G7 science & tech ministers push for gender parity in related fields

Science and technology-related ministers from the Group of Seven major economies issued a joint statement Tuesday in Japan outlining the importance of technical innovation for the development of societies and economies around the world as well as being central to tackling a number of worldwide challenges including gender parity.

The ministers representing Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United States and the European Union, during the talks particularly highlighted the importance of gender inclusion and pledged to promote the roles of female scientists, researchers and students across all fields in a "battle against gender stereotyping."

At the conclusion of the three-day meeting held in Tsukuba, in Ibaraki Prefecture, in the northern Kanto region of Japan, a city bristling with scientific research hubs and technology-linked institutions, as well as the famed Tsukuba University, a joint declaration was issued by the ministers on the role science and technology should play on a global stage.

According to the Tsukuba Communique jointly issued by the ministers, "science, technology, and innovation are essential for social and economic development, and for addressing global challenges such as health, energy, agriculture and the environment. "

The ministers agreed that equal opportunities for both men and women in science-based fields, including those related to engineering and mathematics, should be worked into policies so that women could achieve their full potential in their respective fields and networking between and for women could be done on an international stage.

Aiko Shimajiri, Japan's state minister in charge of science and technology policy, who chaired the talks, told local media, "It is very important to nurture young researchers, including women."

The conclusion of the meeting, which also spanned issues of aging societies, aged-based diseases, environmental issues and natural disasters and how science and technology can inform and mitigate in these areas in some instances, will be relayed to Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who will host the G7 leaders' summit to be held in Mie Prefecture, in central Japan, on May 26 and 27.

(APD)