Bangkok--Mar 28--Thana Burin Asia Pacific
Bangkok Declaration on Ethics in Science and Technology 4th Session of the World Commission on the Ethics of Scientific Knowledge and Technology (COMEST)
WE, Ministers for Science and Technology, considering the important role of ethical framework in science and technology by initiating and supporting the process of democratic norm building which awareness raising, capacity building and standard setting are therefore the key thrusts of UNESCO’s strategy in this and all other areas;
NOTING with deep satisfaction that our countries have forged a close and beneficial relationship since this approach is founded upon UNESCO’s ideal of “true dialogue, based upon respect for commonly shared values and the dignity of each civilization and culture”;
ENCOURAGED by the significant progress for years of the programmes in the area of Ethics in Science and Technology, as supported by UNESCO;
RECOGNISING that Science ethics is necessary to articulate the basic values of science and scientific research when there is a growing risk of conflicts of interest (e.g.,due to publication pressure, commercialization, security needs) as well as traditional and non-traditional issues affecting human ethics, require a more coherent and well-coordinated response at the regional level;
ACKNOWLEDGING the shared goals and partnerships formed with relevant institutions between countries to promote ethics of science and technology focusing on formulating policies and legislations on ethical and good governance in science and technology, building human capacity, sharing science and technology with fairer trade rules and negotiations, creating networks to enhance science and technology development, promoting the role of youth in science and technology, science, technology, and environment protection, and increasing developing countries’ access to new areas of science and technology (such as nanotechnology and space);
DESIRING to conclude an agreement with a view to ensuring the establishment and operation of appropriate policies and legislation on ethics of science and technology and mechanisms to support human resource development activities;
HEREBY DECLARE TO:
1. ENHANCE science and technology cooperation which emphasizes fair trade more than free trade.
2. DEVELOP cooperation in Intellectual Property (IP) which aims at Benefits to Humanity over Commercial Benefit, especially in the Least Developed Countries that have less ability to access IP.
3. PROMOTE the role of youth in science and technology to encourage youth scientist development.
4. URGE Mutual Understanding of the importance of ethical and steadfast development of emerging technology (such as nanotechnology, radiation, satellite, biotechnology, human organ replacement, for example) based on public understanding and due care for the impacts of technology.
Done in Bangkok, Thailand, this 25th day of March Two Thousand and Five, on the occasion of the 4th Session of the World Commission on the Ethics of Scientific Knowledge and Technology (COMEST). End.