Call for initiatives: International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development (2024-2033)

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 key outcomes:

1. Empower global scientific literacy: Foster a science-literate society equipped to understand and contribute to sustainable solutions.
2. Apply science tosustainability goals: Produce actionable knowledge that aligns with sustainable development goals (SDGs) and human rights.
3. Advancebasic sciences through global research initiatives: Prioritizecross-border collaboration to deepen foundational sciences and their real-world applications.
4. Promote open science: Democratizing access to scientific processes and knowledge, ensuring that it reaches and benefits all.
5. TransformScience, Technology, and Innovation (STI) systems: Building adaptive systems capable of meeting evolving 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.}

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