Beijing Declaration

* Beijing declaration Issued at the First International Science Forum of National Scientific Organizations on the Belt and Road Initiative (Nov. 7-8, 2016Nov. 7-8 (2016). The source article does not provide a separate full bibliographic entry for this citation.)

TO ADDRESS DIVERSE DEVELOPMENT Road must therefore deepen cooperation in a

challenges and to promote the common pros- sustained and systematic way to address these

perity of all nations, Chinese President Xi Jin- challenges. They should establish strong scientif-

ping in 2013 proposed the Silk Road Economic ic basis for shared and sustainable development.

Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road. To strengthen mutual understanding, com-

This initiative –the Belt and Road (B&R)– is a mon interests and aspirations, the leaders and

forward-looking vision for international coop- representatives of over 20 national and interna-

eration and shared development that spans three tional scientific organizations from the Belt and

continents and their contiguous oceans and seas. Road regions, and around 350 Chinese and in-

It has received a broad positive response, with ternational scientists and experts, convened in

strong support from over 120 countries and a Beijing on November 7–8, 2016. This was the

large number of international organizations. Key first International Science Forum of National

achievements include the establishment of the Scientific Organizations for the Belt and Road

Silk Road Fund; the development of fast-train Initiative. The Forum was jointly organized by

railways; the expansion of trade and business; a the Chinese Academy of Sciences; the Nation-

deepening of communication on policy and en- al Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Ka-

hanced exchanges between people and cultures. zakhstan; the Kyrgyzstan Academy of Sciences;

The countries in the Belt and Road have di- the Tribhuvan University of Nepal; the Pakistan

verse culture, history, natural environments; they Academy of Sciences; the Polish Academy of

have different economies and social policies. Sciences; the Russian Academy of Sciences; the

But, they also face a spectrum of shared major University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka; the Academy

challenges from development itself to sustain- of Sciences of the Republic of Tajikistan; the Uz-

able development. To address these challenges, bekistan Academy of Sciences; the International

science, technology and innovation (STI) must Centre for Integrated Mountain Development

play a strong central role. National academies, (ICIMOD) and The World Academy of Sciences

regional scientific, research and technological (TWAS) for the advancement of science in de-

organizations and scientists along the Belt and veloping countries.

*The text is retrieved from ANSO website: http://www.anso.org.cn/about/history/

To advance peace and prosperity, delegates on mechanism that aims to facilitate bridge and

and experts held extensive discussions on various organize cooperative research and innovation,

topics in the spirit of the Silk Road, embodying the strategic advice, policy communication, and

timeless values of peace and cooperation, openness capacity building in science and education for

and inclusiveness, mutual learning and mutual common benefits.

benefit, all to advance prosperity and peace. We agree to form a working group (secre- Based on the consensus reached, the partictariat) to support the operation of the mechaipating organizations wish to make the following nism, and to establish an alliance of internatistatement: onal scientists of the Belt and Road to support

1. Strengthen cooperation in science, and carry out international cooperation. We also

technology and innovation (STI) for the commit to holding the Forum every two years

promotion of shared development as part of the mechanism. All of these actions

Science, technology and innovation are major mentioned above are to be developed under the

drivers for social economic development and principles of equity and equality, willingness and

should be the priority areas for cooperation in mutual benefit and with adherence to processes

the Belt and Road development. The collective promoting joint discussion, collaboration and

national academies, national and regional re- sharing.

search organizations are an important scienti-

fic force that can support the development and 3. Focus on major challenges and

should play a leading role to bring broad bene- organize related international programs

fits to all nations. National and regional scienti- Taking advantage of our multi-disciplinary and fic organizations should enhance their efforts to regional features, we commit to supporting and mobilize and unify scientists and experts from organizing research programs in areas of stradifferent disciplines to cooperate on the major

needs and common scientific challenges for the tegic importance to the Belt and Road const-

realization of green, quality and sustainable de- ruction.

velopment. Particular attention should be given The Belt and Road Initiative aiming at sha-

to the involvement of young scientists as well as red development harmonizes the fundamental

adequate representation of women scientists. We interests of the international community and

will ensure conduct of responsible science and adds a new positive force to peace and develop-

endeavor to provide strong support to scienment in the world. National and regional science-based policy making. tific organizations, scientists and experts from

2. Build a platform of co-innovation and a different fields need to strengthen cooperation

long-term mechanism for STI cooperation by sharing of information and joining their ef-

National and regional scientific organizations forts together in the supply of continuous and

along the Belt and Road commit to establishing strong scientific support to the shared develop-

a long-term effective Belt and Road cooperati- ment and common prosperity.