The Capital of Women & Girls in Science


If our goal is to reform and develop society sustainably, we must first and foremost empower scientific competencies equally”.



– the late HRH Prince Mohammed bin King Faisal (I) of Iraq El-Hashemite

Founder of Royal Academy of Science International Trust , 1968



The Capital



of Women and Girls in Science



a global initiative putting equity, diversity, and inclusion in science

at the heart of the world’s attention for a yearlong celebration.



for Advancement in Science and Education



THE CAPITAL



The outcome declaration of the 5th International Day of Women and Girls in Science held at the United Nations Headquarters on 11 February 2020 and endorsed by 77 Member States including the African Union, clearly specifies in paragraphs 5 and 18:


“Welcoming the Capital for Women and Girls in Science, a global initiative of the Royal Academy of Science International Trust, to ensure the implementation of this Declaration,…


Encourage Member States, Inter-governmental Organizations, Private Sector, Philanthropists and Foundations to voluntarily contribute to the Fund “The Capital for Women and Girls in Science”….



The Capital of Women & Girls in Science



aims to achieve the following goals



Equity, diversity, and inclusion in all fields of science, technology, and innovation by 2030 and beyond.



Greater investment in science-based solutions for the world’s challenges



Increased capacity building, partnership, and collaboration in science and technology



The Capital of Women and Girls in Science



is designed to achieve these goals by



  • Promoting and highlighting the contributions that science, technology and innovation make to peace, prosperity and inclusive, sustainable socio-economic development.
  • Raising the international profile of designated countries and furthering their collaboration with other countries to promote sustainable socio-economic sustainable development.
  • Enhancing the image of women in science – both internationally and in their own countries. This includes nurturing and celebrating the contributions that women in science make to global development and to the socio-economic development of their own countries, in accordance with their respective strategies and priorities.
  • Promoting girls’ interest in Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics (STEAM).
  • Highlighting the features of science that we all share to increase the world’s citizens' sense of belonging to a global community, which is science.

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how it works?



  • An independent Selection Committee, comprised of 12 renowned experts from a variety of countries, disciplines and backgrounds, will select the country that will hold the title of the world “Capital Country”.
  • The title, Capital Country, will be held for the period of one year.
  • Up to three (3) countries, representing different global regions, may be designated per year to hold the title.
  • The designated “Capital Country” will develop and implement a year-long program of scientific social, and economic activities that are consistent with, and will help achieve, the goals of the CAPITAL Initiative.

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The Selection Committee

Who is Who >

H.E. Prof.
Ameenah Gurib-Fakim



HRH Prince
Adnan El-Hashemite



Dr. Susan Windham-Bannister



Dr. Harvey F. Lodish



Dr. Belen Carrillo-Rivas



H. Serhan Suzer



Dr. Lydia Villa-Komaroff



Dr. Frank-Jürgen Richter



Dr. Bahija Jallal



Dinesh Joshi



Dr. Tahani R. Amer



Prof. Kenzo Hiroki



“The Western-Eastern and Northern-Southern Dialogue cannot remain restricted to one domain but should be extended to broader vistas. The Dialogue must move to Science, Education, Culture & Arts. Thus, International Peace & Tolerance will be implemented through creating different aspects of collaboration between individuals and organizations that indeed will help in narrowing the gap between developed and the developing countries”.



HRH Princess Dr. Nisreen El-Hashemite

16 November 1995, UNESCO’s 50th Anniversary



The Capital of Women and Girls in Science



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