In an increasingly complex international landscape, marked by geopolitical instability, the rapid rise of disruptive technologies and growing transboundary societal challenges, science diplomacy is emerging as a powerful tool to foster multilateral responses grounded in effective science-policy cooperation.
These issues were at the centre of the international event "When Science Meets Diplomacy: Exploring Opportunities for Serbia within European and International Science Diplomacy Networks", held at the Embassy of Italy in Serbia.
Jointly organised by the CEI and the Embassy of Italy in Serbia, with the support of the European Union Science Diplomacy Alliance, the event brought together researchers, institutional representatives and international experts to open a dialogue on the evolving role of science diplomacy and to showcase concrete examples of "science diplomacy in action".
Opening remarks were delivered by Luca Gori, Ambassador of Italy to Serbia, Katarina Lalić Smajević, Acting Assistant Minister for Multilateral Cooperation at the Serbian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Franco Dal Mas, Secretary General of the CEI, who stressed the importance of strengthening the link between diplomacy, research and innovation in support of regional cooperation and the European path of the Western Balkans.
"Science diplomacy is a valuable asset for advancing the CEI's mission. In such an uncertain global situation, no country can face today's challenges alone. Connectivity goes beyond physical infrastructure such as railways or roads: social, cultural and scientific ties are equally essential," said Secretary General Dal Mas.
During his intervention, the Secretary General also recalled the CEI's initiatives in the field of science diplomacy, including the international training programme "Challenges and Perspectives of Science Diplomacy", which will return to Trieste in November 2026.
Particular attention was devoted to opportunities for Serbian institutions and stakeholders to engage more actively within European and international science diplomacy and innovation networks, including the EU Science Diplomacy Alliance.
The panel discussion "Science Diplomacy in Action", moderated by CEI representative Alessandro Lombardo, presented concrete examples of international cooperation linked to major strategic projects such as EXPO 2027, the BIO4 Campus in Belgrade and the Einstein Telescope.
The discussion highlighted the strong interplay between science and diplomacy behind complex international initiatives and underlined how science diplomacy can support innovation, sustainable development and regional cooperation, while also contributing to the EU accession path of candidate countries.
The event reaffirmed the growing role of the CEI, headquartered in Trieste, as a bridge between research, institutions and diplomacy, committed to promoting new cooperation networks across Central and Eastern Europe.
