Science Diplomacy Online: Implementing Sustainable Development in the Virtual World

Science diplomacy directly supports diplomatic processes on global issues of concern through scientific advice and evidence to inform decision-making in foreign affairs and security policies. This chapter addresses the role of Science Diplomacy Online in implementing the UN SDGs. Online science diplomacy highlights the potential of scientists trained with a sophisticated understanding of novel technological advancements. Science diplomats are versed in cutting-edge digital tools to employ for understanding global issues of concern that are too complex and large to be tackled by one nation-state. This chapter introduces the first Science Diplomacy Online Index integrating the first Science Diplomacy Index with digitalized connectivity, which is positively correlated with anti-corruption. The chapter then pays attention to strategies on how to use digitalization for the alleviation of the most pressing concerns of our times in fostering the SDGs. Most recent insights on human rights online and the rising influence of social online media dialogue for international law creation will be discussed. Flourishing science diplomacy online bestows the virtual world with sustainable development advancement potential in our common and fragile digitalized world.