Speech by the President of the Government of Spain, Pedro Sánchez, after receiving the honorary chair of the Chinese Academy of Sciences

Beijing (China)

SPEECH BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE GOVERNMENT OF SPAIN, PEDRO SÁNCHEZ

Distinguished authorities, esteemed professors and dear students,

I am very touched and very honored to accept the title of Honorary Professor.

The Chinese Academy of Sciences is a global leader. It stands at the forefront in critical research fields that will define our future: science, technology, innovation, the green transition, the digital transformation.

This work is not just important. It is essential. Because our world is changing fast, and science is no longer a choice. It is a necessity.

Today, we face challenges that affect us all: climate change, global health threats and the governance of emerging technologies. Science helps us, helps us to understand them, turning them into opportunities for progress.

It gives us evidence, method and clarity. And in a time of uncertainty, that clarity is what allows us to act with confidence and design better public policies.

This is why cooperation matters. Cooperation between China and Spain and also with Europe. In recent years, collaboration between our research institutions and scientific communities has grown stronger. Researchers move between our countries, ideas travel and together we build knowledge that no country can or could build alone.

The European-Chinese SMILE mission is a case in point. This space project will enable the first global imaging of Earth's magnetosphere. It will improve space weather forecasts and help protect the systems we depend on every day: satellites, energy networks, communications. And so on and so forth.

But innovation is not confined to space. Here on Earth, Spanish and Chinese plant research institutes are working together to address the global challenge of food security. They are developing new technologies for sustainable agriculture, combining scientific excellence with a shared sense of responsibility.

These partnerships show something important. Something very important: cooperation does not weaken science. It strengthens it. It improves its quality, expands its impact and creates lasting bonds between scientific communities. I therefore accept this distinction as a commitment. A commitment to go further. To deepen collaboration, to promote new joint research, and to support the exchange of talent.

Spain and China will continue to work side by side, advancing knowledge for the common good. That is the path we believe in. And that is the future we want to build.

Thank you once again for this honor.

(Transcript edited by the State Secretariat for Communication)