ASEF and the Philippines’ Department of Science and Technology (DOST) co-organised the “Science Diplomacy Workshop for Young Researchers and Policymakers in the ASEAN Region” from 1–2 December 2025 in Manila, Philippines. The workshop strengthened regional dialogue on how science, technology and innovation can support diplomacy, policy-making and cooperation across ASEAN. ASEF’s involvement linked the workshop to the broader Asia-Europe Science & Technology Diplomacy Initiative for Young Professionals.
The Workshop brought together early-to-mid-career researchers and policymakers from ASEAN Member States to explore how science diplomacy can address shared challenges. The programme aimed to increase participants’ awareness of science diplomacy and its three main dimensions: diplomacy for science, science for diplomacy, and science in diplomacy, with a strong focus on ASEAN priorities. It also sought to equip participants with practical skills to apply science diplomacy in their professional roles, foster cross-border networks and co-create ideas for future collaborative initiatives in the region.
Across two days, participants attended plenary sessions, keynotes and interactive workshops delivered by speakers from DOST, the ASEAN Secretariat, ASEF, the International Science Council, among other international partners.
On Day 1, ASEF was represented in the Opening Session, where Ms Freya Chow-Paul, ASEF’s Youth Project Lead, delivered welcome remarks alongside DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr. and video message from Deputy Secretary General Satvinder Singh, from the ASEAN Secretariat. Her intervention introduced ASEF and underlined the importance of youth and early-career professionals in science diplomacy, situating the workshop within ASEF’s ongoing work on science and technology diplomacy between Asia and Europe.
The morning session included presentations from Dr Glenn Banaguas, Chairman of the Asian Science Diplomats, Dr Orakanoke Phanraksa from the National Science and Technolgoy Development Agency of Thailand, Undersecretary Leah Buendia from DOST, Prof. Anantha Duraiappah, the Inaugural Director of the UNESCO Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Education for Peace and Sustainable Development, and Ms Karen Hipol, the Science Diplomacy Adviser at the British Embassy in Manila. These presentations explored the three dimensions of Science Diplomacy: Science in Diplomacy, Diplomacy for Science, and Science for Diplomacy.
In the afternoon, ASEF presented insights from its Asia-Europe Science & Technology Diplomacy work, including key findings and reflections from the 2025 online Training and Youth Summit preparations. This presentation provided participants with a snapshot of emerging trends, skills needs and institutional practices in SciTech diplomacy across Asia and Europe, offering comparative perspectives to enrich ASEAN discussions. Following, ASEF designed and facilitated an interactive workshop that allowed participants to apply science diplomacy concepts to their own work. Through group discussions and case-based discussions, ASEF guided participants in understanding, how their work fits into the context of science diplomacy, and to reflect on the science and perspectives of different stakeholders.
Day 2 explored the New Framework of Science Diplomacy with a presentation from Dr Ronit Prawer, the International Science Council Regional Focal Point for the Asia Pacific, as well as the Universal Language of Science with Dr Angelo Bañares, a DOST Balik Scientist.
In the afternoon, ASEF led the participants through GESDA’s Quantum Diplomacy Simulation Game. In this session, participants stepped into the shoes of different actors in a fictional world exploring the emerging quantum technology ecosystem, navigating how scientific uncertainty, strategic competition and societal values shape negotiation dynamics and diplomatic choices.
By the end of the workshop, participants reported a deeper understanding of science diplomacy concepts and tools, as well as expanded networks with peers from across the ASEAN region. They also shared a commitment to further engaging in the interface of science, policy and diplomacy, beyond this workshop.
ASEF is grateful for the partnership with DOST for this workshop and looks forward to continuing to work together with DOST and partners across ASEAN to strengthen the capacities and networks in the field of Science Diplomacy in the region.
