Jerusalem, Israel - May 30, 2018 - "Thinking Out of the Box" was the title of the first International Ministerial-Level Scientific conference convened in Jerusalem, Israel, from May 28 to 30, 2018. High level leaders in science and technology came from around the world to attend the conference, which was under the Israeli Ministry for Science and Technology, headed by MK Ofir Akunis.
The conference opening gala was held at First Station, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and wife Sara attending, along with hundreds of guests seated at the dinner reception. The audience included ambassadors, Nobel Prize winners, Members of Knesset, mayors, including Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat, leading scientists and innovators, as well and the elite international guests. Eight Members of British Parliament attended. They were personally invited by Akunis, when he was on a trip to London in February.
According to Akunis, ten years ago Israel had relations with 80 countries, now it has relations with 160, and is "coloring the world" as the world looks to Israel to discover our secret. In his remarks, Akunis encouraged world leaders who recognize Jerusalem, to move their embassies to Israel's capital, and work together to make the world a better place.
Vice Chairman of the State Committee on Science and Technology of the Republic of Belarus, Sergei Sherbakov, told BJL, "ten years ago Belarus had 10 to 15 joint projects with Israel, in 2107, there were 140." Israel and Belarus are both in "challenging environments" and working together could benefit everyone. Also from Belarus, researcher for international development, Ilya Papou, who was on his first trip to Israel, confirmed they were looking for more joint projects.
Dr. Atsuko Fujita from Tokyo was another international delegate who looked forward to more cooperation and collaboration with Israel technologies.
In his remarks, PM Netanyahu stressed three areas of research he sees as important: cyber security, the automotive industry, as 80% of car value will be computers, and digital healthcare data bases used for preventive medicine.
Multiple artistic performances and videos were included in the evening program. Israel 70 years highlights of discoveries in science and technology were featured. Israel is ranked number four in the world for number of YouTube videos uploaded was one scene, along with a listing of Nobel Prize winners and special mention of astronaut Ilan Ramon z"l. Excalibur, a reusable capsule which was in space nine times, was on display. It is to be refurbished in Israel.
The conference, based at the new Orient Hotel, had sessions with leaders of startups and science innovators. The role of public policy and prioritization of resources were other topics on the agenda, as well as scientific intellectual accomplishments.
Dinner at the Knesset and optional tours of Jerusalem sights, as well as options for trips to Tel Aviv to explore the science and technology scene, rounded out the conference schedule.
