Rio de Janeiro, Brazil - 29 September 2025 - Today, the 17th General Conference of The World Academy of Sciences for the advancement of science in developing countries (TWAS) officially opened at the Windsor Barra Convention Hotel in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, marking the beginning of a four-day event focused on the theme: ‘Building a Sustainable Future: The Role of Science, Technology, and Innovation for Global Development.’
TWAS is a global merit-based science academy based in Trieste, Italy, and administered as a UNESCO Programme Unit. Organized in partnership by TWAS and the Brazilian Academy of Sciences (BAS), the conference brings together leading scientists, policymakers, and institutional leaders from across the global South and beyond. The event aims to explore how science, technology, and innovation (STI) can drive progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in developing countries.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, TWAS leaders and representatives of Brazilian and international institutions emphasized the importance of global collaboration, scientific excellence, and inclusive innovation. All these elements, they said, are vital for addressing challenges such as climate change, health equity, and sustainable economic growth.
"Science is indispensable not only for economic progress but also for human dignity, for democracy, and for the sustainability of our planet," said Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, President of Brazil, in a message delivered to the opening ceremony.
"Here we have the knowledge, creativity, and dedication of scientists from all over the world. Here are the women and men who can help us turn difficulties into solutions. Only by combining talent and solidarity — and above all, by valuing the voices of the Global South — can we build a more just, sustainable, and multipolar world."
Brazilian Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation Luciana Santos added in a message of her own: "This year's theme, 'Building a Sustainable Future: The Role of Science, Technology, and Innovation for Global Development,' couldn't be more fitting. We live in a time of great challenges, but even greater opportunities for change. I'm certain this will be a fertile space for inspiring dialogue and lasting collaboration."
“We gather at an unprecedented time, as the world faces a convergence of numerous crises and challenges. This moment provides an extraordinary opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments of TWAS and the impressive progress toward knowledge-based economies in the global South,” said TWAS President Quarraisha Abdool Karim, welcoming participants. “But it also serves as a sober reminder of how much more remains to be done to realize the transformative power of science for sustainable development—for everyone, everywhere, and for generations to come—as envisaged by the founders of TWAS 40 years ago,” she added.
In a message delivered to the opening ceremony, Mohammad Nafees Zakaria, Executive Director of the Commission on Science and Technology for Sustainable Development in the South (COMSATS), stressed that “this occasion calls for making a firm commitment to working together as institutions, as nations, and as partners to ensure that science and technology remain central to our development agendas and make a difference using our collective strength.”
The conference marks a major milestone for TWAS because the academy is celebrating its 40th anniversary. Founded in 1983 and officially inaugurated in 1985, TWAS supports sustainable prosperity through research, education, policy, and diplomacy. With its partners, it has graduated over 1,230 PhDs and awarded more than 2,300 postdoctoral fellowships to developing world scientists. The Academy also bestowed over 1,200 prizes, awarded over 2,800 research grants, trained over 750 individuals in science diplomacy, and supported over 1,400 exchange visits.
From the founding of TWAS to the present day, Italy has provided essential support to the Academy. Edmondo Cirielli, deputy minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI) of Italy, praised TWAS in his message for its decades-long contribution to international collaboration, describing the Academy as “one of the leading actors in global scientific cooperation.”
He also commended TWAS’s efforts to empower women and young scientists, and expressed pride in the many opportunities for collaboration between TWAS and Italian universities, laboratories, and centres of excellence. “TWAS grants researchers from all over the world the opportunity to grow in their field of expertise,” he said.
“As the global science community, we are the drivers of evidence-based solutions, and we must unite to turn knowledge into tangible, life-improving impact,” stressed Sukit Limpijumnong, president of the Alliance of National and International Organizations for the Belt and Road Regions (ANSO).
"We must move from identifying problems to co-creating solutions,” said UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Natural Sciences Lidia Brito. She emphasized that the Conference aligns with and amplifies the International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development (2024–2033), a bold global framework led by UNESCO to bridge divides and advance science as a global common good. "Together, we can strengthen science education, foster local innovation, and build truly equitable partnerships," she said.
Helena Nader, president of the Brazilian Academy of Sciences and vice-president of TWAS for Latin America and the Caribbean, highlighted the urgency of global collaboration in science. She noted that the world is facing unprecedented challenges—from climate change and biodiversity loss to food insecurity, pandemics, and growing inequalities. In her remarks, she emphasized that no nation, regardless of its resources, can tackle these crises alone.
“This is where TWAS plays a vital role,” Nader said. “For decades, TWAS has been committed to strengthening science in developing countries, fostering excellence, and promoting cooperation that transcends borders. Today, this mission is more critical than ever. Let this conference inspire us to deepen partnerships, to empower the next generation of scientists, and reaffirm our mission: to make science a force for global development, solidarity, and hope."
"TWAS is very pleased to hold this in-person meeting in Brazil after a long period of remote conferences. Brazil has always been one of our key partners, and I am especially happy that this important gathering is taking place in my home country," said TWAS Executive Director Marcelo Knobel.
Note to editors
In addition to the public sessions, the conference includes the 32nd TWAS General Meeting, a closed-door gathering where TWAS Fellows and Young Affiliates discuss the Academy’s strategic direction.
TWAS General Conferences are held every two years and are renowned for showcasing the scientific talent of the global South, and this year’s edition continues that tradition—highlighting the role of STI in shaping a more equitable and sustainable future.
The conference features:
- High-level panels on science and sustainable development;
- Talks by TWAS Fellows, Young Affiliates, and prize winners;
- Ceremonies honoring new TWAS Fellows and presenting science awards.
The full programme of the conference, which concludes on 2 October, is available at https://twas.org/meeting/17th-twas-general-conference.
The event is supported by key Brazilian institutions:
- Finep, of the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MCTI)
- BNDES, of the Ministry of Development, Industry, Trade and Services (MDIC)
- CAPES, of the Ministry of Education (MEC)
For media inquiries, interviews, access to conference materials, or to attend the event in person, please contact:
TWAS:
Giovanni Ortolani, Public Information Officer, gortolani@twas.org
Sean Treacy, Staff Writer, streacy@twas.org
Cristina Serra, Staff Writer, cserra@twas.org
BAS:
Corcovado Comunicação Estratégica
Carla Russo, director - carlarusso@corcovadoestrategica.com.br
Natália Cancian, coordinator - nataliacancian@corcovadoestrategica.com.br
Henrique Gimenes, communications analyst - henriquegimenes@corcovadoestrategica.com.br