Representing ICGEB at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, Ms. Marianna Maculan, Chief of External Relations, highlighted ICGEB’s contributions to sustainable development, women’s participation in science, and partnerships with the Global South.
16 October 2026: Ms. Maculan, ICGEB joined representatives of the Autonomous Region of Friuli Venezia Giulia’s scientific and public institutions at the United Nations Headquarters for an event showcasing the Italian region’s research and innovation ecosystem and Trieste’s role as an international hub for science diplomacy.
Entitled “The Research and Innovation Ecosystem of Friuli Venezia Giulia, Italy – Trieste as a Science Hub for Global Cooperation and Sustainable Development”, the event explored how collaboration between scientific institutions, international organisations and public authorities can support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
During the panel discussion, Ms. Maculan highlighted how ICGEB connects scientific research with international cooperation, supports sustainable development, advances women in science and strengthens partnerships with the Global South.
Her contribution brought a life-sciences perspective to a wider exchange on scientific capacity-building and collaborative responses to global challenges, including health, energy and emerging technologies. The discussion highlighted the importance of connecting scientific excellence with the skills, institutions and international partnerships needed to translate knowledge into benefits for local communities.
ICGEB is proud to be part of the excellent Trieste Science Hub for global cooperation and sustainable development. I myself look forward to building on this international dialogue and strengthening partnerships that turn scientific excellence into tangible progress toward sustainable development – stated Ms. Maculan.
Hosted by the Permanent Mission of Italy to the United Nations and organised with the Friuli Venezia Giulia Region, in collaboration with the Group of Friends on Science for Action (an informal coalition of United Nations Member States launched on April 12, 2023, at the UN General Assembly), the event was moderated by Mr. Giorgio Marrapodi, Italy’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations.
Moderated by Ms. Alessia Rosolen, Regional Minister for Labour, Education, Research and University, the panel also featured Dr. Atish Dabholkar, Director of the Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP); Dr. Romain Murenzi, former Executive Director of The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS), representing TWAS and the Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD), and Dr. Jo Ivey Boufford, Chair of the InterAcademy Partnership (IAP) Working Group on Urban Health.
In his keynote address, Mr. Massimiliano Fedriga, President of the Autonomous Region of Friuli Venezia Giulia, highlighted how the concentration of internationally renowned scientific institutions and organisations operating under UN auspices has helped make Trieste a platform for research, innovation, capacity-building and international cooperation.
Watch the entire event on UN Web TV.