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

Fostering science for all

The path to a sustainable future starts with science. As the world faces rising climate risks and complex challenges, the potential of science to drive meaningful change has never been greater.

The International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development is a global movement to unlock that potential. Led by UNESCO, it promotes science as a common good fuelling innovation, inclusion and collaboration across borders. Together, we’re building a future that is more just, resilient and informed for people and the planet alike.

The time for science for all is now.

The Decade's expected outcomes

A global community

is empowered through scientific literacy.

Actionable scientific knowledge

is produced and used to advance the achievement of sustainable development goals in alignment with human rights.

Basic sciences

are advanced through global collaborative research initiatives.

Open science

is widely and equitably used to democratise scientific processes and ensure access to scientific knowledge.

National innovation systems

are transformed to respond better to scientific and societal needs.

“To truly advance the achievement of the SDGs, we need to mainstream science by enhancing public scientific literacy and shaping an environment that fosters greater trust in science.”

Lidia Arthur Brito
Lidia Arthur BritoAssistant Director-General for Natural Sciences of UNESCO

“In our rapidly changing world, supporting scientific development and fostering an understanding of science are imperatives, not mere options.”

UNESCO Director-General
Audrey AzoulayDirector-General of UNESCO

Initiatives

This is where the Science Decade comes to life. Explore the endorsed initiatives driving real-world impact across climate, biodiversity, health, education and more. Learn how they’re shaping a more sustainable future, and how your initiative can be part of the global movement. Join the Decade. Be the change.
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About the Science Decade

Addressing urgent global challenges such as climate disruption, biodiversity loss, increasing natural and human-made disasters, and rising inequalities requires a more inclusive and interdisciplinary scientific approach to problem-solving. 

On August 25, 2023, the United Nations General Assembly declared the years 2024-2033 as the “International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development.” This 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. UN Member States and all relevant stakeholders are urged to actively back the Decade, with UNESCO designated to lead its implementation.

UN HQ in New York

Publications

Fostering Science for All: International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development, 2024-2033
UNESCO
2024
0000391158
Strategic Plan: International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development (2024-2033)
UNESCO
2025
0000391869
UNESCO Science Report: the race against time for smarter development
Schneegans, Susan
UNESCO
Straza, Tiffany
Lewis, Jake
2021
0000377433

Contact us

Science Decade Secretariat
UNESCO
7 place de Fontenoy
75352 Paris 07 SP
France
Email: unsd@unesco.org
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Science
Decade

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.