High-Level Ibero-American Forum on Science and Technology held in Argentina

During International Science and Technology Week, the Organization of Ibero-American States for Education, Science, and Culture (OEI) and Argentina's Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation held the Ibero-American High-Level Forum on Science and Technology. Portugal was represented by Amélia Polónia, member of the FCT Governing Board, who participated on behalf of the Minister of Science, Technology, and Higher Education (MCTES), Elvira Fortunato.

Ministers and senior officials from 20 countries, organizations such as UNESCO, the CPLP, and the African Union, public and private research agencies, and universities from different countries in the region participated in this meeting, which took place on October 18 and 19, with the aim of discussing guidelines for scientific cooperation in Ibero-America.

In her contribution to the debate on "the role of internationalization and science diplomacy," Amélia Polónia focused on the Portuguese case, using concrete examples of the promotion and use of science diplomacy tools in multilateral cooperation relations. She specifically focused on Portugal's relations with Latin America and Africa, with particular emphasis on the Lusophone world.

The Forum focused on the role of science in different countries, especially after the Covid-19 pandemic, and the relevance of Ibero-American scientific cooperation. The identification of scientific cooperation actions to be adopted to increase the capacities and results of the R&D&I (research, development, and innovation) systems of the countries involved was also part of the debate and reflection among the Ibero-American ministers responsible for Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) policies.