Since its inception in 1945, UNESCO through its mandate in education, the sciences, culture and communication has aimed to forge a culture of peace by fostering the generation and exchange of knowledge, including scientific knowledge, through international cooperation, capacity building and technical assistance to its Member States. It works to create the conditions for genuine dialogue between civilizations, cultures and peoples based upon mutual respect and respect for shared values. The Natural Sciences Sector contributes to UNESCO’s mission by using science to build peace, to eradicate poverty and to promote sustainable development.
Strategy and Programme
The 37th session of the UNESCO General Conference (in 2013) adopted the Medium-Term Strategy for 2014 to 2021 (Document 37 C/4) which sets out the strategic vision and programmatic framework for UNESCO’s action for this period. The two overarching priorities remain for this eight years: Africa and gender equality.
The two overarching objectives for the Organisation are:
- Peace: contributing to lasting peace; and
- Equitable and sustainable development: contributing to sustainable development and the eradication of poverty.
While there are two strategic objectives relevant for the natural sciences:
- SO 4: Strengthening science, technology and innovation systems and policies - nationally, regionally and globally;
- SO 5: Promoting international scientific cooperation on critical challenges to sustainable development.
The Programme and Budget for Natural Sciences for the quadrennium 2014-2017 (Document 37 C/5) will be implemented within the framework of the Medium Term Strategy.
Implementation of the natural sciences activities within the context of UNESCO's strategic planning and results-based management and result-based budgeting are grouped under six Main Lines of Action:
- MLA 1: Strengthening STI policies, governance and the science-policy-society interface;
- MLA 2: Building institutional capacities in science and engineering;
- MLA 3: Promoting knowledge and capacity for protecting and sustainably managing the ocean and coasts;
- MLA 4: Fostering international science collaboration for earth systems, biodiversity and disaster risk reduction;
- MLA 5: Strengthening the role of ecological sciences and biosphere reserves;
- MLA 6: Strengthening freshwater security.
The following cross-cutting themes are of particular focus: biodiversity and sustainable development in small island developing states.
Links to UNESCO’s main programmes in science:
- Science and technology policy
- Science education
- Basic sciences (IBSP)
- Renewable energy
- Small Island Developing States
- Local and indigenous knowledge systems
- Ocean sciences (IOC)
- Earth sciences - IGCP, geoparks
- Natural Disaster Reduction
- Ecological sciences (MAB)
- Climate change
- Water sciences