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This group consists of 43 leading scientists, academics and intellectuals from across the globe.
Over the next ten months the Misión will be tasked with recommending proposals in education, science, technology and innovation policy to inform a road map linked to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals that will be incorporated into Colombia's next National Development Plan.
At the launch event, President Iván Duque said:
"This group of experts, of prodigious minds, who have gathered today and will provide us with their conclusions over the next several months, is a symbol of unity in a country that is thinking big. Knowledge is the cornerstone that shapes a new society and a new humanity.”
The appointment of Professor Di Palma to this group of esteemed experts reflects the important and successful work that she has been leading in Colombia.
Professor Di Palma established the international network BRIDGE Colombia, as well as the UKRI-funded GROW Colombia project, which are advancing research infrastructures and enabling socioeconomic development in the country, while aiding conservation efforts under a shared vision centered on biodiversity as a means to achieve sustainability and peace.
Professor Di Palma, who will be part of a sub-group on biotechnology, the environment and the bioeconomy, said: “Colombia has a tremendous wealth of natural resources and therefore the potential to lead the world in global bioscience research. It’s an honour to be appointed to this Mission, which will help to cement the important work we have been doing through our pioneering projects in the country."
Colombian Vice President, Marta Lucia Ramirez, will lead the initiative alongside the Ministry of Education and Colciencias (the government agency responsible for Science, Technology and Innovation).
The proposals that emerge from this initiative will be consolidated into a single document with the goal of contributing to Colombia's sustainable, equitable and inclusive development.
President Duque has committed to “swiftly implement the experts' recommendations.”
President Duque also recently announced that his Government will create a new Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation. This decision proves the economic importance of science at a critical point in Colombia’s development. In recent years the country has emerged from decades of internal conflict and paramilitary activity, and continues to progress towards political stability and socioeconomic development.
