Commonwealth needs more scientific collaboration

THIS week Singapore welcomed 400 scientists from across the Commonwealth to the Commonwealth Science Conference. The Commonwealth represents nearly a third of the world's population, in 53 countries. It is home to 12 per cent of the world's researchers and accounts for around 10 per cent of global research and development expenditure. Science is uniquely placed to contribute to the Commonwealth's shared goals of democracy and development. And with an estimated 60 per cent of its population under the age of 30, the Commonwealth is set to play an ever more important role in the world's future.

That future will present many challenges where science can help us respond. The themes of the conference reflected this: emerging infectious diseases; low carbon energy; the future of the oceans and sustainable cities.

These are global challenges that demand global solutions, and among our speakers were world leading scientists from across the Commonwealth who are helping us to rise to these challenges.