International Scientific Collaboration and Science Diplomacy

International scientific collaboration is closely linked to science diplomacy, connecting research with trust-building, shared infrastructure, and long-term capacity development across borders. In this talk, I will present practical models we have used to sustain collaboration between institutions in the Global South and international partners, including joint research agendas, shared experimental and computational resources, talent-retention strategies, and multi-stakeholder workshops and projects that connect academia, industry, and government. I will emphasize the forms of collaboration that make partnerships resilient, such as effective governance structures, IP and data-sharing approaches that preserve openness while respecting legitimate constraints, and funding strategies that enable long-term continuity.

A central theme will be the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (IYQ 2025), proclaimed by the United Nations, and how it provided a diplomatic and convening framework to reduce the “quantum divide” by legitimizing inclusive participation, amplifying public engagement, and accelerating cross-regional coordination on workforce development and infrastructure. I will share lessons learned from building national and international coalitions, translating scientific goals into shared societal value, and designing scalable programs, so that quantum and other emerging technologies become accessible beyond high-income nations and can deliver equitable impact.

Keywords: science diplomacy; international collaboration; Global South; capacity-building; quantum ecosystem; IYQ 2025