Natural Sciences
Mobilizing Science Knowledge & Policy for Sustainable Development
Leveraging scientific knowledge for the benefit of the environment and the management of natural resources; Fostering policies and capacity-building in science, technology and innovation; Contributing to disaster preparedness and mitigation
Strategy and Programme
The 37th session of the UNESCO General Conference (in 2013) adopted the Medium-Term Strategy for 2014 to 2021 (Document 37 C/4) which sets out the strategic vision and programmatic framework for UNESCO’s action for this period. The two overarching priorities remain for this eight years: Africa and gender equality.
The two overarching objectives for the Organisation are:
- Peace: contributing to lasting peace; and
- Equitable and sustainable development: contributing to sustainable development and the eradication of poverty.
While there are two strategic objectives relevant for the natural sciences:
- SO 4: Strengthening science, technology and innovation systems and policies - nationally, regionally and globally;
- SO 5: Promoting international scientific cooperation on critical challenges to sustainable development.
The Programme and Budget for Natural Sciences for the quadrennium 2014-2017 (Document 37 C/5) will be implemented within the framework of the Medium Term Strategy.
Activities
Implementation of the natural sciences activities within the context of UNESCO's strategic planning and results-based management and result-based budgeting are grouped under six Main Lines of Action:
- MLA 1: Strengthening STI policies, governance and the science-policy-society interface;
- MLA 2: Building institutional capacities in science and engineering;
- MLA 3: Promoting knowledge and capacity for protecting and sustainably managing the ocean and coasts;
- MLA 4: Fostering international science collaboration for earth systems, biodiversity and disaster risk reduction;
- MLA 5: Strengthening the role of ecological sciences and biosphere reserves;
- MLA 6: Strengthening freshwater security.