The SCO Young Scientists Conclave (Competition) opened on 24 November 2020 with the goal to create an innovative science and technological partnership within the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. The ompetition includes the following themed categories:
— agriculture and the food industry;
— sustainable energy and energy storage;
— biotechnology and bioengineering;
— environmental protection and the rational use of natural resources.
While welcoming conclave participants, SCO Secretary-General Vladimir Norov noted the importance of the event and added that young talented scientists, engineers, production engineers, innovators, and startup entrepreneurs under 35 could make a substantial contribution to scientific and technological development in the SCO region.
"I would like to note the timely and topical nature of the SCO Young Scientists Conclave and its emphasis on young people, education, science and technology. I am grateful to all national delegation attending today's event for the contribution they make to the successful implementation of this initiative," Mr Norov said.
He also expressed confidence that the global community would only cope with the COVID-19 pandemic and its consequences through a concerted effort.
"It is only possible to mitigate the grave consequences of this disaster by using scientific methods, without politicisation, name-calling and searching for a responsible party. This was emphasised at the 10 November 2020 Summit of the SCO Council of Heads of State, when the leaders of our countries expressed a unanimous determination to turn the tide in responding to the COVID-19 epidemic through joint efforts and by relying on the combined powerful political, economic, science and technological and production potential.
He noted the interest of the SCO member states' academic community in this cooperation format for achieving the following goals and tasks: "The establishment of ties and networks between SCO young people so as to use their knowledge to address common social problems through research and innovation as well as enhancing their complementary skills and research competences by merging them with skills in other areas; the creation of consortiums of young scientists, specialists, innovators and entrepreneurs for conducting joint research and development projects; training new-generation academic supervisors in science, technology and innovation, as well as future professionals in the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM professionals); the creation of the SCO's scientific identity in science, technology and innovation through creative young people; providing access to a large-scale research infrastructure and unique analytical systems; and providing training and advanced training opportunities for young researchers."
"I know that the SCO Young Scientists Conclave will help create an integral intelligent platform and network of young talents for discussing important scientific matters and problems. This will allow our countries to find ways to resolve social problems and challenges during transformational changes," Mr Norov went on to say.
It was noted during the event that pandemics end sooner or later, and that expanding science, technological, education, youth, cultural and other ties help further strengthen relations of neighbourliness, friendship and cooperation between countries and peoples in the SCO region.
In conclusion, Mr Norov expressed confidence that young SCO scientists would make a weighty contribution to the common cause of promoting science and technological cooperation in the interests of the SCO family's countries and for the sake of a common future.
The development of science and technology makes it possible to simplify many activities in the world. Today, all of humanity uses the results of research and development projects in various areas, including medicine, education, agriculture, transport, logistics, etc.
The correct use and introduction of innovative solutions can help accomplish various goals and tasks facing the member states.
Attendees include young scientists under 35 from the SCO member states (up to 20 people each). The young scientists attending the event will submit a research paper highlighting their science and technological work, new ideas and new prototypes at the relevant themed session.
The SCO Young Scientists Conclave is taking place at the initiative of the Republic of India through 26 November 2020.