UNESCO Report Highlights Growing Global Science Inequality Challenges Today

PARIS: (News Desk) – UNESCO has opened the 2026 Global Conference of the International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development (IDSSD) by unveiling its first Global Report, highlighting significant progress in scientific collaboration while warning that major inequalities continue to limit the participation of developing countries.

The two-day conference in Paris has brought together more than 800 ministers, researchers and global leaders to review how science is contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and to discuss ways of strengthening international scientific cooperation.

According to the report, the first two years of the Science Decade have generated strong global engagement, with 397 endorsed scientific initiatives across 79 countries and more than US$50 million in confirmed funding. These projects collectively support all 17 Sustainable Development Goals and demonstrate growing international commitment to addressing climate change, inequality and the governance of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence and quantum science.

Despite this progress, UNESCO noted that serious disparities remain. Africa accounts for fewer than 10 percent of the Science Decade’s initiatives despite representing 17.5 percent of the world’s population. The report also found that 40 percent of participating initiatives consider weak coordination, rather than limited funding, as the biggest obstacle to achieving meaningful scientific impact.

Speaking at the conference, UNESCO Director-General Dr. Khaled El-Enany said the world already possesses extensive scientific knowledge, but stronger systems are needed to ensure research delivers practical benefits for people and the planet. He called on governments to convert scientific momentum into effective policies, adequate investment and measurable results with UNESCO’s continued support.

The report recommends five key reforms to accelerate progress toward the SDGs. These include moving beyond the traditional “publish or perish” research culture, expanding fair access to scientific infrastructure and knowledge, strengthening links between researchers and policymakers, rebuilding public confidence in science through integrity and inclusion, and ensuring responsible governance of rapidly advancing technologies such as artificial intelligence.

UNESCO also released new findings on the implementation of its 2021 Recommendation on Open Science. The data shows that 81 countries have taken steps to implement the framework, with 60 percent of open science policies introduced during the past five years directly referencing the recommendation. However, while 79 percent of governments have established policy frameworks, only 41 percent have developed implementation plans and just one-third have systems to monitor their effectiveness.

On the sidelines of the conference, UNESCO and the AXA Foundation for Human Progress launched “Next Generations,” a photography exhibition celebrating eleven outstanding young scientists whose work reflects the future of global scientific research and innovation.

The conference, held under the theme “Science in Action: Charting a Sustainable and Equitable Future for All,” is focusing on narrowing scientific disparities between developed and developing countries, promoting gender equality in science, advancing open science, and rebuilding public trust in scientific research.

Meanwhile, UNESCO Pakistan, in partnership with COMSATS and the ECO Science Foundation (ECOSF), announced plans to launch a year-long regional webinar series on Science, Ethics and Innovation under the International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development (2024–2033). The initiative will bring together policymakers, academics and researchers from across the region to strengthen science diplomacy, encourage South-South cooperation and promote ethical, inclusive and responsible scientific innovation. Eleven thematic webinars will cover subjects including bioethics, artificial intelligence, open science, neurotechnology, science policy, STEM education, quantum science and women in science.