Concept Note

The world is not on track to reach the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, while sustainability sciences remain marginalized at the global, regional, and local levels. To address the world’s major challenges and realign efforts towards achieving the SDGs, the United Nations General Assembly has declared 2024 to 2033 as the International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development (IDSSD). As the lead agency, United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has initiated the development and dissemination of a clear vision and dedicated mission for the IDSSD and dedicated to promoting international cooperation through coordination with government officials and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs). 

Aligning with the programme priorities highlighted by the NGO-UNESCO Liaison Committee to increase the diversity of civil society representation and strengthening partnership with National Commissions for UNESCO, and UNESCO’s Priority Africa, it is proposed to hold an online civil society forum for the Launch of the International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development. Alongside celebrating the launch of the IDSSD, this event will focus attention on the strength of African science, scientists, and the challenges to be addressed in ensuring equality in representation for the decade. 

It will serve as an opportunity to engage various stakeholders, including Member States, other organisations and civil society, in consultations and the implementation of the Decade. Additionally, it will be a significant occasion for fundraising and exploring potential collaboration opportunities. Crucially, it will mobilise a civil society commitment at the launch point of the Decade. 

Steering Committee:

Abdel Basset Ben Hassen - Vice-President, NGO-UNESCO Liaison Committee (Forum Co-Chair)

Peggy Oti-Boateng - Executive Director, African Academy of Sciences (Forum Co-Chair)

Ramneek Ahluwalia – Higher Health (South Africa)

Sama Ghozlan – International Pharmaceutical Students’ Federation (Egypt)

Samira Yassni – L’Observatoire Marocaine des Droits des Femmes (Association Marocaine affiliee a L Alliance Internationale des Femmes) (Morocco)

Svetlomira Stoyanova – UNIMA International (Bulgaria)

Olga Legacka - Executive Secretary of the NGO-UNESCO Liaison Committee