UNESCO has been entrusted with leading the implementation of the International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development (2024-2033). Declared by the UN General Assembly on 25 August 2023, the Decade aims to promote global collaboration through sciences to achieve a sustainable future. The Decade offers a unique opportunity for humanity to fully harness the power of science in advancing sustainable development and securing a safe and prosperous future for everyone. The Decade recognizes science as a common good for humanity and reaffirms its fundamental role in humanity's quest for a development model that improves the human condition while preserving the planet on which our very survival depends.
A Decade to shape our future
The Science Decade underscores the power of science as a common good for humanity, highlighting its crucial role in promoting peace, sustainability, and prosperity. Throughout this decade, UNESCO and its partners will champion an inclusive scientific approach that enhances cooperation across countries and disciplines, making science a shared platform for problem-solving and sustainable growth. The Science Decade aims to rebuild trust in science, promote critical and informed thinking, and ensure equitable global access to scientific advancements and solutions.
Submit your proposal to shape a global science community
Under the umbrella of the Decade, UNESCO is inviting Member States, institutions, scientists, civil society, and organizations worldwide to submit initiative proposals that aim to advance the following expected outcomes by 2033:
- Expected Outcome 1: Global community empowered through scientific literacy.
- Expected Outcome 2: Actionable scientific knowledge is produced and used to advance the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals in alignment with human rights.
- Expected Outcome 3: Basic sciences are advanced through global collaborative research initiatives.
- Expected Outcome 4: Open science is widely and equitably used to democratise scientific processes and Decade ensure access to scientific knowledge.
- Expected Outcome 5: National innovation systems are transformed to respond better to scientific and societal needs.
Evaluation criteria for initiative proposals
- Initiatives should align with the Decade’s strategic plan, advancing its priority areas and contributing directly to SDG targets.
- Proposals must be scientifically and technically robust, featuring practical activities and clear, achievable objectives.
- A solid funding base, a well-defined implementation plan, and a feasible monitoring and evaluation strategy are essential.
- Initiatives should remain open to new partners throughout their implementation phase.
- Partners must commit to providing all data and resulting knowledge openly, in line with the 2021 UNESCO Recommendation on Open Science.
- The initiative should incorporate gender considerations in its design and execution.
- Partners are expected to report regularly on the initiative’s progress to the Secretariat via the Decade Platform and the designated working group.
- Initiatives will be coordinated by the relevant working group, with an annual progress report submitted to ensure transparency.
- Partners agree to use the Decade logo in accordance with established rules and guidelines.
Become part of the change
UNESCO welcomes proposals from all sectors of society interested in contributing to a sustainable future through scientific innovation and collaboration. The Decade is an opportunity to be at the forefront of a new era in science, making meaningful impacts on society and our planet. Fill in this form to submit your proposal