In a complex world, the Social and Human Sciences Sector leverages the contributions of these sciences to build inclusive and sustainable economies and societies.

In a complex world confronted with major societal transitions (climate, digital, demographics, inequalities), UNESCO’s Social and Human Sciences Sector leverages the contributions that these sciences can make to build inclusive and sustainable economies and societies.

This is done through the management of social transformations and strengthening the science-policy nexus, the ethical governance of emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, neurotechnology and climate engineering, and by fostering trust in science and the safety of scientists. The Sector also addresses racism and discrimination, forges intercultural dialogue, empowers youth and women, and deploys the ethical and social impact of sports.

Our priorities

Ethics of Artificial Intelligence

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Fight against Racism & Discrimination

Fostering Inclusion, Rights and Dialogue

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Ethics of Science, Technology & Bioethics

Management of Social Transformations

Ethics of neurotechnology

Sport & Anti-doping

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New Programme on the Freedom and Safety of Scientists

Science thrives in an open and safe ecosystem that encourages the generation and free flow of ideas.

#WeNeedToTalk

Measuring intercultural dialogue to support peacefulness, conflict prevention and human rights

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The Policy Nerd Podcast Channel

Inclusive Policy Lab podcasts on data & policy solutions resetting us along a more equitable and smarter path

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The Silk Roads Programme

seeks to better understand the rich history and shared legacy of the historic Silk Roads

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Highlights

Fit for Life

UNESCO has launched a new sport-based initiative designed to activate smart investments in sport, increase grassroot participation and accelerate COVID-19 recovery.

Futures Literacy

Futures Literacy, a universally accessible skill that builds on the innate human capacity to imagine the future, offers a clear, field tested solution to poverty-of-the-imagination.

Inclusive Policy Lab

The Inclusive Policy Lab works on knowledge crowdsourcing and its translation into inequality-reducing policies. It operates through an online platform and a network of in-country projects.

General History of Africa

This series covers the history of the entire African continent, since the appearance of human beings to contemporary challenges.

Routes of Enslaved Peoples

At the international level, the project has played a major role in "breaking" the silence surrounding the history of slavery.

Recommendation on Science and Scientific Researchers

This Recommendation both codifies the goals and value systems by which science operates, and emphasizes that these need to be supported and protected if science is to flourish.