The 9th International Symposium on Science Festival, themed “Empowering Collaboration in Science for Youth in the Belt and Road Network,” convened leading science educators and institutional representatives at Bangkok’s Queen Sirikit National Convention Center on August 16, 2025. The prominent event was held in conjunction with Thailand’s National Science and Technology Fair 2025, brought together international delegates to discuss strategies for advancing science education and climate change awareness among youth.

The symposium opened by Mr. Suwarong Wongsiri, Acting President of the National Science Museum (NSM) of Thailand, followed by a detailed overview of the NST Fair 2025 from Dr. Ganigar Chen, NSM’s Vice President. Professor Wu Xiangping, President of the China Association of Children’s Science Instructors and Chair of the Belt and Road International Science Education Consortium (BRISEC), delivered the keynote, highlighting ongoing initiatives to engage young people across the Belt and Road countries in scientific exploration and collaboration. Prof. Seyed Komail Tayebi President ECOSF and Dr. Ghulam Muhammad Memon, Executive Director ECOSF participated in the symposum.

Professor Tayebi, President of the ECO Science Foundation (ECOSF), presented on “Climate Change Education based on Inquiry-Based Science Education (IBSE) pedagogy for Capacity Development of Science Teachers.” He emphasized that ECO member states are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, with the region facing increasing threats from extreme weather events such as monsoon variability, glacial retreat, heatwaves, floods, and drought.

The symposium also featured presentations from delegates representing Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, China, and Kazakhstan, who shared resources and experiences from their own national science festivals and educational initiatives tied to the Belt and Road Network.

Following the morning’s discussions, participants—including senior leaders from ECOSF, BRISEC, NSM, and other international bodies—toured the National Science and Technology Fair 2025. The event showcased a vast array of exhibitions and interactive activities contributed by organizations under Thailand’s Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation, as well as government agencies, associations, museums, private sector groups, and international partners.

During the international symposium, the President ECOSF and Executive Director ECOSF Dr. Ghulam Muhammad Memon played important roles, strengthening ties between participating nations and advancing the shared agenda of science literacy and innovation. Their leadership and insights were instrumental in steering key discussions, promoting regional collaboration, and inspiring future initiatives.

Symposium participants also visited various parts of Fair and Museums, including FUTURIUM, the Information Technology Museum, and the Rama 9 Museum. These visits provided participants with hands-on opportunities to engage with cutting-edge exhibits and deepen their understanding of scientific and technological progress.