Basis for follow-up activities

In adopting the Declaration and the Science Agenda after substantial revision by all participants, the Budapest Conference established a basis for the alliance between science and society for the coming century, and defined guidelines to orient the action of the different partners involved. A summary of the basic principles and commitments contained in these documents is presented below, as a practical guide. The conference participants have committed themselves to these principles and actions, and UNESCO and ICSU will actively promote their implementation.

Main principles contained in the Declaration

• There is an urgent need to use scientific knowledge from all fields in a responsible manner to address human needs and aspirations. The practice and use of science shoulds always aim at the welfare of humankind, present and future
• Fundamental and problem-oriented research are essential for achieving endogenous development
• Appropriate education and research programmes in S&T, especially in developing countries, need sustained support from governments and the private sector
• Science education at all levels and without discrimination is a fundamental requisite for democracy. Equality in access to science is not only a social and ethical requirement: it is a necessity for realizing the full human intellectual potential
• Expanded science literacy, ability and skills, and an appreciation of ethical values, are needed to improve public decision-making on science issues
• Enhanced regional and international cooperation are needed to support scientific capacity building, especially in the small states and the least developed countries
• New initiatives are required for interdisciplinary collaboration and for co-operation between different sectors involved in the production and use of scientific knowledge. The objective should be a move towards sustainable development strategies through integration of economic, social, cultural and environmental dimensions
• Use of information and communication technologies for free flow of knowledge should be expanded, with due respect for the diversity of cultures and plurality of expression
• Intellectual property rights need to be protected on a global basis. Legal frameworks should meet the specific requirements of developing countries and traditional knowledge, its sources and products.

Main commitments
contained in specific paragraphs (see numbers)
of the Science Agenda