Hon. Minister, Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed (MP) Attends Global Ministerial Dialogue on Science Diplomacy, 25th-26th March 2025, Paris, France

The Hon. Minister, Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed (MP), attended the prestigious Global Ministerial Forum on Science Diplomacy at the UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, France, from the 25th to the 26th of March 2025. The forum brought together ministers, experts, and stakeholders from around the world to discuss the vital role of science diplomacy in global governance and policy-making.

Science diplomacy played an essential role in fostering international collaboration on critical issues related to shared natural and scientific resources. By providing a framework for evidence-based decision-making, science diplomacy enabled countries to address pressing global challenges such as climate change, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable development through cooperation and dialogue. The Global Ministerial Forum served as a platform for nations to exchange ideas and collaborate on these common challenges, reinforcing the need for a coordinated, science-driven approach to global governance.

On 25th March, Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed participated in a high-level conference focused on science diplomacy, where he joined a diverse group of ministers and stakeholders to engage in thought-provoking discussions on the role of science in international relations and policymaking. The Hon. Minister’s participation in the conference highlighted Ghana’s commitment to leveraging science and technology for national development and global cooperation.

During his time in Paris, the Hon. Minister also paid a courtesy call to the Acting Ambassador of the Ghana Mission in France. This meeting provided an opportunity for the Minister to engage with the Embassy staff and strengthen diplomatic ties between Ghana and France.

One of the highlights of the Minister’s visit was his bilateral meeting with Dr. Lidia Brito, the Assistant Director-General for Natural Sciences at UNESCO. In this fruitful discussion, the Hon. Minister and Dr. Brito explored several areas of mutual interest, including how UNESCO could assist Ghana in harnessing the benefits of various science and technology initiatives spearheaded by the organization. The Minister emphasized the importance of international cooperation in science and technology and sought ways to enhance Ghana’s participation in UNESCO-led programs that could contribute to the nation’s sustainable development goals.

On 26th March 2025, the Hon. Minister participated in two significant sessions. The first was the Ministerial Segment, where he delivered a speech on “Science Diplomacy for Shared Natural and Scientific Resources.” This address focused on the importance of science diplomacy in promoting collaborative efforts to manage shared resources and advance scientific progress for the collective benefit of humanity. Additionally, the Hon. Minister also made an intervention during the Ministerial Lunch, an exclusive session reserved for ministers. This session provided a platform for further discussions on global cooperation and the role of science diplomacy in shaping future international policies and partnerships.

The Hon. Minister’s participation in this global dialogue underscored Ghana’s commitment to strengthening its position in global science diplomacy. By engaging with international stakeholders, participating in high-level discussions, and fostering partnerships with organizations like UNESCO, the Hon. Minister worked to ensure that Ghana played an active and influential role in shaping the future of global science policy.

The outcomes of the Global Ministerial Forum are expected to contribute to the advancement of Ghana’s science and technology sectors and its active participation in global initiatives aimed at addressing the world’s most pressing challenges. Through these ongoing dialogues, Ghana continued to build its presence in the global science community, reinforcing its dedication to science-driven policy-making and sustainable development.