"As the world shapes the post-2015 development agenda I count on you to help ensure that it is based on sound science and evidence throughout (…) the areas where you can make a difference", explained the UN Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon, as he outlined clear priorities to guide the contributions of the Scientific Advisory Board.
The focus areas defined by the Secretary General on 10 December 2014 include:
- Ideas on how to strengthen the high-level political forum on sustainable development, i.e. how to improve the synergy between science and decision making,
- Advice on climate change ahead the 2015 Paris Climate Conference, where the international community hopes to adopt a new climate agreement,
- Contributions to the data revolution for sustainable development,
- Advice on other scientific concerns about the future of people and the planet to be brought the attention of the UN Secretary General.
Four working groups have been set up to develop contributions and recommendations during the next meetings of the Scientific Advisory Board.
Moreover, the Secretary-General has invited SAB members to elaborate thoughts on means of implementation for the due agenda. A round table on this issue, involving several SAB members, was held at the United Nations in New York on 23 April 2015.
Contributions and recommendations
The Scientific Advisory Board has delivered the following contributions to date.
Science / Policy interface:
- Strengthening the High-Level Political Forum and the UN Global Sustainable Development Report (Policy Brief, July 2015)
Climate change and associated risks:
- Policy Brief for the UN Climate Summit (September 2014)
Data Revolution:
- Policy brief: Data Revolution for Better Lives for All (December 2015)
- Comments on the IEAG draft Report on Data Revolution (October 2014)
- Science, Technology and Innovation: Critical Means of Implementation for the SDGs (Note, July 2015)
Reflections by the Scientific Advisory Board of the UN Secretary-General
Advice on other scientific concerns:
Meeting reports
- Report of the fourth meeting
14-15 December 2015, Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation - Report of the third meeting
25-26 May 2015, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia - Report of the second meeting
10-11 December 2014, UNESCO Headquarters, Paris, France - Report of the Inaugural meeting
30-31 January 2014, Berlin, Germany