Hong Kong loses 2030 maths congress to Glasgow. Does Asia need a stronger voice?

Hong Kong has missed out on hosting the prestigious 2030 International Congress of Mathematicians, with the bid ultimately awarded to Glasgow. This outcome has spurred calls from prominent mathematicians for Asia to establish its own union to amplify its voice in global mathematical organizations.

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My colleagues and I are deeply regretful about the voting result.

Award-winning mathematician Yau voiced his deep regret over the voting result, pointing to the entrenched voting power within the International Mathematical Union (IMU). He observed that the European Mathematical Society, representing numerous national societies, commands a substantial majority of votes. In contrast, Asian countries collectively hold less than a quarter of the total votes, hindering their influence.

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The voting power within the IMU is relatively entrenched. The European Mathematical Society, as a regional umbrella organisation representing Europe’s national mathematical societies, commands an overwhelming majority of votes, while Asian countries together hold less than a quarter of the total.

Yau highlighted that other regions, including Europe, North America, Africa, and Latin America, have established regional bodies to coordinate and strengthen their collective actions. He argued that "Asia urgently needs a similar organisation." Such a body, he believes, would serve to better represent the interests of mathematicians across the region, promote collaboration and exchange, and drive the coordinated advancement of mathematical sciences throughout Asia.

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Asia urgently needs a similar organisation.

The loss of the congress bid underscores a perceived imbalance in global mathematical governance, where European and North American influence appears dominant. The push for an Asian Mathematical Union signifies a desire for greater equity and a more robust platform for Asian mathematicians on the international stage.

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An Asian Mathematical Union would better represent the interests of mathematicians in the region, foster collaboration and exchange among them, and promote the coordinated advancement of mathematical sciences across Asia.