WAAS was represented at the 2025 InterAcademy Partnership (IAP) Triennial Conference and General Assembly, Cairo, Egypt from 8-11 December, 2025.
The InterAcademy Partnership (IAP) concluded its 2025 Triennial Conference and General Assembly, held over four days in Cairo, Egypt, bringing together the global academy community for dialogue on the role of science in addressing societal challenges, alongside key governance milestones for the Partnership. The meeting welcomed 164 participants from 68 countries, reflecting the breadth and diversity of the IAP network. Over the course of the programme, more than 90 international speakers contributed to 18 sessions, thematic panels, and side events, addressing topics including science diplomacy, trust in science, emerging technologies, gender equality, early-career researchers, and cross-sector collaboration.
On the opening day, ahead of the General Assembly, the conference featured remarks from senior leaders and distinguished guests, including Mostafa Kamal Madbouly, Prime Minister of Egypt; Mohamed Ayman Ashour, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research; Peggy Hamburg and Masresha Fetene, IAP Co-Presidents; Gina El-Feky, Acting President of the Academy of Scientific Research and Technology; and Maria Michela Laroccia, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Italy in Egypt. Their remarks highlighted the importance of science, international cooperation, and the role of academies in supporting evidence-based policy-making.
In addition to attending the formal sessions, my participation provided a valuable platform for direct engagement with senior representatives of national and international academies of sciences. I held substantive discussions with colleagues from the Turkish Academy of Sciences, The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) led by Executive Director Marcelo Knobel, the Sudanese National Academy of Sciences, represented by President Mohamed Hasan, the Royal Society, the Indian National Science Academy (INSA), the Arab-German Young Academy of Sciences and Humanities, represented by Managing Director Dr Sabine Dorpmuller, and the Organisation for Women in Science in the Developing World (OWSD), represented by Vice-President Prof. Olubukola Babalola, among others.
These exchanges focused on strengthening inter-academy cooperation, advancing science diplomacy, and reinforcing the role of academies in informing policy and addressing shared global challenges. During these interactions, many participants expressed keen interest in learning more about the World Academy of Art and Science (WAAS), its ongoing international activities, and its legal registration in the United States, reflecting the global relevance of its initiatives.
The conference also offered the opportunity to reconnect with Dr Vaughn Turekian, a close colleague and dear friend, who currently serves as Executive Director of the United States National Academy of Sciences. Our discussions centred on international scientific collaboration, the science–policy interface, and the strategic role of academies in promoting dialogue, trust, and evidence-based decision-making at both national and global levels. Collectively, these interactions underscored the importance of the IAP platform not only for institutional governance, but also for nurturing enduring professional relationships across the global scientific community.
I also met for the first time with Prof. Mohamed Hicham Kara, President of the Algerian Academy of Sciences and Technology, whose academy has only recently joined the IAP. Our exchange focused on the priorities and aspirations of this new member within the IAP framework and on opportunities for deeper engagement with the international academy community.
In parallel, I had the opportunity to meet with Mr Shafik Gabr, who graciously invited me to a dinner gathering attended by a number of diplomats as well as prominent figures from Egypt’s film and cultural sectors. While our direct, head-to-head discussion was necessarily brief, we exchanged initial views on the potential for future collaboration between his foundations and WAAS. I found Mr Gabr to be highly receptive to the ideas and values promoted by WAAS, particularly those related to advancing peace, dialogue, and human security at the global level. This exchange highlighted promising scope for deeper engagement in the future, building on shared interests in cultural diplomacy, international cooperation, and inclusive approaches to addressing global challenges.
It is also worth noting that in-person attendance at the IAP General Assembly and Conference did not include representatives from all leading academies, in part because the meeting was organised in a hybrid format, with full participation available via online platforms. While this reduced physical presence, the hybrid arrangement nonetheless enabled broad global engagement and ensured continuity of dialogue among academies unable to attend in person, reflecting evolving modes of international scientific collaboration.
Throughout the meeting, discussions underscored the essential contribution of science academies in providing independent advice, supporting researchers, and fostering collaboration across borders and sectors. Participants emphasised the need for openness, trust, and long-term perspectives in strengthening global science systems.
The IAP General Assembly carried out its statutory responsibilities, including the onboarding of the new IAP leadership team, marking an important transition for the Partnership and its future strategic direction. Recordings of the sessions and the final conference report will be made available on the IAP website and YouTube channel, ensuring continued access for the wider scientific community.
Alas, I hope Phoebe Koundouri will forgive me, as I unfortunately missed her presentation on the first day of the conference due to being engaged in an important meeting away from the venue.
