WS 14 - Overcoming Cultural Barriers through Respect and Dialogue

Sustainable peace is the central aim of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and a necessary basis for all SDGs, including “Good Health and Well-being”. The initiative “Respect and Dialogue” by the InterAcademy Partnership (IAP) intends to give science a stronger voice and take more responsibility in this regards. Many global crises are born or worsened by to the lack of comprehension, and limited interest and courage to reach out across borders. Using health as an entry point, the "Respect and Dialogue” initiative wants to tackle barriers of different natures - gathering different sectors, disciplines and cultures - and address how they can be overcome to achieve progress towards the SDG objectives.

In response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we have witnessed instances of dialogue and respect for each other’s perspectives, and at times a noticeable lack thereof. In this year’s session we will look at these instances, and more importantly what lessons are to be learned in the continuous efforts to handle this pandemic and other global health challenges.