14th Meeting of the Scientific Board of the International Basic Sciences Programme (IBSP)

Basic sciences bring new knowledge and a deep understanding of natural phenomena. The discoveries achieved through focusing on basic sciences offered novel opportunities for the transformation of experimental studies into the educational, cultural, and intellectual enrichment of humanity. Moreover, advancing basic sciences leads to technological breakthroughs that offers unique opportunities to meet basic human needs, produce economic, social and environment benefits, thus contribute to the realization of the sustainable development goals. In this light, the International Basic Sciences Programme (IBSP) was established by UNESCO Member States to reinforce intergovernmental cooperation and collaborations between partner organizations to strengthen national capacities in the basic sciences.

Basic sciences are the root of the progressive development and advancement of medicine, information, communication and space technologies, and many other fields, however, the benefits from those fields are not evenly distributed. Many countries find themselves excluded from the endeavor to create, and consequently, profit from scientific knowledge. Therefore, the IBSP aims to support basic sciences in all regions through strengthening the North-South and South-South cooperations.

The virtual meeting of the IBSP Scientific Board will be a great opportunity to bring members of the board from all regions, major partners, scientists, and policymakers together to discuss the development of basic sciences in the future.

The discussion will tackle the following topics:

• The role of IBSP in addressing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations 2030 Agenda
• New ideas to advance basic sciences globally
• The challenges facing basic sciences and the role of IBSP in addressing them and in building capacity
• How to support basic research environments all over the globe?