TWAS and the Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD) are extraordinary, shining twin-stars. Their combined leadership, vision, and multiple and diversified world-wide networks are their trademark. They increasingly become a necessity, an example, and a motivating force in these troubling and uncertain times.
As a non-scientist directing an extraordinary Canadian program, in 1983—on a curiosity-driven visit to the International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP)—I had the extraordinary privilege of assisting and stimulating the beginnings of TWAS, the African Academy of Sciences and later of OWSD.
However, what was initiated in Abdus Salam’s ICTP office was not only an academy to honor great scientists as he originally dreamed of and proposed. What was launched on that day was a totally new kind of science academy, a “World First,” in its time and still strikingly unique to this day. A world academy that would not only “honor scientific excellence” but one that would include and prioritize in its very purpose the “proactive promotion of science and technology excellence.” One that would do so throughout the vast global South, in constant interaction with the best in the world. A global South, then designated as the Third World, but already representing two-thirds of humanity, which holds such extraordinary potential.
Thus, over an initial nine-year period between 1983 and 1992, I had the privilege of encouraging—with Canadian taxpayer funds—the TWAS and OWSD initiatives of such science giants as Abdus Salam, Mohamed Hassan, Thomas Odhiambo, and Lydia Makhubu. I am in ever-greater awe regarding their extraordinary evolution and accomplishments, including initiating and influencing such a remarkable and ever-increasing list of “world firsts.” I really look forward to join discussions on the 40th anniversary of the Academy at the upcoming 17th TWAS General Conference in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, which will be organized by two science academies both headed by eminent women scientists: BAS President Helena Nader and TWAS President Quarrasha Abdool Karim.
A handshake in Trieste
It is with deep emotion that I recall—especially for the ears and hearts of young scientists—the very first steps of TWAS in 1983, initiated in the welcoming warmth of Abdus Salam’s paper-filled ICTP office. It was there and then in beautiful Trieste, Italy, that a simple but sacred handshake between three “small-town-born boys”—Abdus, Mohamed, and I—confirmed and sealed Canada’s initial financial commitment for the launch of TWAS. The idea had emerged two years earlier in Rome within the Pontifical Academy of Sciences. However, towards which Abdus had received a hundred refusal letters, including two from my own country.
On that very day in Trieste in 1983—months before Canada’s first cheque arrived—Abdus and Mohamed earnestly began initiating in my presence what became several “World Firsts.” Let us be reminded, that at the time, science was not considered a “Third World” priority, nor even a useful development input by donor countries. And sadly, within the poorest countries this bias remains largely the case today, ignoring the truth of Abdus’ oft-repeated motto: “The poorer the country the more it needs science and technology.”
On that first day I can testify that two eminent scientists, Abdus and Mohamed’s very first actions focused on committing Canada’s promised financial support towards the purchase of such “meager” yet important items as classroom microscopes and subscriptions to scientific journals.
A Vision for the Next 40 Years
Thus, on this 40th official anniversary, it is with admiration and joy that I am reminded of the specific purpose and raison d’être of TWAS as expressed by our beloved Abdus Salam: To recognize, support and promote excellence in scientific research in the global South.
It is also with equal emotion and respect that I dare to underline my personal interpretation and understandings of how TWAS may continue to focus on such an essential purpose, ever more urgent in these uncertain times. I humbly and dare suggest that TWAS strives to expand and strengthen your already extraordinary networks all the while ever more committed towards the following:
- A significantly increased focus on the very poorest countries and the poorest populations. For example: by establishing, significantly strengthening and sustaining their scientific Centres of Excellence, including social sciences and diplomacy.
- A targeted and increased focus on young girls for the teaching of maths and science, once again with special focus within the very poorest countries. Of course, such approaches, if successful, will automatically benefit the boys; however, the contrary is doubtful at best.
- A significantly increased financial and administrative independence and flexibility. Within the new geopolitical world order, such independence and flexibility become essential. Increasingly—perhaps as early as yesterday—TWAS will require financial resources other than from the traditional official development aid channels.
- A significantly increased TWAS Endowment Fund. The purpose of which is to ensure a greater financial, administrative and policy flexibility and independence. My suggestion is to aim for at least doubling the present Endowment by the next TWAS General Assembly. Yes, in two years: time is of the essence.
- And finally, I encourage to give ever greater importance to training and development of socio-political and diplomatic skills and networks. These become increasingly important in the new geopolitical world already upon us in the pursuit of an ever more sustainable future.
Science, poetry, and a world in transformation
Not only are we living in new geopolitical times, but we are also challenged by the acceleration of the most basic “earthly” transformations. Climate change and its ramifications are coalescing to affect ever-increasing aspects of our lives and habitat, from our food chains to our immigration policies. We sadly must be reminded that the vast majority of peoples most-affected by climate change are too poor to emigrate. And sadly, although there may be exceptions, they are precisely those least responsible for negative effects on our climate .
Within these dramatic social, political, and ecological contexts, our ability to reach out and learn to collaborate across economic, social, religious, ideological, and political divides will increasingly determine our common future. As scientists, you are a most rare family of “professionals”. By vocation, you have been trained to reach out and to exchange between all social and political divides in search of the common good for all. The extraordinary, multiple, and diverse networks that TWAS and OWSD have initiated, nourished, and embellished become your hallmark and most important credentials.
Since I am not a scientist—rather your “initial and greatest admirer”—I beg you to allow me the following “unscientific” remarks regarding plausible synergies between science and poetry. My personal and filial admiration towards Abdus Salam leads me to remember him as a “scientific poet” or rather “a poet who married science” in pursuit of the “unifying sublime.”
The same salty tears flow from the eyes and hearts of both the poet and the scientist when a new verse or equation emerges out of the blue, often like a bolt of lightning, which we then designate as “an inspiration” or a “new discovery.” Imagination, perseverance, and curiosity embrace the world of poets and scientists alike. As Einstein would say: “The most beautiful experience we can have is the mysterious.” Or as our dear Abdus so often proclaimed: “the deeper we seek, the more is our wonder excited, the more is the dazzlement for our gaze.”
I am thus in awe before the extraordinary visionaries and “scientific poets” of our dear Abdus Salam, Mohamed Hassan, Lydia Makhubu, Thomas Odhiambo, Sandra Ravalico, and all of you who have made TWAS into a towering scientific, human, and international reality for the global South, and a major beacon of hope for the world at large. For the purpose of life is life in all her multiple and extraordinary manifestations!
Ronald Léger