GYA Executive Committee member Yoko Shimpuku (Kyoto University, Japan) addressed the United Nations International Day of Women and Girls in Science Assembly at United Nations Headquarters on 11 February 2020. Yoko introduced her research on midwifery education in Tanzania, the possibilities of ICT use for health education, as well as the role of the GYA and national young academies in developing a vision of the future of science. Yoko also stressed the importance of inclusivity and diversity in science, technology and innovation.
Yoko was in New York as part of the UN International Day of Women and Girls in Science Day. Held under the guidance of H.E. Mr. Sam Kutesa, President of the 69th Session of the UN General Assembly, and with the support of the Mission of Malta to the UN, the Royal Academy of Science International Trust (RASIT) celebrated the 4th International Day of Women and Girls in Science on 11 February 2020.
What began as an outcome declaration from the first High-Level World Women’s Health and Development Forum in 2015, organized by RASIT and the Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA), has become an International Day when the 70th Session of the United Nations General Assembly adopted resolution (70/212) proclaiming February 11th annually the International Day of Women and Girls in Science.
The sponsorship of more than 68 countries and adopting the resolution signals the global community’s interest in transforming societies through achieving equality and parity in science for sustainable development. The partnership between RASIT and the Government of the Republic of Malta illustrates Sustainable Development Goal 17, which is “Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development”.