May 16th, Morning: Public Forum - “Negotiating the Arctic: a Science Diplomacy Perspective” @ McGill University

How much do you know about the Arctic?

It is home to some of the most interesting science Canada has to offer, including unique state-of-the-art research stations like PEARL (the Polar Environment Atmospheric Research Laboratory) and CHARS (the Canada High Arctic Research Station). These are a beacon for Canada’s science on the international level, and they may hold some of the answers in our global fight against climate change.

This raises some new questions – How do we bring Canada’s arctic science into the global discussion? How can we leverage diplomacy across borders to solve climate change and other scientific issues? And how can countries cooperate to protect the environment and promote sustainable development in the Arctic? What role do indigenous communities and traditional knowledge play in these discussions? Our expert panelists will shed light on some of these questions, and look forward to engaging with the Montreal public on this important topic.

Program
9:00 - 9:30 Registration
9:30 - 9:45 Introduction and welcome remarks by Science & Policy Exchange and and Rémi Quirion, Chief scientist of Quebec, Fonds de recherche du Québec
9:45 - 10:30 The Indigenous communities’ perspective by Angela Nuliayok-Rudoph, Policy Advisor at Polar Knowledge Canada
The scientific perspective by Louis Fortier, Science director at ArcticNet and Professor at Université Laval
10:30 - 11:00 Coffee break
11:00 - 11:55 Science diplomacy in the Arctic by Paul Berkman, Professor of Practice in Science Diplomacy at Tufts University

May 16th, Afternoon: “When the Science is not Enough: an Arctic Council Negotiation Simulation” @ McGill University

This workshop, developed by Dr. Melody Brown Burkins at Dartmouth College, an expert in science policy and diplomacy, will introduce and discuss the role of students and young scientists in science diplomacy. The aim of the workshop is to generate recommendations on how to improve young scientists’ engagement in science diplomacy. Specifically, student participants will gain an understanding of the skills (analytical, ethical) to apply science in a diplomatic framework through an Arctic Council negotiation simulation. During this event, student “delegates” will debate a topical issue associated with the Arctic Council.

Program
12:00 - 13:00 Lunch break
13:00 - 17:30 Arctic Council negotiation
17:30–18:00 Feedback session
18:00 - 18:15 Concluding remarks and acknowledgments by Science & Policy Exchange

Please note: while the main simulation is on May 16th, it is also mandatory for student participants to attend the simulation preparation session on May 2nd at 10AM in the room Room 208/209 at the McIntyre building (McGill University, Montreal)

May 17th, Afternoon: Panel Discussions: Students as Stakeholders in Science Diplomacy: Outlook for Today and Tomorrow @ Hotel OMNI

A series of panel discussions directed at government and diplomacy institutions. Experts and stakeholders will participate in panel discussions on how students and young scientists fit into the framework of science diplomacy, including its various sectors, participating agencies, challenges, and its future and potential for action. This event will provide a unique opportunity for participants to hear from and network with experts from a wide variety of disciplines and institutions.

Program
12:15 - 13:15 Registration
13:05 - 13:15 Welcome remarks by Science & Policy Exchange
13:15 - 13:30 Welcome remarks by Mona Nemer, Chief Science Advisor of Canada (Video)
13:30-14:30 Panel 1: The role of student diaspora and internationalization of research in science diplomacy
14:30 - 14:45 Questions
14:45 - 15:15 Coffee break
15:15 - 16:15 Panel 2: How to train students and favour their engagement in science policy and science diplomacy?
16:15 - 16:30 Questions
16:30 - 16:40 Closing remarks by Rémi Quirion, Chief Scientist of Quebec, Fonds de Recherche du Québec
16:50 - 17:00 Acknowledgments by Science & Policy Exchange
17:00 - 19:00 Reception and networking

Impact for students The workshop on Day 1 will provide students with a deeper understanding of the role science can play in international diplomacy, as well as the complexities of bringing science into high-level policymaking. This should help prepare students to participate in panel discussions and to network with experts and leaders in science diplomacy on Day 2.