The Pakistan Academy of Sciences hosted the 24th Science Council of Asia (SCA) Conference from 16–18 November 2025 in Islamabad, bringing together leading scientists, policymakers, and young researchers from across Asia and beyond. Focused on the theme “Food Security, Sustainability and Biodiversity,” the conference provided an engaging platform for interdisciplinary dialogue and international collaboration.
For me, attending this event was both professionally stimulating and personally meaningful—a rare opportunity to step away from the demands of routine work and reconnect with the intellectual pursuits I deeply value.
The conference opened with a thoughtful Theme Lecture delivered by Prof. Dr Atta-ur-Rahman, FRS, who highlighted the urgent need to bridge food security and biodiversity to cultivate long-term environmental and societal well-being. Chaired by Prof. Dr Kauser Abdulla Malik, the lecture set the tone for three days of discussion on some of the most pressing challenges facing the region.
The first plenary session featured Prof. Dr Kauser Abdulla Malik, who discussed the complexities of ensuring food security in an era marked by climate change and rapid technological advancements. His talk was followed by Prof. Dr Andrea Pieroni from Italy, whose research on the biodiversity of wild edibles among traditional communities offered an enlightening ethnobotanical perspective. These talks, rich with scientific insight, emphasised how intertwined food systems, traditional knowledge and biodiversity truly are.
Equally compelling were the plenary presentations on the second day. Prof. Dr You-Cai Xiong of China introduced diversified cropping systems as a means of strengthening food security while sustaining ecosystems. This was complemented by Prof. Dr Looi Lai Meng of Malaysia, who drew attention to the role of indigenous wisdom in protecting biodiversity. Later in the day, Prof. Dr Kotaro Takayama from Japan presented innovative work on plant-guided environmental control for sustainable agriculture, while Dr Anwar ul Hassan Gillani of Pakistan focused on sustainable agriculture under a changing climate. Together, these lectures painted a comprehensive picture of the regional and global challenges ahead.
The 24th SCA Conference was not only informative, it was transformative. It reaffirmed the importance of scientific exchange, offered new perspectives on resilience and sustainability, and inspired fresh ideas for collaboration
One of the most notable features of the conference was the diversity of the scientific community in attendance. Researchers joined not only from Pakistan but also from Japan, China, Italy, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Malaysia, Uzbekistan, Belarus, Taiwan, and Indonesia, among others. This multinational representation added depth to discussions across parallel sessions dedicated to food security, sustainability and biodiversity. Topics ranged from agronomic biofortification and genomic-assisted breeding to sustainable packaging, climate-change impacts, and energy-efficient agricultural innovations. The breadth of research showcased the region’s scientific capacity and its commitment to finding inclusive solutions.
For me personally, a highlight was the warm reception of my own presentation, “Nature-Based Solutions and Community Participation for Climate-Resilient Water Governance.” Delivered in the Biodiversity session, the talk generated meaningful questions and lively discussion. The engagement from senior scientists, early-career researchers, and international delegates alike was deeply encouraging. It reinforced the value of community-based, environmentally grounded approaches—an area that resonates strongly with both my professional work and personal passion.
The conference also devoted significant space to early-career scientists through the Young Researchers’ Session. Speakers from Pakistan and Japan addressed the future of innovation, the dynamics of knowledge-based societies, and the potential of collaborative research across Asia. Their talks displayed both ambition and clarity of purpose—a promising indication of the region’s emerging scientific leadership.
On the final day, the Future Earth Symposium broadened the conversation to global sustainability challenges. Led by experts such as Prof. Dr Fumiko Kasuga and Dr Ria Lambino, the symposium addressed climate resilience, sustainable development, indigenous knowledge systems, air pollution, resource circularity, and agro-ecological innovations. These discussions emphasised the need for integrated, systems-level thinking as the world navigates accelerating climatic and socio-economic transitions.
Beyond the scientific sessions, the event offered excellent opportunities for networking and collaboration. Poster presentations, refreshment breaks, and the welcome dinner brought together researchers from across disciplines and geographies. Conversations with scientists from Asia and Europe opened doors for future joint projects and deepened the sense of shared responsibility in addressing environmental and food-system challenges.
The conference concluded with official remarks, a summary of key outcomes, and the announcement of the 25th SCA Conference to be held in Cambodia. As participants gathered for the final group photograph, there was a palpable sense of achievement and optimism.
For me, the 24th SCA Conference was not only informative, it was transformative. It reaffirmed the importance of scientific exchange, offered new perspectives on resilience and sustainability, and inspired fresh ideas for collaboration. Most importantly, it reminded me that even within the constraints of a demanding routine, moments of intellectual and creative engagement are essential for growth, motivation and meaningful contribution to the scientific community.