A TV forum highlighting the importance of science literacy was jointly held by the CGTN Think Tank and the China Association for Science and Technology (CAST) on Tuesday.

Themed "Science in an uncertain world," the forum talked about the important role science literacy plays in responding to global challenges.

Participants included Nobel Prize laureates, scholars from sciences academies at home and abroad, representatives of social science organizations and young scientists.

Addressing global challenges a common mission

"The COVID-19 outbreak has once again proved that mankind is a community of shared future," said Shen Haixiong, vice minister of the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, and president and editor-in-chief of China Media Group (CMG) during his speech.

Under the influence of geopolitics, the world is facing complicated and severe challenges such as the politicization of scientific issues. "It is more important than ever for mankind to strengthen cooperation in science and forge ahead together," Shen urged.

He pointed out that addressing global challenges is not only the responsibility of politicians and elites but also the shared mission of the media, scientists and the public.

To improve public scientific literacy, the society should promote an atmosphere that respects, trusts and relies on science and deepen cooperation between the media and the scientific community, Shen said.

He said the media is not only an important channel for the public to obtain scientific and technological information but also the one for advocating scientific methods, disseminating scientific ideas and carrying forward the scientific spirit.

Science literacy a cornerstone of global governance

Huai Jinpeng, executive vice-president and chief executive secretary of CAST, echoed Shen's remarks.

Huai called science literacy of the public "the social foundation for sound global governance," saying only the most extensive people have science literacy, can the public be able to participate, shoulder and share responsibilities in social and economic development, and to better meet the complex global challenges such as the pandemic.

"Therefore, the coordinated development between science and technology and economy, society and culture can be realized, and good global governance and sustainable development be achieved," said Huai.

Scientific innovation required to solve virus-related problems

Zhong Nanshan, China's top respiratory expert who has been honored with the Medal of the Republic for his outstanding contribution to fighting the COVID-19 epidemic, reviewed the country's arduous efforts in the battle.

Zhong said the correct mechanism of mass prevention and control and powerful intervention measures are the foundation for China's highly efficient containment and that adhering to scientific innovation guarantees finding a solution to the basic science problems related to the novel coronavirus.

The expert also encouraged medics to further promote the medical model's innovation, converting it from treatment-oriented to healthcare-oriented, and elevate the concept of "early detection, early diagnosis and early treatment" to a more important position.

Ten Nobel Prize winners also shared their views on promoting public science literacy, including issues related to major public crises and how to cultivate teenagers' scientific interest.

(CGTN's Cao Bing also contributed to this story.)