International Day of Engagement in Science for Sustainable Development

April 14, 2025, the Executive Board of UNESCO approved a resolution recommending the proclamation of the 27 November of each year as the International Day of Engagement in Science for Sustainable Development. The formal proclamation will be held during the General Conference, in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, in November 2025.

The initiative of this resolution has been taken by Ukraine. The country has a rich tradition of engagement in science, especially thanks to the Junior Academy of Sciences, which is a Category 2 center of UNESCO. The resolution is proposed with a co-sponsorship by 35 countries (see below).

Empowering the people

The draft resolution states that :

The International Day of Engagement in Science for Sustainable Development will promote the exchange of innovations, expertise and experience, empowering people with the knowledge, tools and platforms they need. It will provide an interactive space where scientists and global citizens can effectively work together to accomplish the Sustainable Development Goals.

And also an idea that we particularly cherish at EHC:

Science and scientists significantly influence the development of society in all spheres of life. Applied research reveals new issues and solves existing problems of humanity. However, research, innovation, and science cannot effectively address complex social, environmental and economic problems without developing dynamic relationships between science, education, policy, and the public. Creating a more thorough and inclusive knowledge-sharing process by bridging the gaps between science, education, policy, and decision-makers is one way to do this.

Establishing a dialog at a global level

And we only can agree with an initiative that aims that

A bilateral dialogue will allow scientists, educators and the public to discuss the benefits and risks associated with the impact of science on our daily lives. This approach provides an opportunity to understand and solve problems better and identify new perspectives and forms of knowledge, potentially increasing scientific impact. Successful, continuous, science-based interaction with governments strengthens relationships and trust in society. This will enable to build more inclusive societies where all people are engaged for the common good.

Finally, we very much hope to be able to help that:

The International Day of Engagement in Science for Sustainable Development will be a joint commitment by thousands of partners and millions of representatives of civil society, business, academic and educational circles, and the UN system to accelerate the achievement of the SDGs. It will open opportunities to share knowledge and ideas and create transformative solutions to address global challenges.

The date proposed to celebrate this International Day is 27 November. On this day in 1918, coincidentally, both the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine and Borys Yevhenovych Paton have been born. Paton was the president of the Academy continuously between 1962 and 2020.

Luc Allemand

Co-sponsors of the resolution: Albania, Armenia, Bolivia (Plurinational State of), Bulgaria, Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Croatia, Egypt, Estonia, Georgia, Greece, India, Japan, Latvia, Lebanon, Liberia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Mauritania, Morocco, Netherlands (Kingdom of the), Nigeria, Paraguay, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sudan, Ukraine, Uruguay and Yemen.