Science Diplomacy: Unlocking Pakistan’s Potential for Regional and Global Partnership

Abstract

Science diplomacy is increasingly recognized as an effective tool for addressing global non-traditional challenges, promoting international collaboration, and enhancing national capacities in various sectors. It involves leveraging international scientific collaboration to address global issues, enhance foreign relations, and foster scientific partnerships for national benefits. Pakistan has enormous potential to benefit from science diplomacy. The research paper examines Pakistan’s existing science diplomacy-related initiatives at the bilateral and multilateral levels and also assesses key future areas of cooperation where science diplomacy can be utilized as a foreign policy tool to promote national development. By applying the theory of sustainable development, the study argues that Pakistan adheres to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals to promote shared economic prosperity. This qualitative study focuses on how Pakistan can leverage scientific cooperation to foster innovation and contribute to global science diplomacy initiatives. The findings of the study suggest that regional and global collaboration on joint research projects, technology sharing, and strategic investments in science diplomacy initiatives could strengthen Pakistan’s image outwardly and growth inwardly.