The Science Diplomat Playbook
Mapping the people, policies and power shifts shaping global science diplomacy.
Issue No. 2 | Monday, April 27, 2026
Good morning,
Welcome to The Science Diplomat Playbook, your Monday morning guide to what’s shaping the week ahead in global science diplomacy.
The Lead
Science, security and trust converge as nuclear diplomacy returns to center stage.
The United Nations opens the Eleventh Review Conference of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons today in New York, where the treaty’s 191 member nations will meet through May 22 to assess implementation of the treaty’s three pillars — disarmament, non-proliferation and the peaceful uses of nuclear energy — and attempt to agree on a final document setting out next steps.
The conference begins under unusually strained conditions, with low expectations for consensus after the 2015 and 2022 review conferences failed to produce agreed outcomes.
The expiration of the New START treaty removed limits on U.S. and Russian strategic arsenals, while recent military strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities complicated efforts to resume international inspections. At the same time, major powers are sending mixed signals on nuclear restraint, and France has indicated it will expand its nuclear role, reflecting Europe’s uncertainty over U.S. security guarantees and rising threats from Russia.
Speaking ahead of the meeting, U.N. disarmament chief Izumi Nakamitsu called on all nations to engage in good faith and said the NPT provides “irreplaceable benefits” to nuclear-armed and non-nuclear countries.
“When it comes to nuclear weapons, it’s not just the security of nuclear-weapon states, but the security of the entire global community,” Nakamitsu said.
Her remarks come as the war in Ukraine, tensions involving Iran and renewed concerns about nuclear testing are adding pressure to the review process.
At its core, the NPT process rests on science: verification systems, safeguards and the technical capacity to assess compliance. The coming weeks will show whether political alignment can keep pace with the scientific foundations that underpin the global non-proliferation regime. → Full story
Inside Institutions
United Nations — NPT review process begins
The opening of the NPT Review Conference brings together governments and international organizations to assess implementation of the treaty and identify areas for future progress, with divisions expected across disarmament and non-proliferation priorities. → Read more
European Commission / International Science Council — Global research cooperation project launched
A new multi-year initiative aims to define common principles for international research cooperation and translate them into political commitments and practical frameworks across regions. → Read more
International Telecommunication Union — Council convenes in Geneva
The ITU Council begins meeting this week to review the organization’s work on global telecommunications governance, including standards and digital cooperation priorities. → Read more
Signals
Science and security are converging more visibly in global diplomacy
From nuclear verification to emerging technologies, scientific expertise is increasingly central to questions of international security and trust.
Global cooperation is moving toward structured processes
New initiatives, including the EC–ISC project, point to a shift from dialogue toward formal frameworks that shape how countries work together on research and innovation.
On the Calendar
April 27–May 22 — NPT Review Conference (New York)
Nations’ delegates meet to review implementation of the global nonproliferation treaty and consider next steps. Watch the opening → April 27, 4 pm, U.N. Web TV
April 28–May 8 — ITU Council — ITU Council (Geneva)
The ITU’s governing body meets to review global telecommunications and digital cooperation priorities. Program → Inaugural plenary
April 29 — EC–ISC research cooperation initiative launch
Ministers and policymakers begin a multi-year process to define principles and frameworks for international research collaboration. Launch → Details forthcoming.
Closing
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