Meng WANG

Biography

I am a researcher in Geology from Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences and Adjunct Professor of Bologna University. Mostly my working was related with the scientific research and international cooperation in paleo-climate and natural resources in last 15 years with the starting of my career as the scientific assistant to the deputy minister of Ministry of Natural Resources, China. I keep my education background on earth science from undergraduate to my PhD with two interdisciplinary degrees on Law and economy.

In 2016, as the Head of the Chinese youth delegation to the G20, I had the privilege of leading an inclusive process to collect youth voices and finalize Recommendations on Climate Action, a report for G20 global leaders. This engagement, alongside policymakers, practitioners, and international organizations, has strengthened my commitment to amplifying my voice and contributing my talents to solving global challenges.

While working on international natural resource projects in China, Peru, and Canada, I became captivated by the potential of science and technology to address challenges that transcend national borders. I firmly believe that scientific advancements, when ethically and responsibly harnessed, hold the key to solving complex issues. In collaboration with the China Academy of Sciences, I established and managed projects that utilized new technologies and translated research outcomes into actionable strategies and policy recommendations for climate change mitigation in Arid Sea of Central Asia named “Green and Innovation Aral Sea”.

It became evident to me that finding solutions to complex global challenges necessitates engaging youth on a global scale. I hold significant responsibilities in international, regional, and national intergovernmental agencies as a committee member representing young scientists. These responsibilities include leading diplomatic efforts to build and maintain relationships with foreign governments and development agencies, advancing bilateral and multilateral interests. I have also been enthusiastic about involving key stakeholders to form partnerships and execute an innovative Industry-university-research cooperation model. During my tenure at the World Association for Young Scientists, our team advocated for youth-centered policies and successfully secured a 10 billion RMB venture capital fund and a 300 million RMB growth fund to support the expansion of youth-led communities and networks for science and innovation.

As the member of Global Young Academy, to address the current issues of education, unemployment, and inequality in the advancement of science and technology, the first step is to urge donors and redirect resources towards empowering and engaging new generations from Africa, developing countries to the world. As a lifelong beneficiary of basic science engagement policies, I am eager to contribute my expertise and professional resources to enhance the role of basic science in the implementation of the 2030 agenda for our shared future.