Science diplomacy is not new, but it is more important than
ever due to the scientific dimension of the current global challenges. The most extended definition
refers to science diplomacy as consisting of three linked strands: Firstly, Science
in Diplomacy: where scientific know-how and evidence is used to inform and
support foreign policy objectives. Secondly, Diplomacy for Science: where
diplomatic efforts and resources are aimed at facilitating international
scientific and technical cooperation. Lastly, Science for Diplomacy:
where scientific cooperation is used as a source of soft power to strengthen or
foster foreign relations. In terms of Malta’s efforts in Disarmament and
Nuclear Non-Proliferation, the first two strands of the definition are most
relevant. Indeed, Malta participates in the main Disarmament-related
International Organizations which utilize science to inform policy and/or
facilitate technical cooperation, and also monitors scientific and technological developments in weaponry.
The areas of
Science and Diplomacy are at the heart of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban
Treaty Organization (CTBTO), which has created a global network of more
than 300 monitoring stations. On the one hand, these stations make it possible
to detect natural disasters such as earthquakes, and on the other hand they
detect all types of artificial explosions. For example, all North Korea's
nuclear tests in recent years have been detected by the seismic vibrations they
have caused. Malta maintains excellent relations with CTBTO and Executive
Secretary Lassina Zerbo visited Malta twice in recent years.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)
is considered as the UN’s ‘’Nuclear Watchdog’’, however its functions are
two-fold. The IAEA conducts verification checks ensuring States’ compliance
with international legal (treaty) obligations to use nuclear material and
technology only for peaceful purpose and serves to inhibit their use for
military purposes. Moreover, through its Technical Cooperation Programme, it
transfers nuclear technology to Member States and assists in improving
radiation safety and nuclear security worldwide. Recently, Malta signed the
Country Programme Framework 2018-2023 with the IAEA in 2018, under which, the
proposed national projects will focus on the areas of a Regulatory Framework
for Safety and Security, Human Health, Cultural Heritage and, Water and the
Environment.
One of the functions of the Organization
for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) is to carry out formal
investigations should there be allegations of the use of chemical
weapons. These investigations are scientific in nature and are designed to
establish whether or not chemical weapons have been deployed within a specific
territory. Notably, Malta formed part of the OPCW’s Executive Council between
May 2018 and May 2020 and always supported the work of such investigative
missions.
Lastly, Malta is monitoring developments in
the area of Lethal Autonomous Weapon Systems (LAWS). Diplomatic efforts
towards arms control in terms of LAWS require a high degree of scientific
knowledge and an overall interdisciplinary approach as these weapons bring
together the domains of AI, biotechnologies, cyber, missile technologies,
quantum computing and outer space. In this light, Malta recently participated
in a LAWS forum which brought together diplomats, military officials, business
leaders and expert scientists. A salient debate in this area concerns the
degree of human control on the weapon and its implications for International
Humanitarian Law.
Evidently, Science Diplomacy helps Malta
achieve its objective of harnessing nuclear technology and its foreign policy
goal of global disarmament and a world without Nuclear Weapons. However,
Science Diplomacy is also crucial in battling other global challenges such as
Ocean Governance, Cyber-Terrorism, and Climate Change, which has been termed ‘’
the mother of all security challenges.’’
Matthew
Attard
Second Secretary
Global Issues – Disarmament, Nuclear Non-Proliferation, and Arms Export
Controls