The 2024 World Conference on Promoting Public Science Literacy was recently held in Beijing, under the theme of "Enhance Science Literacy, Empower Joint Development." The event, hosted by the China Association for Science and Technology (CAST), saw over 400 participants, including policymakers, scientists and scholars gather for dialogues.
Ezra Clark, special representative and assistant director-general for Natural Sciences of UNESCO, emphasized the importance of enhancing public science literacy to address unprecedented global challenges, such as climate change and public health. "Improving science literacy is crucial for tackling these global challenges," he said.
Clark highlighted UNESCO's initiatives, such as the UNESCO — Kalinga Prize for Science Popularization, which aims to elevate public science literacy worldwide. In addition, the recently adopted resolution of the International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development 2024 -2033 places improving public science literacy as a priority.
China has made significant strides in this field. According to the 13th National Survey on Scientific Literacy, the proportion of science literate citizens in China rose from 1.44 percent in 2001 to 14.14 percent in 2023.
Ni Zhiyu, director of CAST's department of science popularization, emphasized that advancing science literacy is a key goal in the new era, achieved through extensive efforts in science education, infrastructure, and international collaboration. One example is China's network of science museums, mobile science facilities, and outreach vehicles, which served approximately 140 million people in 2023.
"Science literacy is essential for humanity to overcome existential threats," said Rosália Vargas, president of Portugal's Organization for Science, Technology and Culture. She highlighted Portugal's initiatives, including networks of science clubs, schools and centers aimed at improving public science literacy.
Ana Cristina Amoroso des Neves, vice chair of the UN Commission on Science and Technology for Development, stressed the importance of international collaboration in fostering public science literacy. "It facilitates the gathering of top scientists, policy makers and scholars to share experiences and build consensus on promoting public science literacy," she said.
In terms of emerging ways to promote science literacy, Gong Ke, former president of the World Federation of Engineering Organizations, highlighted the transformative role of artificial intelligence (AI) in science education and outreach. "We must educate the public about AI's potential and risks while leveraging AI to enhance science communication," he said.
AI-powered tools, such as the StarWhisper model developed by the National Astronomical Observatories of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, exemplify how AI can support science education. "In the new era, we need AI to empower science education," said Liu Jifeng, director of the National Astronomical Observatories.
Gong also underscored the need for critical AI literacy, including technological understanding, critical thinking, and data literacy. He proposed innovative approaches to AI science outreach, tailored to diverse audiences.
The conference concluded with a call to inspire younger generations through science education. Liu said the hallmark of success in the fourth industrial revolution lies in the comprehensive enhancement of human capability.