UNESCO, in collaboration with Chinese authorities, hosted the “International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development Forum” in Beijing, bringing together global leaders to discuss strategies for leveraging science in achieving sustainable development goals. The forum emphasized the importance of collaboration, open science, and scientific literacy in building a sustainable future.
28 April 2024 – In August 2023, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted the landmark resolution “International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development 2024-2033” (Sciences Decade), ushering in a pivotal era for global science and sustainability efforts. The resolution aims to leverage science as a driver for sustainable development and cultivate a culture of science accessible to all.
As the lead agency entrusted by the UNGA, UNESCO has embarked on formulating and disseminating a clear vision and mission for the Sciences Decade. To advance this mission, UNESCO, in collaboration with the Ministry of Science and Technology of the People’s Republic of China and the People’s Government of Beijing Municipality, organized the “International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development Forum” on April 25, 2024, in Beijing, China. The forum, held in conjunction with the prestigious 2024 ZGC Forum, provided a platform for global leaders, scientists, and policymakers to discuss strategies for advancing science and sustainability.
Thirteen esteemed scientists, experts, and senior government officials from nine countries presented their perspectives, expectations, and approaches regarding the implementation of the Science Decade. UNESCO’s Director of Multisectoral Regional Office for East Asia, Shahbaz Khan, highlighted the role of China, particularly innovative cities like Beijing, in advancing scientific knowledge for sustainable development. The forum aimed to foster international scientific cooperation and build a sustainable future.
Hu Shaofeng, Director of UNESCO’s Division of Science Policy and Basic Sciences, emphasized the challenges facing science for sustainable development, including limited recognition of basic science’s importance and insufficient investment. He advocated for initiatives to strengthen knowledge-sharing, promote open science, and improve institutional and human resources in science and technology.
Quarraisha Abdool Karim, President of the World Academy of Sciences (TWAS), underscored the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing infectious diseases like HIV/AIDS and COVID-19. She emphasized the role of science in providing evidence-based guidance and making prevention measures accessible to all.
Guo Huadong, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, highlighted the importance of open data in fostering open science and societal development. He called for accelerating the construction of big data infrastructure to promote open science services.
Anna María Cetto Kramis, Professor at Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico (UNAM), emphasized the need to strengthen scientific capabilities and establish inclusive scientific systems. She advocated for a fairer and more diverse scientific infrastructure to create a healthier future.
Gong Ke, Executive Director of the Chinese Institute for the New Generation Artificial Intelligence Development Strategies, stressed the importance of fostering scientific literacy among the public. He proposed strategies to enhance public understanding of scientific principles and decision-making processes.
Carlos Alvarez Pereira, Secretary-General of the Club of Rome, called for ethical-driven knowledge development to achieve sustainable development goals. He highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary education and investment in scientific innovation.
2024 marks the 10th anniversary of the Beijing Science and Technology Innovation Center and the beginning of the “International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development”. Both initiatives aim to enhance public scientific literacy and promote international scientific cooperation, aligning with the theme of the 2024 ZGC Forum, “Innovation: Building a Better World”.
