Science Summit at United Nations General Assembly (UNGA78)

A significant gender gap has persisted throughout the years at all levels in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) worldwide. Although women have made significant progress towards increasing their participation in higher education, they are still under-represented in the areas mentioned above.
Gender equality is a goal in itself, as recognized, e.g., by the UN Charta of Human Rights. Therefore, this should also be reflected in science diplomacy. Projects developed by women scientists and diverse teams have added value. Thus, adopting a gender inclusive perspective reduces gender-biased research and development. So far, gender representation in science diplomacy and research ecosystem is still not equal, thus, gender perspectives are often lacking in this field.
The session has three main objectives:
1. Define the Role of Women Leaders in Science and Science Diplomacy
2. Define the Role of Women leaders in Research Ecosystem
3. Support and Sponsor Women Leaders in Science and Research Ecosystem
4. Community for women leaders of the future in science

This session will build a base for active discussion on promoting women leadership in all area of research and development, resources, knowledge, and community development tool needed to support and sponsor women leaders in science diplomacy and policy making. Through this session, the National Council of University Research Administrators (NCURA) together with Women in Science Diplomacy Association (WiSDA) will share experience in capacity and community building activities to,
1. Address identified gender gaps and bias in the research community.
2. The role of women leadership in Science Diplomacy
3. The role of women leadership in University and research institution
4. Promoting and support the pipeline of next generation women leaders in S&T and research ecosystem.
5. Build science competency among diplomates, introduce women scientists to careers in science diplomacy