brief n°15
Discover Policy Brief
n°15
The ‘S’ in UNESCO: key challenges for UNESCO’s science programmes and priorities
OCTOBER 2014
UNESCO is the only UN agency with a specific mandate for science. It has also been named the lead agency in the UN’s Scientific Advisory Board, which has been tasked with advising the UN on how to strengthen the interface between science and policy.
UNESCO’s scientific mandate and global reach is impressive, but with a severely constrained budget, to what extent does UNESCO have the capacity to deliver its full scientific programme and have maximum impact across each of its six Main Lines of Action (MLAs)?
UNESCO is recommended to further prioritise its current scientific programmes to focus on the areas where it can have the greatest impact and add the greatest value.
The following recommendations and related challenge questions are intended to aid UNESCO’s thinking in its next phase of prioritisation of its science programme:
→
Recommendation 1. Further prioritise scientific programmes focusing on those that work very specifically towards its fundamental objectives of peace, security and sustainability
→
Recommendation 2. Focus on support rather than delivery
→
Recommendation 3. Proactively seek opportunities for partnership working
→
Recommendation 4. Recognise the value of integration
→
Recommendation 5. Ask whether ‘legacy programmes’ correspond to 21st century priorities
→
Recommendation 6. Widen access to the benefits of research in developing countries
→
Recommendation 7. Promote technology transfer and build capacity across science and, in particular, engineering
→
Recommendation 8. Ensure quality of research and impact of results
→
Recommendation 9. Raise UNESCO’s profile in the sciences
? Browse #PolicyBriefs
Enhancing and Harmonising the Strategic Management of UNESCO’s Goodwill Ambassador Programme
AUGUST 2013
#PolicyBrief n°11
An evaluation of the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission’s role in global marine science and oceanography
FEBRUARY 2015
#PolicyBrief n°13
The UK National Commission for UNESCO’s Policy Advice
We work with world-leading experts to advise the UK and devolved governments on UNESCO-related issues and to shape UNESCO’s programmes
From analysing global education goals to practical steps to implement UNESCO’s Recommendations, our advice helps ensure UNESCO’s work is effective and UK governments can fulfil their commitments as members of UNESCO
🌝 Visit Our Policy Advice