americas' Women Network at the ITU and chair of the ITU-T SG5 Regional Group for LATAM ( electromagnetic fields, sustainable digitalización, environment, climate action and circular economy). Lina was co-chair of COMCITEL 2023 and vice-chair at... Read More →
avatar for Sophie Rigg

Sophie Rigg

Sophie Rigg, has over 15 years of experience in climate, development and humanitarian across continents. Impact driven, strategically minded and operationally effective with expertise in policy, programs and partnerships.Strong analytical and leadership skills with the ability to... Read More →
avatar for Ted Hewitt

Ted Hewitt

Ted Hewitt was appointed president of SSHRC in March 2015. Between 2017 and 2020, he also served as the inaugural Chair of the Canada Research Coordinating Committee. Ted was vice-president, research and international relations, at Western University in London, Ontario, from 2004... Read More →
Monday September 23, 2024 9:00am - 4:30pm EDT
Harvard Club of New York City 35 West 44th Street, New York, NY, 10036
 
Tuesday, September 24
 

8:00pm EDT

[VIRTUAL] Decolonize Science to Bridge Worlds (SESSION 1/3)
Tuesday September 24, 2024 8:00pm - 9:30pm EDT
***NOTE: To join the session, select it by clicking at the circlecheck box. Please see the date/time and speaker list in each respective session in the SSUNGA program.***
 
Session 1: What does it mean to do science on Indigenous Lands? (90 mins)
24 September at 00:00 UTC  / 15:00 HDT / 17:00 PDT / 20:00 EDT and 25 September 2024 at 09:00 JST

The construction and operation of scientific research infrastructures on Indigenous land have been the focus of ethical and cultural debate. At the centre of this debate are observatories on lands of deep spiritual and cultural significance to Indigenous communities. This contentious issue highlights the historical context of colonialism and the juxtaposition of scientific advancement with the disregard for indigenous and local sovereignty.

This session will critically discuss:
1) How does constructing an observatory on Indigenous lands highlight the broader historical context of colonialism and the marginalisation of Indigenous rights?
2) How can integrating traditional knowledge systems and modern astronomy benefit both the scientific community and Indigenous cultures, and what steps are being taken to increase Indigenous participation in the management of observatory sites?
3) Why are these measures essential to reconciliation in astronomy?

Session 2: Colonial Reflection on the Space Exploration (90 mins) -- SEPARATE REGISTRATION REQUIRED
25 September at 00:00 UTC  / 15:00 HDT / 17:00 PDT / 20:00 EDT and 26 September 2024 at 09:00 JST

The modern space exploration initiatives led by government agencies and the private sector raise ethical concerns reminiscent of historical colonialism. This discourse around space exploration is increasingly addressing the need to identify and move beyond the colonial paradigm. The current approach parallels historical colonialism on Earth and the current ambitions to colonise the Moon and Mars. The decolonisation of space exploration requires a new ethical framework prioritising sustainability, equity, and environmental protection. International treaties urgently need to be updated to reflect these priorities and ensure that space remains a shared and protected environment.

This session will critically discuss:
1) How do the current practices of space exploration by government agencies and the private sector risk repeating the historical patterns of Earthly colonisation?
2) What insights do Indigenous knowledge systems provide that could inform a more ethical and sustainable approach to space exploration?
3) Why is international cooperation and stringent regulation necessary for addressing the issue of space debris and ensuring the sustainability of the space environment?

Session 3: Science Education with Indigenous and Local Knowledge Systems (90 mins) -- SEPARATE REGISTRATION REQUIRED
26 September at 00:00 UTC  / 15:00 HDT / 17:00 PDT / 20:00 EDT and 27 September 2024 at 09:00 JST

Science education globally has long been dominated by Western and global North perspectives and knowledge. This process has overlooked the rich knowledge systems of Indigenous and local communities. Incorporating knowledge systems into science education is vital to developing more balanced and holistic worldviews, intercultural understanding, and sustainability. There’s an urgent need to bridge these knowledge systems. Educators can create an inclusive curriculum that honours diverse perspectives by doing so. This approach enhances scientific literacy and promotes cultural diversity and equity in education.

This session will critically discuss:
1) How can integrating Indigenous and local knowledge systems enhance science education curriculum?
2) What are some of the challenges associated with incorporating these knowledge systems into the classrooms?
3) How do collaborative partnerships between Indigenous and local communities with educational institutions contribute to developing culturally responsive teaching practices and recognising diverse ways of knowing in science education?
Moderators
avatar for Thilina Heenatigala

Thilina Heenatigala

Assistant Professor/Director of Communications & Lecturer, Earth-Life Science Institute
Thilina Heenatigala (he/him) is the Director of Communications and Assistant Professor at Earth-Life Science Institute (ELSI) in Tokyo. He leads the outreach team, science communication projects, and teaches the science communication graduate course at ELSI. His research interests... Read More →
Speakers
avatar for Yuko Kakazu

Yuko Kakazu

Education, Outreach, and Broader Impacts Manager & Scientist, TMT International Observatory & National Astronomical Observatory of Japan
Tuesday September 24, 2024 8:00pm - 9:30pm EDT
Virtual session
 
Wednesday, September 25
 

8:00pm EDT

[ONLY VIRTUAL] Decolonize Science to Bridge Worlds (SESSION 2/3)
Wednesday September 25, 2024 8:00pm - 9:30pm EDT
***NOTE: Join the session by registering and clicking the circle checkbox afterward. Please see the date/time and speaker list in each respective session in the SSUNGA program.***
 
Session 1: What does it mean to do science on Indigenous Lands? (90 mins) -- SEPARATE REGISTRATION REQUIRED 
24 September at 00:00 UTC  / 15:00 HDT / 17:00 PDT / 20:00 EDT and 25 September 2024 at 09:00 JST

The construction and operation of scientific research infrastructures on Indigenous land have been the focus of ethical and cultural debate. At the centre of this debate are observatories on lands of deep spiritual and cultural significance to Indigenous communities. This contentious issue highlights the historical context of colonialism and the juxtaposition of scientific advancement with the disregard for indigenous and local sovereignty.

This session will critically discuss:
1) How does constructing an observatory on Indigenous lands highlight the broader historical context of colonialism and the marginalisation of Indigenous rights?
2) How can integrating traditional knowledge systems and modern astronomy benefit both the scientific community and Indigenous cultures, and what steps are being taken to increase Indigenous participation in the management of observatory sites?
3) Why are these measures essential to reconciliation in astronomy?

Session 2: Colonial Reflection on the Space Exploration (90 mins) 
25 September at 00:00 UTC  / 15:00 HDT / 17:00 PDT / 20:00 EDT and 26 September 2024 at 09:00 JST

The modern space exploration initiatives led by government agencies and the private sector raise ethical concerns reminiscent of historical colonialism. This discourse around space exploration is increasingly addressing the need to identify and move beyond the colonial paradigm. The current approach parallels historical colonialism on Earth and the current ambitions to colonise the Moon and Mars. The decolonisation of space exploration requires a new ethical framework prioritising sustainability, equity, and environmental protection. International treaties urgently need to be updated to reflect these priorities and ensure that space remains a shared and protected environment.

This session will critically discuss:
1) How do the current practices of space exploration by government agencies and the private sector risk repeating the historical patterns of Earthly colonisation?
2) What insights do Indigenous knowledge systems provide that could inform a more ethical and sustainable approach to space exploration?
3) Why is international cooperation and stringent regulation necessary for addressing the issue of space debris and ensuring the sustainability of the space environment?

Session 3: Science Education with Indigenous and Local Knowledge Systems (90 mins) -- SEPARATE REGISTRATION REQUIRED
26 September at 00:00 UTC  / 15:00 HDT / 17:00 PDT / 20:00 EDT and 27 September 2024 at 09:00 JST


Science education globally has long been dominated by Western and global North perspectives and knowledge. This process has overlooked the rich knowledge systems of Indigenous and local communities. Incorporating knowledge systems into science education is vital to developing more balanced and holistic worldviews, intercultural understanding, and sustainability. There’s an urgent need to bridge these knowledge systems. Educators can create an inclusive curriculum that honours diverse perspectives by doing so. This approach enhances scientific literacy and promotes cultural diversity and equity in education.

This session will critically discuss:
1) How can integrating Indigenous and local knowledge systems enhance science education curriculum?
2) What are some of the challenges associated with incorporating these knowledge systems into the classrooms?
3) How do collaborative partnerships between Indigenous and local communities with educational institutions contribute to developing culturally responsive teaching practices and recognising diverse ways of knowing in science education?
Moderators
avatar for Thilina Heenatigala

Thilina Heenatigala

Assistant Professor/Director of Communications & Lecturer, Earth-Life Science Institute
Thilina Heenatigala (he/him) is the Director of Communications and Assistant Professor at Earth-Life Science Institute (ELSI) in Tokyo. He leads the outreach team, science communication projects, and teaches the science communication graduate course at ELSI. His research interests... Read More →
Speakers
avatar for Alvin Harvey

Alvin Harvey

PhD Candidate, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Shí éí Alvin Harvey yinishyé. Tó baazhni’ázhi Nishłį́. Honágháahnii Bashishchiin. Biligana dashicheii. Kiyaa’áanii dashinalí. I am Diné, of the Two Who Came To the Water Clan and I am born for the One Walks Around Clan; my maternal grandfather is of German descent... Read More →
Wednesday September 25, 2024 8:00pm - 9:30pm EDT
Virtual session
 
Thursday, September 26
 

8:00pm EDT

[ONLY VIRTUAL] Decolonize Science to Bridge Worlds (SESSION 3/3)
Thursday September 26, 2024 8:00pm - 9:30pm EDT
***NOTE: Join the session by registering and clicking the circle checkbox afterward . Please see the date/time and speaker list in each respective session in the SSUNGA program.***
 
Session 1: What does it mean to do science on Indigenous Lands? (90 mins) -- SEPARATE REGISTRATION REQUIRED 
24 September at 00:00 UTC  / 15:00 HDT / 17:00 PDT / 20:00 EDT and 25 September 2024 at 09:00 JST

The construction and operation of scientific research infrastructures on Indigenous land have been the focus of ethical and cultural debate. At the centre of this debate are observatories on lands of deep spiritual and cultural significance to Indigenous communities. This contentious issue highlights the historical context of colonialism and the juxtaposition of scientific advancement with the disregard for indigenous and local sovereignty.

This session will critically discuss:
1) How does constructing an observatory on Indigenous lands highlight the broader historical context of colonialism and the marginalisation of Indigenous rights?
2) How can integrating traditional knowledge systems and modern astronomy benefit both the scientific community and Indigenous cultures, and what steps are being taken to increase Indigenous participation in the management of observatory sites?
3) Why are these measures essential to reconciliation in astronomy?

Session 2: Colonial Reflection on the Space Exploration (90 mins) -- SEPARATE REGISTRATION REQUIRED
25 September at 00:00 UTC  / 15:00 HDT / 17:00 PDT / 20:00 EDT and 26 September 2024 at 09:00 JST

The modern space exploration initiatives led by government agencies and the private sector raise ethical concerns reminiscent of historical colonialism. This discourse around space exploration is increasingly addressing the need to identify and move beyond the colonial paradigm. The current approach parallels historical colonialism on Earth and the current ambitions to colonise the Moon and Mars. The decolonisation of space exploration requires a new ethical framework prioritising sustainability, equity, and environmental protection. International treaties urgently need to be updated to reflect these priorities and ensure that space remains a shared and protected environment.

This session will critically discuss:
1) How do the current practices of space exploration by government agencies and the private sector risk repeating the historical patterns of Earthly colonisation?
2) What insights do Indigenous knowledge systems provide that could inform a more ethical and sustainable approach to space exploration?
3) Why is international cooperation and stringent regulation necessary for addressing the issue of space debris and ensuring the sustainability of the space environment?

Session 3: Science Education with Indigenous and Local Knowledge Systems (90 mins) 
26 September at 00:00 UTC  / 15:00 HDT / 17:00 PDT / 20:00 EDT and 27 September 2024 at 09:00 JST


Science education globally has long been dominated by Western and global North perspectives and knowledge. This process has overlooked the rich knowledge systems of Indigenous and local communities. Incorporating knowledge systems into science education is vital to developing more balanced and holistic worldviews, intercultural understanding, and sustainability. There’s an urgent need to bridge these knowledge systems. Educators can create an inclusive curriculum that honours diverse perspectives by doing so. This approach enhances scientific literacy and promotes cultural diversity and equity in education.

This session will critically discuss:
1) How can integrating Indigenous and local knowledge systems enhance science education curriculum?
2) What are some of the challenges associated with incorporating these knowledge systems into the classrooms?
3) How do collaborative partnerships between Indigenous and local communities with educational institutions contribute to developing culturally responsive teaching practices and recognising diverse ways of knowing in science education?
Moderators
avatar for Thilina Heenatigala

Thilina Heenatigala

Assistant Professor/Director of Communications & Lecturer, Earth-Life Science Institute
Thilina Heenatigala (he/him) is the Director of Communications and Assistant Professor at Earth-Life Science Institute (ELSI) in Tokyo. He leads the outreach team, science communication projects, and teaches the science communication graduate course at ELSI. His research interests... Read More →
Speakers
Thursday September 26, 2024 8:00pm - 9:30pm EDT
Virtual session
 
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Science Summit 2024
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