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66 Years of Leadership in Thought That Leads to Action | Dear Fellows,
At WAAS@65 last year, more than 100 Fellows, along with partner institutions came together to discuss the complex times in which we find ourselves. The conclusion was that the world no longer faces a sequence of separate crises but a self-reinforcing polycrisis, one now hardening into a metacrisis in which the structures meant to resolve our problems are themselves part of what is failing.
Addressing Global Social Turbulence: Sources & Solutions – Report – Vol 1, 2025, identified eight structural drivers behind it: the speed of change, the paradox of progress, economic asymmetry, ecological overshoot, technology outpacing governance, the concentration of social power, militarization and governance failure, and the erosion of shared moral and epistemic ground. The report’s central finding bears repeating.
The world is not short of knowledge, financial resources, or technical solutions. What is missing is the integrated vision, conscious coordination, and collective resolve to act at the scale the moment demands. That is why we set out twelve solution areas as a single architecture rather than a menu of options: conscious social evolution and changing the way we think; leadership and education; technology, human security, finance, and ecological integrity; and peace, distributed power, cooperative security, and a reimagined multilateral system. The WAAS@66 Conference will begin with a commemoration of Ivo Šlaus, former President and Honorary President of WAAS.
Our agenda at the upcoming WAAS@66 conference next month, along with 20 partner organizations, aims to move from analysis to practice. WAAS@65 identified the task and WAAS@66 must begin to activate it. I hope you will join us.
Sincerely, Garry Jacobs President, WAAS |
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Save the Date: WAAS@66 |
The annual conference of the World Academy of Art and Science, WAAS@66, will be held online from September 8-11, 2026 with the theme “Solutions to Global Turbulence: Peace, Prosperity and Freedom.” The conference builds on the findings from WAAS@65 and other recent activities organized by WAAS and its partners. Its objective is to transform the growing awareness of causes and solutions into practical strategies that can lead to action. The conference will be organized across three civilizational themes — Peace, Prosperity, and Freedom. It will close with a General Assembly of the members of the Academy.
| | View the Agenda and Register Here |
| Event Reportback |
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Global Health Futures: Scanning the Horizon for Emerging Risk and Opportunity |  |
On August 14, 2026, an online event hosted by WAAS program Existential Threats and Risks to All (EXTRA) explored a broad spectrum of global health risks, asking: How do other existential risks – such as climate change, conflict, food crises, AI and inequality – impact on global health, what existential or catastrophic risks are arising within the health sector itself, and how prepared are we to cope with them? Hosted by EXTRA Chair and WAAS Trustee, Thomas Reuter, the discussion explored why the world is falling short of health targets, according to the WHO’s recent World Health Statistics 2026 report.
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| Watch Here |
| Upcoming Events |
| AUGUST 30 – SEPTEMBER 3, 2026 / GRAN CANARIA, SPAIN
21st Conference on Sustainable Development of Energy, Water and Environment Systems (SDEWES)
Aleksander Zidanšek, WAAS Vice-President (Science & Technology) in cooperation with WAAS and the Club of Rome National Associations for Slovenia and Croatia, is organizing a special session titled “Sustainability science and technology for human security.” The SDEWES Conferences are organized by WAAS Fellow Neven Duić and are dedicated to the advancement and dissemination of knowledge on methods, policies and technologies for increasing the sustainability of development by de-coupling growth from the use of natural resources and the transition to a knowledge-based economy. Learn more ➜
SEPTEMBER 7, 2026 / ONLINE
Presentation of the Holy Land Confederation (HLC) Plan: A Two-State Solution for Israel and Palestine. A Novel Framework for End of Conflict
On September 7, 2026, the Global Peace Offensive Center (GPOC) will host the first in a series of “GPOC Talks” that will present the Holy Land Confederation (HLC) — a comprehensive plan developed bilaterally to enable a sustainable two-state solution for Israel and Palestine. Join the authors of this plan, Dr. Hiba Husseini and Dr. Yossi Beilin, who will present a framework designed to facilitate the negotiations for the end of conflict through a confederal structure. This model preserves the individual sovereignty of both Israel and Palestine while fostering joint cooperation, and the sharing of natural resources. They propose a very novel approach to reciprocal residency rights, and an open Old City of Jerusalem. Register Here ➜
SEPTEMBER 14-15, 2026 / ONLINE
Thessaloniki Sustainability Summit 2026 “Universities for Sustainable Development: Innovation, Research, and Action”
The Summit brings together scientists, policymakers, local authorities, entrepreneurs, and key stakeholders to engage in a global dialogue about the importance of Universities in achieving Sustainable Development.
Under the theme “Universities for Sustainable Development: Innovation, Research, and Action”, TSS2026 seeks to contribute to the international conversation on how universities can drive sustainable development—not only through education, research, and innovation, but also by transforming their campuses into living laboratories and urban hubs that foster sustainability and community engagement. Register Here ➜ |
 | OCTOBER 25-27, 2026 / ATHENS
Dialogues With the Past: Timeless Wisdom for Contemporary Peacebuilding
In a world engulfed by polycrisis — from war and climate disruption to distrust in institutions and the erosion of shared values — this conference invites leaders and citizens alike to reimagine peace for the 21st century through the wisdom of antiquity. Building on recent findings from the World Academy of Art and Science and the European Academy of Sciences & Arts (EASA), it seeks to explore how archaeology, ancient wisdom, and cultural heritage can illuminate pathways toward a sustainable and secure future. The conference is being hosted by WAAS Fellow Ioannis Liritzis and organized by WAAS, EASA and the Hellenic Republic: National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. The Global Peace Offensive Center, a program of WAAS, will also collaborate.
WAAS Fellows receive a 25% discount on the registration fee — use code D4P25 at checkout. Submit your abstract here by 10 October. Contact Ioannis Liritzis for more information: ioannis.liritzis@euro-acad.eu
Register Here ➜ | |
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WAAS DIGEST | |
Books/Articles/Videos by Members | |
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| Art by Members |
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| Member Activities |
| AUGUST 19, 2026, NEW YORK
Jonathan Granoff: Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan Organizes an Ennobling Multifaith Panel Discussion
‘Many Paths…. One Destination’ was the core message of a program organized by the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan in New York, an organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the arts, culture, heritage, and philosophy of India. Speakers offered different perspectives on peace, within and without, and the role that human connection can play. Read more ➜
AUGUST 5, 2026, KUALA LUMPUR
Moneef Zou’bi: Global Cybersecurity Alliance Established
The Global Cybersecurity Alliance (GCSA) and the Academy of Engineering and Technology of the Developing World (AETDEW) signed a cooperation agreement in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, formally establishing a strategic partnership and jointly launching the AI Cybersecurity Research Center.
Read more ➜
AUGUST 5, EDINBURGH Gill Ringland: How Can AI Improve the Availability of IT Systems?
Gill Ringland, a WAAS Fellow and Co-Chair of Ethical AI initiatives, delivered the headline technical session: “How can AI improve the availability of IT Systems?” at the British Computer Society Edinburgh Branch. The talk examined resilience, human security, and risk mitigation frameworks in complex autonomous environments. Read more ➜ |
| Future Opportunities |
| Beijing Event
The Existential Threats and Risks to All (EXTRA) program, chaired by WAAS Trustee Thomas Reuter is seeking interest from Fellows for an inaugural WAAS event in Beijing. The event is provisionally planned for 15 October, 2026, with the proposed topic: “Global Existential Risk Governance for Human Survival: Chinese and International Perspectives on Enhancing Cooperation Amidst a Major Geopolitical Transition.” Please contact Thomas to express your interest or for further information: treuter@worldacademy.org
CES in Las Vegas
For the 5th year running, WAAS will return to the world’s largest tech event, CES, in Las Vegas from 6-9 January 2027 to promote the WAAS Human Security for All (HS4A) campaign. We are seeking Fellows willing to speak on technology-related themes on behalf of the HS4A campaign or attend as a guest. Review the 87 sessions here. Free access to CES2027 will be arranged. More information on CES can be found here. Please contact WAAS General Manager, Grant Schreiber, if interested: grant@worldacademy.org
Youth and Science
WAAS Fellow Daljeet Singh is working with Fudan University, Shanghai, to run a science camp for graduate students and young professionals: “International Youth Training Camp on Future Science and Technology.” The topics include AI, fusion, and space technology. There are a number of partially and fully funded places, especially for global south countries. Other opportunities include the Peace and Security at a Crossroads the 2026 European Student Young Pugwash Conference and the IAEA Marie Sklodowska-Curie Fellowship Programme. Contact Daljeet for further information: dsgahle1771@outlook.com
Submit a Future Opportunity
This new section to our newsletter highlights initiatives still taking shape across the Academy — conferences, projects, and working groups that are forming and open to participation. We invite Fellows to let us know what they are planning, so that emerging work can be connected with the Fellows, partners, and institutions best placed to strengthen it. The aim is to activate the Academy’s collective capacity in service of our agenda. Submissions should be framed accordingly rather than as individual announcements. Please send details of your planned activities to grant@worldacademy.org for inclusion in our next newsletter.
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| Share Your News With Us
We are keen to hear more about your current work and how we can enhance your engagement with WAAS in a manner that is supportive and complementary. Are there conferences you have attended? Have you recently published a book, published a paper, delivered a keynote, created something new or launched an initiative that aligns with the mission of WAAS? We would be delighted to highlight such contributions in our WAAS newsletter, ensuring they reach fellow members who share your interests.
Submit your news through this Google Form | | From The Archives |  |
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| In Memoriam |
 | Ivo Šlaus (1931-2026)
Ivo Šlaus was a preeminent Croatian nuclear physicist, transdisciplinary scholar, and heroic humanist whose life was driven by a passionate commitment to humanity and Earth’s sustainability. Ivo was elected as a Fellow of WAAS in 1996, member of the WAAS Board in 2005, President in 2011 and Honorary President from 2013 until his passing. During this period he promoted projects related to abolition of nuclear weapons, employment and new economic theory, global challenges and opportunities with the UN, and World University Consortium. He was a vital force in international science and policy, who served for many years as a Member of the Club of Rome and Pugwash Conferences, a member of the Parliament of Croatia, and a renowned professor at leading global universities. He utilized scientific diplomacy to navigate regional transitions across the Balkans, establishing multiple national associations and launching major initiatives for global peace. Even at 95, his boundless enthusiasm empowered countless students and colleagues with knowledge, confidence, and purpose. Ivo leaves a profound legacy of humanitarian innovation. He will be deeply missed by the global academic community, friends, and his beloved family. Read the Full Tribute ➜
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