In the context of the complexity of 21st-century problems, there is an increasing need for science advice to inform the decisions of policymakers. The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), with its 193 Member States, is one of the most representative forums for multilateral negotiations covering the entirety of global issues. Recently, through the Pact for the Future, world leaders agreed to “Increase the use of science, scientific knowledge and scientific evidence in policymaking” and to increase efforts to “revitalize the work of the General Assembly.” Yet, an institutionalised approach to integrating evidence into UNGA deliberations is currently lacking. Instead, science is included through a mix of informal pathways, ad-hoc formats, and a small number of mandated formal channels for specific areas, such as the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development.
The International Science Council supports the strengthening of science advice mechanisms within the UN. The ISC serves as co-chair of the UN Scientific and Technological Community Major Group; serves as joint secretariat with UNESCO to the Group of Friends on Science for Action, a coalition of UN Member States aiming to ensure that the UN and Member States have access to actionable knowledge for the purposes of evidence-based decision making; and serves as a member of the network of scientific organizations affiliated with the UN Secretary-General’s Scientific Advisory Board, in addition to a variety of partnerships and ad-hoc collaborations with UN entities and Member States.
In 2024, a group of researchers at University College London’s Department of Science, Technology, Engineering and Public Policy collaborated with the ISC to analyse the needs of the UNGA for scientific advice, review past and current science advice mechanisms, and discuss potential strategies for establishing a robust, institutionalised science advice framework at the UNGA.
In this webinar, the results of the research project will be briefly presented, highlighting issues of current science advice channels and potential alternative arrangements. A panel of global science advice experts will discuss the following questions:
| 3:00pm UTC / 11:00am New York | Welcome – Dr. Salvatore Aricò |
| 3:05pm UTC / 11:05am New York | Foreword: UCL STEaPP’s activities on Science Advice in Multilateral Settings – Dr. Arthur Petersen |
| 3:10pm UTC / 11:10am New York | Presentation of Report: “Strengthening Science Advice in the UN General Assembly” – STEaPP Researchers |
| 3:20pm UTC / 11:20am New York | High-level Remarks: Strengthening Science Advice in the UN General Assembly – Ambassador Mathu Joyini, Johannes Cullmann |
| 3:25pm UTC / 11:25am New York | Panel Discussion – Mobolaji Oladoyin Odubanjo, Jessica Espey, Johannes Cullmann |
| 3:50pm UTC / 11:50am New York | Q&A |
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UN Photo/Manuel Elias
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