Science Summit for the UN SDGs
September 10 @ 8:00 am - September 27 @ 5:00 pm
The Science Summit during the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) is a premier global event that unites thought leaders, scientists, policymakers, and innovators to address the most pressing scientific and technological challenges of our time.
The Science Summit serves as a dynamic platform for showcasing cutting-edge research, sharing knowledge, and fostering inclusive international collaboration. Participants engage in sessions, plenaries, and workshops that cover a broad spectrum of topics aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the UN Summit of the Future.
Key focus areas include climate action, One Health, biodiversity, food systems, artificial intelligence, science philanthropy, quality education, affordable and clean energy, indigenous knowledge, and more. This year, the Summit will place a special emphasis on the Africa Science Leadership Coalition, which was launched at the UN Civil Society Conference on May 9, 2024, to promote African leadership in science policy decision-making.
The Science Summit aims to bridge the gap between science and policy, ensuring that scientific insights and advancements inform the creation and implementation of effective, sustainable, and inclusive global policies. Through dynamic discussions and networking opportunities, the Summit facilitates the exchange of ideas and the development of actionable strategies to address global challenges, thereby driving progress toward achieving the SDGs. It also positions science at the heart of the Summit of the Future process, framing discussions on how science will drive the post-SDG agenda.
The 2024 Science Summit is particularly significant as it coincides with the UN Summit of the Future, focusing on envisioning and planning for the post-SDG era. As the target date for the SDGs approaches, the Science Summit plays a crucial role in evaluating progress, identifying gaps, and exploring innovative solutions to ensure sustained advancement beyond 2030.
By bringing together diverse perspectives and expertise, the Science Summit at UNGA79 not only underscores the critical role of science in sustainable development but also helps shape the future global agenda. It aspires to drive progress towards a more sustainable, inclusive, and equitable future for all, in alignment with the ongoing efforts of the UN Summit of the Future and the evolving post-SDG framework.
The Science Summit during the UN General Assembly is best understood as a process
The Future Perspective Plenary on 27 Sept will set out key recommendations and express these in terms of key development in the 2024/25 timeframe. These include: