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Ammon News - AMMONNEWS - His Majesty King Abdullah II, on Tuesday, patronized the inauguration of the World Science Forum (WSF) 2017, which kicked off at the King Hussein Bin Talal Convention Centre on the Dead Sea shores.

The WSF, which was launched under the slogan "Science for Peace", saw the participation of about 3000 of the most prominent scientists, political leaders, academics, decision-makers and investors worldwide, representing more than 120 countries.

The forum's opening session was attended by Hungarian President Janos Ader, several Nobel laureates and high-level government representatives from many countries of the world.

The four-day forum will discuss, through 40 major and specialized sessions, topics related to energy, water, food security, challenges of education and digital transformation.

Jordan is hosting this year's edition of the forum, following an intense competition with several countries in the region and the world. The Kingdom was chosen by the WSF's partners, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the Hungarian Academy of Sciences as a country that fosters peaceful dialogue and creative thinking.

Hungary launched the WSF in 2003 in partnership between the Hungarian Academy of Sciences and UNESCO. By hosting the forum in Jordan, this will be the first time in the Middle East and the second time it is held outside Budapest.

Speaking at the opening session, the Hungarian President underlined the importance of the issues discussed by the WSF, which focus on food security, energy and water, as the scarcity of these resources threatens global peace and war, calling on scientists to address theses challenges.

HRH Princess Sumaya bint El Hassan, President of the 2017 WSF and President of the Royal Scientific Society of Jordan, said Jordan is seeking to take a leading role in the new global renaissance based on mutual support and creativity, noting in this regard His Majesty King Abdullah's role in establishing knowledge as a cornerstone of the Jordanian identity.

The WSF opening ceremony saw King Abdullah honoring prominent Jordanian scientists who have excelled in various fields.

On the sidelines of the WSF, His Majesty the King, HRH Prince El Hassan Bin Talal and HRH Princess Tharwat El Hassan, attended a ceremony during which Hungarian President presented Princess Sumaya with the Hungarian State Medal in recognition of her efforts in supporting science.