The ongoing Syrian Refugee Crisis is recognized as one of the worst humanitarian disasters since World War II. Although the Crisis has not typically been framed in the context of science and technology, it encompasses many complex issues with scientific components. The objective of this symposium is to explore how science diplomacy can contribute to international crisis response and recovery by mitigating the factors that result in the fueling of conflict, the displacement of people, and the resulting challenges. Discussions will include:

Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction
Exacerbating Effects of Climate Change in Conflict Zones
Science & Technology to Combat Cultural Heritage Destruction
Science Diplomacy and Refugee Crises

Using the Syrian Crisis as a case study, we will discuss how science & technology diplomacy can inform responses to future international security, environmental, and humanitarian crises, and pathways by which scientists can engage in crisis response and recovery.

Speakers include: 

• Vaughan Turekian, Science & Technology Adviser to the Secretary of State
• Mary Giovagnoli, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Immigration Policy, U.S. Department of Homeland Security
• Andrew Weber, Metabiota and Senior Fellow for Science and International Affairs, The Belfer Center
• Peter Gleick, Co-founder and President, The Pacific Institute
• Many more

Please also invite other colleagues who may be interested in attending. This is a free, public event. The location is the AAAS Auditorium at 1200 New York Ave NW, Washington, DC. RSVP and read the full agenda at bit.ly/syriasciencediplomacy.