Science for diplomacy and diplomacy for science are key to promoting cooperation among states and addressing global issues. This was the highlight of the lecture of Dr. Jin Park, former minister of foreign affairs of the Republic of Korea and invited chair professor at the Graduate School of the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology.
Park’s lecture, “Science Diplomacy and the Future of Korea-Philippines Partnership,” was held April 28, online via Zoom and on site at the Asian Center, University of the Philippines Diliman. The event was co-organized by the Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation, UP Korea Research Center, and AC.
In his lecture, Park shared his insights on the future direction of cooperation between the Philippines and ROK. He outlined priority areas for cooperation between the two countries. These were: artificial intelligence and digital transformation, particularly in the field of education; biology and healthcare, which include joint research on and production of vaccines and the development of digital healthcare platforms; climate change response through the use of renewable energy; marine resource management and marine security; and educational cooperation through student exchange programs.
“If Korea’s technological strengths are combined with the Philippines’ human resources, this can develop beyond a merely complementary relationship into a shared competitiveness aimed at the global market,” said Park.
Park also expressed interest in future exchanges with UP for joint research projects, educational programs in AI and data science, and the construction of startup cooperation platforms. Through a partnership with the university, Park claimed that PH-ROK cooperation can become institutionalized and be developed into sustainable structures.
UP President Angelo Jimenez, in his special remarks, emphasized that science and diplomacy are crucial in fostering international collaboration and in crafting evidence-based policymaking. He noted that partnerships with institutions such as KAIST and countries like ROK can make a meaningful difference in expanding opportunities for education and knowledge exchange.
AC Dean Noel Christian Moratilla pointed out the impact of insights shared by world leaders, such as Park. Beyond the information conveyed through their lectures, Moratilla said, “We are urged, we are encouraged, we are persuaded to contribute to the realization of sustainable development goals.”
