UNESCO calls for sharing of global science

From 21 to 23 July 2021, the United Nations Dag Hammarskjöld Library and the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs organized the 2nd Open Science Conference, entitled “From Tackling the Pandemic to Addressing Climate Change”. This conference brought the global discussion on open science and climate action to the United Nations and highlighted national and international policies and Open Science initiatives from around the world. 
Dr. Shamila Nair-Bedouelle, UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Natural Sciences delivered the keynote speech on Open Science. Ms Lily Gray, UNESCO Liaison Officer and Programme Specialist, moderated the discussion.
Dr. Shamila Nair-Bedouelle emphasized that by encouraging more transparent, inclusive, and equitable science for all and by encouraging stronger connections between science and society, Open Science can be a true game-changer for addressing global challenges and reducing the persistent knowledge gaps between and within countries. 
 

Aware of the significance of Open Science, UNESCO Member States have tasked the Organization to develop an international standard-setting instrument on open science in the form of a UNESCO Recommendation on Open Science. The draft text was developed through an inclusive, transparent and multi-stakeholder consultative process and is submitted for adoption by the UNESCO General Conference in November 2021. The draft text includes a commonly agreed definition of open science, a shared set of overarching values and principles and a proposed set of actions addressed not only to governments, but to all actors of open science.
 

Further information:

• Watch the recordings of the event here
• UNESCO Recommendation on Open Science
• The Second Open Science Conference in the United Nations headquarters in New York