He said joint efforts had to be made to identify new opportunities that may arise from new challenges, for which, he said, events such as the World Science Forum offer an excellent platform.

The conference was opened by László Lovász, the president of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences.

In his address Lovász said that the conference’s title “The Enabling Power of Science” reflects the ever-increasing role played by science in opening up new avenues for human and economic development, confronting hunger and diseases, tackling the ever growing demand for energy and providing the economic foundations for an improved quality of life for all.

The goal of the WSF, organised for the seventh time, is to give a deeper insight into some of the most pressing issues around climate change, renewable energy, disaster risk reduction, global health policies or the practices and pitfalls in the governance of science on all continents, Lovász said.

“Today, the World Science Forum is recognised as a very open platform, helping stimulate conversations about science and society in all its complexities, and about the role of science and our shared responsibilities,” he said.

Tibor Navracsics, Hungary’s European Commissioner for Education, Culture, Youth and Sport, pointed out the importance of science in policy decisions to tackle global challenges in his address.

“It is essential for policy makers to have the best available evidence at their disposal when making important decisions that affect peoples’ lives - and determine our future. We need credible science if we are to find innovative policy solutions to major challenges, and to provide early warnings of new challenges,” Navracsics said.

The commissioner voiced the EC’s commitment to supporting decisions with “sound facts” and said that “a transparent and evidence-informed approach to policymaking is crucial for us to take efficient decisions”. He added that “it is vital that policy makers and citizens trust scientists to provide the best, independent advice.”

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MTI photo: Koszticsák Szilárd