UNESCO Pakistan is set to launch a year-long regional webinar series on Science, Ethics and Innovation in collaboration with the Commission on Science and Technology for Sustainable Development in the South (COMSATS) and the ECO Science Foundation (ECOSF). The initiative forms part of the International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development (IDSSD) 2024–2033 and aims to strengthen regional cooperation in science, technology, and innovation while supporting the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The announcement coincides with the opening of the 2026 Global Conference of the International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development in Paris, where UNESCO unveiled its first Global Report on the Science Decade, highlighting both significant scientific progress and persistent global inequalities in research and innovation.
UNESCO Launches First Global Science Decade Report
The two-day conference has brought together more than 800 ministers, scientists, policymakers, and global leaders to assess the role of science in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals.
During the event, UNESCO released the First Global Report of the International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development, which evaluates the progress made during the initiative’s first two years.
According to the report, 397 UNESCO-endorsed scientific initiatives across 79 countries have collectively mobilized approximately $50 million in confirmed funding, supporting projects linked to all 17 Sustainable Development Goals.
However, the report also highlights major disparities in global scientific participation.
Although Africa accounts for 17.5% of the world’s population, the continent represents less than 10% of the endorsed initiatives. Additionally, nearly 40% of participating projects identified weak coordination—not funding—as their biggest obstacle, indicating that stronger governance and collaboration are essential for scientific progress.
UNESCO Calls for Stronger Science Governance
Speaking at the conference, UNESCO Director-General Dr. Khaled El-Enany emphasized that scientific knowledge alone is not enough to address today’s global challenges.
He said governments must now translate scientific research into effective public policies, sustainable investments, and measurable outcomes that benefit both people and the planet.
The report recommends five key reforms to strengthen global science systems and accelerate progress toward the SDGs:
- Reform research evaluation beyond the traditional “publish or perish” culture.
- Expand equitable access to scientific infrastructure and knowledge.
- Strengthen collaboration between scientists and policymakers.
- Rebuild public trust through scientific integrity, inclusion, and literacy.
- Develop responsible governance frameworks for emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and quantum science.
Progress on Open Science Remains Uneven
UNESCO also released new findings on the implementation of its Recommendation on Open Science, adopted in 2021.
The data shows that 81 countries have taken steps to implement the recommendation, with 60% of open science policies introduced during the past five years directly referencing UNESCO’s framework.
Despite this progress, implementation remains inconsistent.
While 79% of governments report having an open science policy framework, only 41% have developed implementation plans, and just one-third have established monitoring mechanisms to measure the effectiveness of these policies.
UNESCO says stronger implementation is needed to ensure scientific knowledge becomes more accessible, transparent, and beneficial for society.
UNESCO Pakistan to Promote Regional Science Cooperation
Building on the momentum of the Global Conference, UNESCO Pakistan, together with COMSATS and ECOSF, plans to launch a regional webinar series focused on Science, Ethics and Innovation.
The year-long programme will provide a platform for policymakers, researchers, academics, universities, and scientific institutions from across the region to exchange knowledge, strengthen science diplomacy, and encourage South-South cooperation.
The initiative seeks to promote ethical, inclusive, and responsible approaches to science and technology while supporting evidence-based policymaking and regional collaboration.
Eleven Webinars to Cover Emerging Scientific Fields
The webinar series will feature 11 thematic sessions covering a broad range of emerging scientific and policy issues.
Topics will include:
- Bioethics
- Open Science
- Artificial Intelligence
- Neurotechnology
- Science Policy
- STEM Education
- Quantum Science
- Women in Science
- Research Ethics
- Innovation Governance
- Sustainable Scientific Development
According to UNESCO Pakistan, the programme will showcase the organization’s global normative frameworks and flagship initiatives while encouraging dialogue on responsible scientific innovation across the region.
Supporting Sustainable Development Through Science
The regional initiative aligns with UNESCO’s broader objective of ensuring science plays a central role in addressing global challenges, including climate change, inequality, technological governance, and sustainable development.
By connecting experts, institutions, and policymakers across South Asia and neighbouring regions, the webinar series aims to strengthen scientific cooperation, improve knowledge sharing, and promote ethical innovation that contributes to the Sustainable Development Goals.
The programme is expected to run throughout the year under the framework of the International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development (2024–2033), reinforcing UNESCO’s commitment to building stronger regional partnerships and advancing science for sustainable and inclusive development.