Draft Proposal for a hemispheric network of national and regional Academies of Sciences

Why create the Academy of Science of the Americas?

There is no focal point for an independent discussion of scientific issues on an integrated hemispheric basis. The OAS has an important coordinating role and the Inter-American Commission of Science and Technology is a forum for governmental high authorities in S&T. But an Academy would bring the best scientific leadership in the Hemisphere as an independent body to advise, discuss and identify relevant issues in science and society.

The Academy of Science of the Americas could start as a federation of existing national and regional Academies of Sciences and will require specific seed funding. The OAS, through the OST may assume the technical secretariat of the Academy of Science network.

Missions and aims

To create an independent international forum that brings together the national and regional Academies of Science with the aim to promoting scientific capacity and excellence for sustainable development in the Hemisphere.

The main objective of the Academy of the Americas will be to build political and scientific leadership in the Hemisphere for science-based economic development and to promote sustainable development through partnerships and cooperation in science and technology among the countries of the Americas.

The Academy of Science of the Americas will also have as its objective to advise the Secretary General, the Ministers and High Authorities of Science and Technology in the Americas and the Heads of States and Government through the Summit Process on the scientific aspects of critical issues for the Hemisphere.

Further objectives will be:

•  Promote cooperation between the Academies of Sciences of the Americas by exchanging information and experiences and sharing common vision.

•  Assist in building the capacities of science in the Americas, including the promotion of mobility of scientists among the countries.

•  Assist scientific communities, particularly those of smaller and less developed countries of the Hemisphere to set up national independent Academies of Science.

•  Work with other intergovernmental organizations to promote and develop international cooperation in Science and Technology as well as to facilitate the regional integration of the Americas.

Washington, June 24, 2003
Alice Abreu
Director

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