The UN General Assembly has emphasized that the world needs more basic sciences to align with the 2030 Agenda and achieve its 17 Sustainable Development Goals and in this context, it has proclaimed 2022 to be the Year of Basic Sciences for Sustainable Development. At the same time, the International Science Council has launched the Global Commission which is intended to mobilize a US$100 million fund to accelerate the initiatives and efforts being made by basic sciences.
The UN General Assembly has announced the 2022 International Year of Basic Sciences for Sustainable Development which will be officially inaugurated during the opening conference from 30 June to 1 July 2022 at the UNESCO headquarters in Paris. The initiative is led by 28 organizations with another 70 also being involved as supporting organizations.
The International Year of Basic Sciences for Sustainable Development 2022 is expected to focus the efforts of international communities on the importance of the links between the Sustainable Development Goals and the basic sciences. The UN General Assembly calls on all member states, national and international organizations and communities to detect and increase awareness about the significant role of basic sciences for sustainable development, stressing that:
At the same time, the International Science Council, one of the organizations supporting the International Year of Basic Sciences for Sustainable Development 2022, has launched the Global Commission on Science Missions for Sustainability that aims to accelerate the international efforts related to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
Commission Co-Chair, Irina Bokova, commenting on the initiative, noted:
“Science is a critical lever for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. To make the societal transition towards sustainability, we need to unleash the full potential of science.”
Supported by scholars, politicians, and leaders, the Global Commission plans to mobilize a US$100 million total fund intended for Sustainability Science Missions.
Commission Co-Chair, Helen Clark highlighted, “COVID has shown what the science community can do when it comes together and focuses on a mission. We need a mission-led approach to science and to accelerate progress on many aspects of the sustainability agenda. The ISC has understood the need for change, and I am delighted to assist them in this critical endeavor. The global community must work together to support this effort.”
