On November 4–5, 2025, San Salvador hosted a key meeting for the scientific future of Central America and the Caribbean. Policy makers, researchers, representatives of the private sector, and international organizations came together to strengthen scientific diplomacy and promote open and inclusive science, technology, and innovation (STI) as strategic tools for regional development and governance in the face of global change.
The workshop was organized by CONACYT (El Salvador), the Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research (IAI) through its Science Diplomacy Center (SDC), led by Marcella Ohira, and the Central American Policy for Open and Inclusive STI Project, supported by IDRC/CRDI (Canada) and hosted by the Central American Integration System (SICA). Key institutions such as SENACYT (Panama and Guatemala), MESCyT (Dominican Republic), and CeNAT (Costa Rica) participated, reaffirming the regional commitment to scientific cooperation.
The event highlighted scientific diplomacy as a bridge between science, politics, and diplomacy, capable of generating trust, cooperation, and knowledge sovereignty. Experiences such as the Trifinio Plan and the CYTED network were shared, demonstrating the value of cross-border partnerships in addressing complex challenges. In addition, the Central American Open STI Policy was highlighted, which promotes transparency, accessibility, and innovation with equitable participation.
Experts agreed on the urgency of strengthening scientific advisory mechanisms to ensure evidence-based decisions. The interactive sessions focused on capacity building, regional networks, and strategies for implementing science diplomacy in various contexts.
This workshop marks a decisive step toward integrating principles of open science and science diplomacy into national and regional policies, aligning Central America and the Caribbean with global trends for inclusive, transparent, and participatory development.
Learn more about the event here
