Science Summit at United Nations General Assembly (UNGA78)

The session will consider how regulations for data protection, including legislation on Artificial Intelligence (AI) globally, influence cooperation in medical science and health research, thereby affecting the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Regulations are vital in ensuring good quality standards in healthcare diagnostics and research. Data protection regulations aim to give individuals control over their data while facilitating the free flow of this data between member states, as demonstrated by Europe's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). However, the diversity of regulations across regions and countries poses challenges for global collaboration and research efforts.

Advancements in medical healthcare heavily rely on scientific research and the amalgamation of personal health data. Global collaboration and access to masses of health data are crucial in creating new diagnostic tools, addressing global healthcare shortfalls, and identifying more appropriate treatments for patients.

However, the extraterritorial scope of data protection regulations, such as GDPR, has unintended consequences on joint research enterprises, even within relatively homogenous regions like Europe, due to varying approaches to privacy. Regulation fragmentation hampers research collaboration and the societal benefit of reusing data for appropriate purposes with proper safeguards.

To address these challenges, there is a need to unify regulations related to data protection, AI, and other relevant aspects, specifically concerning international collaborations in medical science and health research. A harmonised and overarching jurisdiction would facilitate cooperation and data sharing, leading to more impactful advancements in healthcare and improved achievement of the SDGs, particularly those related to health and well-being.

During the session, speakers with expertise in the field will share their insights and experiences to develop potential mechanisms and recommendations for fostering effective collaboration while ensuring data protection and privacy. The goal is to create a conducive environment that encourages international cooperation and promotes innovative solutions to global health challenges.