Symposium on Leveraging Gender Equality to Drive Wealth Creation through Science and Multidisciplinary Networking

A thought-provoking hybrid symposium on Leveraging Gender Equality to Drive Wealth Creation through Science and Multidisciplinary Networking was held on 26th March 2026 at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo.

Organized by the Sri Lanka National Chapter of OWSD (SLNC-OWSD) and the Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science (SLAAS), in collaboration with the National Academy of Sciences of Sri Lanka (NASSL) and the Centre for Research Development & Innovation (CRDI), Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, the event brought together scientists, academics, and professionals from diverse disciplines. The discussions focused on how advancing gender equality can accelerate innovation, strengthen scientific collaboration, and contribute to national economic growth.

A key highlight of the symposium was the inspiring keynote address by Lora Gailly from the Science, Technology and Innovation Policy Section at UNESCO Headquarters. Her presentation, titled “Gender Equality for Unlocking Science-Driven Wealth Creation and Building Stronger Scientific Networks,” emphasized the importance of inclusive policies and global collaboration in maximizing the impact of scientific research.

The symposium highlighted that gender equality in science extends beyond social justice, it is a strategic driver of economic progress. By empowering and integrating the talents of both women and men, nations can enhance innovation, foster entrepreneurship, and achieve more sustainable and inclusive development.